Tips for Buying a Home with a Solar System Already Installed

Solar adds value to your home. It’s a fact we like to highlight for our current and potential customers. But what does this mean for people who are in the market for a new home? Buying a home with solar panels already included can be a smart investment. But you have to know what to look for. Here are good questions to ask when looking at a property.

Who installed the solar system?

This is an important thing to ask for multiple reasons. First, you’ll want to know what features your system comes with and the life expectancy of your equipment. At A.M. Sun Solar, we work with manufacturers to select the most efficient and durable equipment possible, including panels, batteries, hardware, and more. 

You’ll also want to know who to contact if you have any questions or require maintenance or other services. A.M. Sun Solar’s Workmanship Warranty provides coverage against damage or maintenance issues that arise from our solar installations for up to 12 years (or 25 years with an upgrade).

Is the solar system leased or owned?

This is an important thing to ask for multiple reasons. First, you’ll want to know what features your system comes with and the life expectancy of your equipment.

If the solar system is leased, the seller will need to transfer the lease to you upon purchase of the home. Or you will need to buy the solar system from the company that installed it. The benefit of keeping the system is the near elimination of your utility bill. If the seller bought their system with a loan, they are responsible for paying off that loan. That’s part of why homes with solar already installed cost more than traditional residences. Either way, it’s smart to get documentation for the system to provide to your mortgage lender when closing the deal.

A.M. Sun Solar provides financing options to meet every client’s needs and financial goals. Check out our blog to learn more about the differences between buying and leasing.

How much energy do solar panels produce?

This will allow you to make sure the system will meet your energy needs. Every homeowner is different, including family size, appliance usage, or whether you own an electric vehicle. (As a reference, the average solar system generates about 320 to 400 watts of power in sunny weather). You’ll want to compare the system’s abilities with your energy usage to ensure it balances out. 

Of course, finding the right home with solar already installed can be a challenge—especially in today’s real estate market. The good news is you can always install your own system with A.M. Sun Solar once you move in.

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This will allow you to make sure the system will meet your energy needs. Every homeowner is different, including family size, appliance usage, or whether you own an electric vehicle. (As a reference, the average solar system generates about 320 to 400 watts of power in sunny weather). You’ll want to Count on us for useful information about our state’s solar regulations, as well as tips for maintenance, financing, and more. For almost 20 years, we’ve been committed to creating custom solar solutions for our community.


More about A.M. Sun Solar

A.M. Sun Solar is the local leader in custom solar solutions and installations on the Central Coast. For over 15 years, A.M. Sun Solar has provided high quality, cost efficient solar energy to residences and small businesses in San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. With a wide variety of financing solutions available, affordable pricing, custom solutions and complete installations from permit to interconnection, A.M. Sun Solar is the go to local solar company on the Central Coast.