Thumbnail Slider

How Solar Panels Can Kill A Sale

Solar Panels Can be a Deal Killer

Studies have suggested that the addition of solar panels on a home can boost a home's value. But sometimes those solar panels can sabotage a deal when it comes time to sell.

More companies are offering home owners a contract to lease solar panels where they pay no upfront costs for the installation and could start saving on their electricity bills right away. But home owners who sign onto these deals are finding some snags when they go to sell.

Potential buyers are leery of taking on the leasing payment contracts for the next 15 to 17 years because they often have to qualify on credit from the solar companies themselves. Also, some buyers are hesitant to sign a contract because they're concerned the solar equipment will become obsolete or won't amount in a big savings in the end after paying the leasing fee.

Some home buyers are refusing to buy the house unless the seller buys out of the remaining lease payment stream -- which could be $15,000 or more.

Source: "Leased Solar Panels Can Complicate – or Kill – a Home Sale," The Los Angeles Times