1,257,295
This may all be more than you want to know - but - definitely get a solar inspection. Solar companies and electric companies offer inspections. It's always a good idea to have a 3rd party inspect them. If they collect bird debris or leaves, etc, those should be cleared away as that reduces their effectiveness. How often do we go up on a roof?
If there are issues with the leased panels, then at least a seller can fall back on their lessor company as they'll most likely be under a warranty. If they are owned, review the warranty if there are any issues.
You'll want to confirm how old the inverter is as well. Inverters last between 7 - 10 years. Always educate home owners on those as they think they last as long as the panels do.
Depending on the age of the panels, most degrade about 1/2 - 1% a year. Make sure to read all of the fine print for escalating lease payments if panels are leased. And of course review the warranty.
Know that leased panels have no value and they are under warranty for typically 20 - 25 years. Since a home seller doesn't own the panels they can't just replace them.
Solar panels are now more efficient, lighter weight and cost less so it's a win win for a homeowner to own them, not always to lease them. Buyers don't want to inherit a lease that feels like someone else's credit card payment, but it depends on the lease payment and power reduction.
I've had an owned system repaired for a home seller before. Here in Scottsdale, and other parts of Phoenix, we have "roof rats." These nasty critters eat citrus and like to live in our attics. They are famous for chewing through "things. " In my case they chewed through the wiring and disabled an entire solar array on a roof. Cost to repair was about $200, well worth it to bring the system back online and my seller was thrilled!
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Gloria Todor
Springfield, PA
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
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Olga Simoncelli
New Fairfield, CT
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Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
Candice A. Donofrio
Fort Mohave, AZ
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David Popoff
Darien, CT
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Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
-
Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
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Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
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Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
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Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
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Joseph Domino 480-390-...
Scottsdale, AZ
511,314
Yes, I have. It wasn't easy finding an inspector that I trusted. Fortunately I was able to find one that was both thorough and affordable. It was well worth it. Most solar systems are leased so the company is responsible. But if it is owned, the owner is responsible. You don't want to buy a defective system.
Solar isn't really complicated, but there are more solar sales people than repair people.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
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Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
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Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
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Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
Jan Green - Scottsdale...
Scottsdale, AZ
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Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
Carlsbad, CA
3,350,764
I have not represented a buyer that purchased a home with solar ... wrote many offers that were not accepted.
Would I recommend an inspection? It would depend on many things. I would review the age, warranty information, etc. and determine if a warranty, if any, would pass to the new owner. There are many moving parts here
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
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Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
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Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
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Jan Green - Scottsdale...
Scottsdale, AZ
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Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
1,326,624
I have been through a couple of purchases and listings of properties by clients wherein the properties had solar. In all cases, the system was not owned but leased...therefore maintenance was the responsibility of the lease vendor/lessor.
If the system was owned by the homeowner, I would find an inspector to give it a review.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
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Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
Jan Green - Scottsdale...
Scottsdale, AZ
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Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
2,190,182
Jan Green is the one I would turn to with solar questions or anything dealing with "green" issues.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
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Margaret Rome Baltimor...
Pikesville, MD
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Jan Green - Scottsdale...
Scottsdale, AZ
129,698
Here in Salt Lake City Utah Rocky Mountain Power is trying to take all the incentives away like being able to store power and a reduction in rates. They also charge a monthly fee for those that have solar.... so sad since this is a great way of the future
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Olga Simoncelli
New Fairfield, CT
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Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Jan Green - Scottsdale...
Scottsdale, AZ
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Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
420,003
I have off grid solar and am very familiar with maintenance and installation. I have a gentleman who is excellent. If the system is more than 10 years old assume it needs lots of repairs and replacement. The roof may also need an inspection as with solar people walk on the roof to inspect and maintain. If the system is leased and old, get it replaced it may have no value, may even be a liability. Solar has advanced to lighter weight, better smaller batteries and many upgraded features now that millions are on houses. How much sun exposure and location in terms of climate of your city also is part of decision making. In South West US solar is great, we get many days of sun. In areas where there is snow, hurricaines... solar may not be the best rooftop choice
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
David Popoff
Darien, CT
-
Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
1,202,697
Hmmm...hadn't even thought of that. Solar not so prevalent out this way
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
1,847,901
I think it's a good idea but have never sold a system on a home yet. Problems I know with whether they own it or lease it.
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Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
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Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
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Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
3,864,791
Look no farther. Jan Green has the answer, and that answer would make a perfect blog post. Look forward to your presentation at next Tuesday's Zoom.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
766,969
I first recommend that our clients buy a home without Solar due to the fact that technology changes so rapidly. Next I'll recommend that they find out whether the System is owned or leased. Then it is urgent to find out the terms, size, age and cost of maintenance and terms of the contract. Last would be to have the system inspected.
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Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
Jan Green - Scottsdale...
Scottsdale, AZ
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
5,258,976
I was going to tag Jan Green but, see that she caught that hot term, "solar!"
Can't wait for her presentation on our Tuesday call!
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Margaret Rome Baltimor...
Pikesville, MD
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
808,779
I would if the home inspector didn't have experience with solar systems. I haven't sold a home with a solar system.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
5,773,367
Jeff,
I am not aware of any one doing so. Thank you for asking this interesting question? A
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
1,507,073
I'm not aware of any inspectors for this.
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Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
2,073,620
I've never been involved with solar at all... wouldn't know where to begin.
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Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Ray Henson
Elk Grove, CA
-
Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
4,484,943
Jeff I keep telling anyone who is willing to listen stay away from Solar... Lenders, Title Co all hate it talk to them.... try to find an inspector on top....not easy, Ensre
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Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
4,725,116
I have had a buyer do so and it was expensive but they wanted to make sure the solar system was in good shape. The inspection located a couple of issues that the seller had corrected.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
5,117,178
I've never sold a home with solar panels... but if I did, I'd certainly recommend an inspection.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
5,879,816
Have listed and sold a few homes with solar panels, and have never had an inspection on them. Sounds like a good idea, so reading other comments.
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Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
632,408
Solar is not big here. I have never even shown a home with solar
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
923,083
Yes, I treat a solar system just like a pool, it is up to the client if they want it and do get it inspected.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
853,912
Most sales w/ solar that I've been involved with are leased and oh the paperwork....! Jan Green gave us all an awesome answer.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
5,246,557
Other than solar for heating a pool, I have no experience. And, never had a solar inspection.
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
2,246,395
Had a home recently rigged to the nines with solar and owner made the buyer a Jedi on harnessing the sun. Manuals, talk throughs, thorough A-Z and everyone happy. In small rural areas no Maytag repair man. It's less experts in the yellow pages to do the walking and talking. More hands on, DIY with a larger skill set happens.
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
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Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
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Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
1,209,456
No experience here. But interested.
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
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Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
3,416,038
There are some variations of leased to owned panels. For those owned panels, it is a must. From battery life to installation to pests chewing through them. It is worth the inspection
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA
1,057,664
I own the entire solar system, it works fine!
and what Jan said.
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
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John Juarez
Fremont, CA