Looking to buy or sell a home with solar? Sandbox Solar, your local solar contractor in Fort Collins, can help you determine the value of the solar power system and how it affects the value of the home. We are frequently asked to help buyers and sellers determine the benefits of a solar system and how it will affect the transaction. We can help you value the system and understand what you’ll be getting into as a homeowner in the long run.
What You Need to Know About the System, According to A Solar Contractor in Fort Collins
The first thing home buyers need to know about a solar system is who installed it. Then you can figure out whether it is owned by the homeowner, or loaned or leased by that company. If the solar system is owned or loaned, then it will be a simple transaction. The best part about the panels being owned is that the price of the panels is usually built into the cost of the home, so you won’t have to worry about any additional costs.
However, if the system was leased, you will have to work with the company that installed it to transfer the lease to you.
The second thing you want to do is find out what the warranty is. It’s important to know what’s included in the warranty and for how many years you are covered.
Other things you should know about the solar system include:
- How much it costs per month if it is leased/loaned
- What the utility savings are
- The power output of the system
- Details about the system design with the original solar installer (ask for a copy)
Is There System Monitoring?
It’s important to find out whether the panels have system monitoring. If there is system monitoring available, you will need to transfer the ownership of the monitoring to yourself. System monitoring is also helpful in making the buying decision because it can show you how well the system is working and whether anything needs to be updated.
Do You Need an Inspection?
Yes! You should absolutely get the solar panels inspected before making a decision. At Sandbox Solar, we offer inspections of solar systems even if we didn’t personally install them. During an inspection, we can check for any damage or unsafe wiring and assess the condition of the roof, etc., then give you a full value report of the system.
If you’re house hunting or planning to sell, we wish you luck! As your local solar contractor in Fort Collins, we can make the process easier by helping you value the solar system on the home. We will help you figure out who installed the panels, look at the system monitoring, and provide an inspection to make sure the system is in tip-top shape. We’re here to guide you in getting the most out of your investment. Send us an email or call us today to set up an inspection!