Solar panels are a smart investment in Arizona—but when it’s time to sell, they can raise questions for buyers and slow down the process if not handled correctly. Whether your system is owned or leased, here’s what Phoenix home sellers should know.
Leased vs. Owned Panels – Why It Matters
- Owned solar panels are typically seen as an asset and can increase home value. Buyers like knowing they’ll get solar benefits of saving money on electric bills without additional monthly costs.
- Leased solar panels require special handling. Buyers must either assume the lease or the seller must pay off the remaining balance at closing.
If your system is leased, be prepared to share the lease agreement, payment history, monthly amortization schedule, and contact info for the solar company early in the process.
Key Solar Disclosures for Sellers
What to Ask Your Solar Provider:
- To make your listing go smoothly, ask your solar provider:
- Can you provide a copy of the original lease or purchase agreement?
- What is the current payoff amount (if leased or financed)?
- Can I get a monthly amortization schedule of remaining lease payments?
- What is the transfer process for the lease or warranty?
- Is there a fee to change ownership or assign the system to the buyer?
- Can I receive a copy of the system’s production report or energy savings summary?
- What is the inverter’s age and warranty status?
- Is there a recommended vendor for cleaning or pre-sale inspection?
To avoid surprises and escrow delays, gather and provide the following:
- Copy of solar lease or purchase agreement
- Monthly amortization schedule showing all payments remaining on the lease (if leased)
- Monthly lease payment amount (if applicable)
- Electric bills with solar credit details (6–12 months recommended)
- System warranty information (panels and inverter)
- Maintenance or service history for the solar system
- Installer contact information and documentation
- Roof details — age, condition, and how solar panels are mounted
- Utility connection or interconnection fees, and any documentation for transfer with APS or SRP
Tip: Providing this documentation upfront helps build buyer trust and confidence.
Provide this packet early to avoid delays.
What Buyers Will Ask
Buyers evaluating a solar home want clear answers to:
- How much will I save with solar?
- Is the system paid off or leased?
- Who installed the system and is it under warranty?
- What is the age of the inverter?
- What is the roof condition under the panels?
Be proactive—anticipating these questions makes your home more marketable.
Common Buyer Frustrations (And How Sellers Can Avoid Them)
- Confusing leases or vague documents
- Lack of utility savings data
- Old or unclear roof conditions
- System not working properly or visibly neglected
- Buyers having to chase down information
Solution: Put everything in a tidy “solar info packet” and ensure it’s ready before the home goes active in the MLS. Buyer’s agents may request it even before scheduling a showing, so having it available from day one increases professionalism and reduces delays.
Should You Pay Off the Lease at Closing?
Yes—if possible. Paying off the lease:
- Simplifies the sale
- Avoids credit checks or lease transfers
- Broadens your buyer pool
If you can’t pay it off, make sure the lease is assumable and start the transfer process early.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Solar-Smart Sale
- Ensure the system is clean and functioning
- Schedule a professional solar panel cleaning if needed. In Phoenix, panels can accumulate dust and debris, especially during monsoon season. Clean panels perform better and show buyers that the system is well-maintained.
- Consider having a solar company perform a system inspection ahead of time, just like a seller might do with a pre-listing home inspection. This reassures buyers and helps you catch any issues before going on the market.
- Label or explain the inverter location and controls
- Clarify system ownership and include all solar-related paperwork in the listing file
- Highlight any available utility savings or estimated production reports
- Consider a roof inspection before listing
Additional Ways to Position Your Solar Home for Sale
- Include solar in your marketing headline and photo captions: Use phrases like “low utility bills,” “owned solar,” or “energy-efficient living.”
- Upload the solar info packet to the MLS as an attached document so buyer agents can easily access it.
- Highlight monthly savings or include a quick snapshot in flyers or social posts (e.g., “$120/mo average savings!”).
- Create a one-sheet summary with system ownership, average pre/post solar utility costs, lease terms (if applicable), and system details.
- Request a solar production report and provide it as a handout or PDF.
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Prep answers for appraisers, especially if the system is owned: include installation date, cost, and status (e.g., “System installed in 2019, cost $19,800, fully paid off”).
Environmental Benefits
Some buyers are motivated by more than just savings. Solar panels offer clear environmental benefits:
- Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source
- Reduces your carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels
- Signals that your home is eco-conscious, which can be a strong emotional selling point
Final Thoughts for Solar Sellers
Solar can be a strong selling point in Phoenix—if it’s presented clearly. Whether owned or leased, transparency and preparation are key. Partner with a real estate agent who understands solar transactions to avoid delays and maximize value.
Need help selling your solar-equipped home?
Contact the Shirley Coomer Group at Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living for expert guidance.
📞 Call or Text: 602-770-0643 📧 Email: scoomer@kw.com
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