06/05/2026
I'm showing a home today with a substantial solar panel system, and it got me thinking about how many buyers don't know what questions to ask when considering a home with solar.
Solar can be a great feature, but before writing an offer, make sure you understand exactly what you're getting.
A few of the biggest questions I recommend asking:
☀️ Are the panels owned, financed, or leased?
🏠 How old is the roof underneath them?
📄 Are the roof and solar warranties transferable?
⚡ What have the actual utility savings been?
🔧 What future maintenance or replacement costs could be expected?
The home I'm showing today is over 3,300 square feet above grade with nearly 4,700 finished square feet including the walkout basement. In May alone, the solar system produced approximately 1,800 kWh of electricity while the home used about 1,100 kWh, generating enough excess power to send over 700 kWh back to the grid. The electric bill for that period was only $2.10.
Many buyers see lower electric bills and stop there, but it's important to understand the full picture. A little due diligence today can help avoid expensive surprises down the road.
Have you ever owned a home with solar panels? What was your experience?