Buying a house with solar: what should I check?

Solar can be a big plus on a home, but check a few things before you close. Your real estate agent and title company can help with each step.

Step 1: Find out who owns the system

• Owned outright: The best case. The system is part of the house and conveys with it, with no monthly payment.
• Financed with a solar loan: Ask whether the seller will pay off the loan at closing (most common) or wants you to take it over. Taking over a loan requires approval from the lender.
• Lease or power purchase agreement: You would take over the seller's contract. Review the monthly cost, any yearly increases, and the remaining term before you agree.

Ask the title company to check for a lien or UCC-1 filing tied to the solar equipment.

Step 2: Ask for real numbers

• 12 months of electric bills.
• Production history from the monitoring app (SolarEdge or Enphase).
• The system size, install date, and who installed it.

Step 3: Inspect the system and the roof

• Ask your home inspector to look at the panels, wiring, and the roof under them.
• Ask how old the roof is. If it will need replacing soon, the panels will need to be removed and reinstalled (see KM-214).
• Check the inverter or gateway lights (see KM-311).

Step 4: Get the paperwork

• Equipment and workmanship warranties, and whether they transfer to you (see KM-211).
• The original install contract, permits, and utility approval to operate.
• Your agent can include the Texas solar addendum in your contract.

Step 5: After you move in

• Have the monitoring app account moved into your name and connected to your Wi-Fi.
• Add the system to your homeowners insurance (see KM-114).
• Set up your electric service. In areas where you choose a provider, pick a plan that credits extra solar power (see KM-614).

Bought a home with a system we installed? Call or text us at 806-454-7873 and we'll update our records and help you get set up.