Arizona's sunny skies aren't just for enjoying while in the pool, they also provide solar energy so it is no wonder some home owners have chosen to add solar panels here in greater the Phoenix area. Solar panels do require some additional information, but there is no need for buyers to avoid them. I have compiled a list of questions you may want to ask as part of your due dilligence in purchasing a home with solar panels. 

Here are 12 questions to consider when you are looking at homes with solar panels. 

1. Are the solar panels owned or leased?

2. If leased, how long is the lease for and how much is the payment? 

3. How does the buyer transfer solar to their name?

4. What does maintenance/upkeep look like and cost? Does anything need replaced frequently? 

5. Who did the installation of the solar panels and is there any form of warranty to the roof for this work?

6. When were they last serviced or cleaned?

7. What is the output compared to typical usage?

8. What does your typical electric bill look like?

9. Does the power company allow you to bank generated power?

10. What are the city/state/local laws etc for solar? Are there any that the property is grandfathered in to?

11. Is there a warranty on the solar panels? 

12. What is the expected lifetime of solar panels?

Additionally, you may want to request the following documents: 

Utility bills for the last few summers (preference for pre and post solar).

If leased, a copy of the lease contract.

A few other helpful tips for the purchase process:

*If leased, the buyer will need to qualify for for the mortgage including the lease payments and also apply with the solar company.

*Some companies take weeks to change name on lease so make sure it is requested early during escrow.

Approximately 9 months out of the year the weather in the Pheonix area is absolutely GORGEOUS!

However, weeks like this past one many of us start reminding ourselves, "you don't have to shovel sunshine" and "it is a dry heat".

As a Phoenix area native, here are some of my tips on how to survive and even enjoy summer in Phoenix!

Make a list of fun indoor activities to enjoy during summer:

Hanging out inside can make many of us absolutely stir crazy. However, a little shift in mindset can make this part of summer more enjoyable. I have learned from my friends who grew up in the midwest that they often have indoor hobbies for winter that they look forward to. Our seasons are a bit reversed from theirs, but the same mindset can definitely help you to enjoy your summer more. For example, I am very involved in local events and the gorgeous months can get overwhelming with back to back events. I now look forward to the slower pace of summer to prep for events and organize myself for when things ramp up again. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

-Read a book

-Write a novel

-learn something new on youtube

-make ice cream in a ziploc bag

-invite friends over to play cards or board games

Come on in the water is fine:

There are plenty of options for heading outdoors. You just need to find water. Make sure to have sun protection and drink plenty of water during these activities! 

-Swimming, pool parties, or just lounging in the pool can be a great way to enjoy the warm summer months. Don't have a pool? Find friends who do. Many homes in Phoenix have pools so chances are good this won't be hard to do. Also consider the many public pools. 

-Water parks and splash pads! Sunsplash and Big Surf are both fun ways to spend a day! There are also a variety of splash pads around town for the little ones. 

-Head to the lake. Phoenix has several lakes within easy driving distance to spend a day out at the lake.

-Tube the Salt River. The Salt is not far from East Mesa and an easy drive for most Phoenicians. Make sure you have a designated driver if you are drinking (or if like me the sun makes you super sleepy). 

Extra preparation for your outings:

Heading out to get groceries or any basic errand will be more enjoyable in the summer if you do a little extra prep. 

-Park in a shaded area or garage if you can.

-Use a screen to cover your front wind shield. These really do help.

-Consider gloves or hot pads for your steering wheel. You may think I am joking. In all seriousness, this will save your hands.

-If you have little ones, a towel over their car seat to protect them from burning hot metal and a frozen jug of water left in the seat can make coming back out from shopping far more enjoyable. Their seat is not as hot and you typically have cool water to drink after the frozen jug melts.

Have a back up plan for AC emergencies:

Ugg...I hate to even mention this, but nothing is worse than having your AC go out in the peak of the summer or losing power and not being able to turn your AC unit on. To help prevent this, one of the best things you can do is have your AC unit serviced before summer starts. I also encourage you to think of a backup plan in the event something happens and you lose power or your AC Unit does break. Where can you go near by that has AC to hang out? Perhaps a coffee shop with wifi or the library. Do you have pets or children? Think about where they can go as well. Do you have friends or family you can stay with or savings for a pet friendly hotel for a night or two if needed? 

Get away for a weekend:

Phoenix is conveniently located only a few hours from many fun towns with cooler temps. Flagstaff, Prescott, Greer, or even Grand Canyon National Park are all within a few hours and much cooler than Phoenix. This is a fabulous time to explore northern Arizona. Get out and see all this beautiful state has to offer! Leaving the state is also an option in your explorations. San Diego, CA is a popular getaway and at 6 hour drive it is completely doable. 

And finally (but probably most importantly) never ever leave kids or animals in cars  and watch your kids around water! 

Have other tips to make summer more enjoyable? Let me know and I will gladly update my list.