12 Questions to ask BEFORE Buying a House with Solar Panels

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.