Does Solar Add Value?

The question every homeowner wants know…”Can solar add value to my home?”.  The good news is, the answer is often, Yes!  In order to realize the value of solar when selling or refinancing, you need to be aware of two factors: leased vs owned, and utilizing green-competent real estate professionals. 

While owned solar panels are an asset and increase home value, leased solar panels do not add value, and are often a burden at time of sale.  Luckily, leased solar panels on homes are not common in Georgia.  If you have owned solar panels, you will also need to utilize green-competent real estate agents, appraisers, and possibly lenders, to obtain value from your solar array. 

A green-competent real estate agent will not only understand the value of your solar array, they have been trained and educated to effectively market and position homes with solar.  Likewise, green-competent appraisers have completed training courses to understand and calculate the value of solar arrays and will substantiate the corresponding value for your system.  A green-competent appraiser has to be requested.  If selling or buying a home with solar, your green-competent real estate agent should ensure a green-competent appraiser is required for the transaction.  If refinancing, you will have to advocate for yourself, to your lender to utilize a green-competent appraiser.  If the lender refuses, choose another lender.