Realtor reveals what homebuyers should know before purchasing a home with solar panels: 'Great information'

Buying a house is an exciting but stressful moment in many people’s lives. Buying one with a solar lease attached can make things a little more complicated.

Thankfully, a California realtor has advice on how to make sure you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse.

The scoop

In a TikTok video, Patricia Holter (@realtorpatricia_01) explained that if you are buying a home with an existing solar lease, taking on that lease could be part of the purchase agreement.

If that’s the case, Holter stresses doing your due diligence to make sure the terms are something you’re comfortable with and to immediately let your loan officer know about the lease.

“Make sure it’s not going to mess up your qualifications,” Holter says. “Because if you’re shopping around at the max of your preapproval letter, you might not qualify for this house with also having to take on that solar lease.”

Rooftop solar panels are one of the best ways to lower your energy bills while reducing your reliance on fossil fuels that emit loads of air pollution. But solar options can feel overwhelming, which is why The Cool Down launched its Solar Explorer, a one-stop hub to connect you with partners who can make the process easier while also saving you money.

Palmetto’s LightReach, for example, is a leasing program that can get you solar panels with no money down. Another partner, EnergySage, can help you save thousands on buying solar panels by providing curated bids from local, vetted installers.

How it’s helping

Holter’s advice is particularly salient in California, where solar panels are required on most new construction homes.

If those panels are leased, Holter says buyers should ask to see the lease agreement and to know information like how many years the lease will last.

“Make sure to really dive into the documents of the solar agreement to make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with,” she says. Leasing has become a more popular option in recent years for those who want to experience the benefits of solar energy without the upfront cost of buying solar panels.

What everyone’s saying

Commenters thanked Holter for her video, saying it was especially useful given the prevalence of solar panels on many homes.

“Great information!” one commenter wrote. “It’s becoming so common.”

Solar panels are even better when paired with other electric appliances, like a heat pump, to bring utility costs down further. TCD’s HVAC Explorer can help you find the right heat pump (or another energy-efficient heating and cooling system) for your home and budget.

If you really want to save money, check out the free Palmetto Home app, which can unlock thousands of dollars in savings (up to $5,000) via simple actions in your everyday life.

Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.