Buying a home in the Coachella Valley with a solar system on the roof is a great investment, but understanding exactly how the solar system affects the overall value of your new home is important. Luckily, our Palm Desert solar installation experts at Renova Energy have you covered.

Leases

Leasing a solar system is the best option for many homeowners, especially since the fixed rate you pay each month generally falls well below the normal cost of electricity without solar. However, it is critical that you remain aware of leases that include escalators.

What is an Escalator in a Solar Lease?

Escalators spell out the rate at which the payment on your lease will increase over time. For this reason, it is important that you review the lease agreement for the solar panel system before purchasing the home, or else you may find yourself on the hook for rising rates.

Homes with leased solar panel systems from Renova Energy are generally safe from these sneaky escalator fees. To learn more about escalators, check out our blog: What is An Escalator in a Solar Lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

Loans

Unlike a lease, if the previous homeowner installed the solar system via a loan, the loan will always be their responsibility, even if the property is sold to a new owner. This means if you’re considering buying a home with solar panels financed through a loan, you don’t need to worry about the potential financial impacts after you’ve purchased the home. However, it is important to note that this could result in a higher asking price for the home due to the added value of the solar system.

Purchased Systems

If the previous homeowner purchased their solar system outright, you’re in the best situation possible. Because the previous owner purchased the solar panels upfront, the system is entirely owned by the property owner. What will likely happen is similar to purchasing a home with a solar loan—you’ll pay a little more for the home.

Still, have more questions about buying a home with solar? Contact our certified energy consultants at Renova Energy today! Our Palm Desert solar experts are here to help!