Should You Get Solar Before or After Selling Your Home?

You are thinking about selling. You are also thinking about solar. Which comes first?

The answer depends on your timeline and your market.

Selling with existing solar

If you already have panels, homes with solar sell 20% faster on average. Buyers see lower electricity costs from day one. The system is an asset, not a question mark.

But there is a catch. If you financed the solar with a loan, the buyer needs to take over that loan. Not all buyers want that. You may need to pay off the solar loan before closing.

Selling before installing

If you install solar with the intent to sell within two years, you will not recoup the investment. The average payback period for residential solar is 7 to 10 years.

But here is the thing. If you know your home is coming on the market soon, you can use a solar roof analysis to show buyers that the roof qualifies. That is a selling point in itself.

Using SolrScan as a listing tool

Real estate agents can use SolrScan to show potential buyers whether a roof qualifies for solar before they make an offer. A $19 report tells them:

• Is the roof shaded?
• How old is the roof?
• What is the optimal panel layout?

This information makes listings more competitive. Buyers who want solar can see the potential upfront.

The best strategy

If you plan to stay in the home for 5+ years, install solar now. The tax credit and energy savings will pay off.

If you plan to sell within 2 years, skip the installation but get a solar roof analysis. Include it in your listing materials. Show buyers the solar potential.

Get a solar roof analysis for your listing at solrscan.com

Bottom line

Solar is a long-term investment. If you are selling soon, the roof analysis is your best tool. If you are staying, install and save.