The number of solar-powered homes in the United States has increased by more than 1,000 percent from 2006 to 2013, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). By 2020, experts predict that roughly 4 million U.S. homes will be partially or fully powered by solar energy. Homeowners who are thinking about selling their solar-powered home, however, may encounter a few challenges due to the presence of solar panels on their property.
#1) Required Maintenance
Some people are reluctant to buy a solar-powered home because of the additional maintenance it requires. They assume that solar panels must be regularly serviced to continue generating electricity for the home. But sellers can overcome this objection by explaining to prospective buyers that the only maintenance a solar panel system requires is the occasional cleaning using water.
#2) Conveying the Benefits
Unless a prospective buyer has owned and used a solar power system before, he or she probably won’t know the benefits it offers. Therefore, sellers should educate prospective buyers about solar power systems and how they can improve their life. A seller can explain, for example, that a solar power system will reduce their dependence on utility-supplied power, allowing them to save money on electricity. Solar power is also clean and renewable, so it doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions or other forms of environmental air pollution.
#3) Leased Solar Power System
Not all homeowners purchase their solar power system. Some lease their system from a solar power company, which can add another challenge when selling a solar-powered home. When a solar power system is leased, the homeowner pays a solar company to use it for a fixed length of time, such as 10 to 20 years. If the homeowner sells his or her home, the buyer may be required to take over the monthly lease payments. The good news is that the cost of leasing a solar power system is typically much lower than the value of the electricity it will generate.
#4) Dealing With Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents may be reluctant to work with a seller if his or her home has a solar power system. This usually occurs when a real estate agent has little or no knowledge of solar power systems. Since they don’t know how it works, they can’t effectively market the home to prospective buyers.
Selling a solar-powered home requires a little more legwork. By educating prospective buyers and real estate agents about solar power, however, sellers can secure a deal more quickly.
