Buy a house with photovoltaic panels on the roof

Should you buy a home with rooftop solar?

When buying a house with rooftop solar panels, systems that were paid for outright and owned by the current homeowner are the easiest to deal with and the most cost-effective. Here is what to know in each scenario for buying a house with existing solar panels.

Should you buy a roof with solar panels?

When buying a house with solar panels, the condition of the roof becomes a critical factor. If the roof is in bad shape, the panels have to be taken off before repairs or replacement, and then reinstalled.

Are there homes with solar panels available?

77 percent of Realtors indicate that there are homes with solar panels available in their local markets". Currently, solar energy produces over 4 percent of all electricity in the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Is buying a home with solar panels the right move?

Currently, solar power accounts for just 3.9 percent of total U.S. electricity generation, but that number is rapidly growing. So is buying a home with solar panels the right move for you? Well, that depends on some key factors.

What happens if a roof has solar panels?

When buying a house with a roof that has solar panels, the panels have to be taken off before the roof can be repaired or replaced, and then reinstalled. This can add to the complexity, cost and length of any re-do.

How much does a roof with solar panels cost?

If a roof with solar panels needs to be replaced, both the panels and the mounting hardware must be uninstalled and reinstalled. This work is often done by the solar panel installer, but sometimes the roofing company can take care of it. The re-installation can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000, on top of the roofing costs.