Buying a Home With Solar Checker
Existing rooftop solar can be an asset or an escrow roadblock. Answer three quick questions to see what to gather and what we inspect before you close.
Your Result
Rules and contracts vary. Always read your own agreement and confirm with the solar company and your utility.
Buying a Home With Solar — Full Guide
Ownership
Owned system: Get the purchase paperwork, the permit final, the permission to operate letter from the utility, and any warranty documents. Then confirm which warranties transfer to you as the new owner and which stay with the original installer or manufacturer.
Leased or PPA system: The lease or PPA usually must be transferred and approved before closing. Get the full agreement early, check the monthly payment and the remaining term, and ask whether a buyout is an option if you would rather own the system.
Not sure who owns them: Ask your agent to request the solar documents right away. Until you know whether the system is owned or leased, you cannot tell which documents to review or whether a transfer or buyout applies.
System age
- Under 5 years: For a system under 5 years old, we check that the panels, racking, and roof penetrations still look as installed and that no damage has appeared.
- 5 to 15 years: For a 5 to 15 year old system, we look for panel degradation, loose racking or flashing, inverter age, and signs of roof wear under the array.
- Over 15 years: For a system over 15 years old, expect more wear. We inspect panel condition, inverter replacement likelihood, roof remaining life under the array, and racking integrity.
- Not sure: When the age is unknown, we inspect the visible condition and help estimate age from the equipment, mounting, and wear.
Battery storage
- Yes: If the home has a battery, we confirm it is present, labeled, and accessible, and note its visible condition and how it ties into the electrical system.
- No: With no battery, the system is grid-tied only. We note the inverter type and whether the electrical panel has room for a battery later.
- Not sure: If you are not sure whether there is a battery, we identify what is on site, including any storage or backup equipment, and how it connects to the panel.
Rules and contracts vary. Always read your own agreement and confirm with the solar company and your utility.
Want a solar inspection built around the home you are buying? See our Solar Inspections for Home Buyers page, or call us directly.
Questions About Buying a Home With Solar
Does this checker replace a solar inspection?
No. It is a starting point for the documents and questions to gather before closing. A solar inspection is the on-site visual evaluation of the panels, racking, roof penetrations, inverter, wiring, and labeling.
Why does owned versus leased matter so much?
Owned panels become part of the real estate. Leased or PPA panels are owned by a third party, and the agreement usually must be transferred and approved before you can take over the payments and the system.
What is a permission to operate letter?
It is the letter the utility issues once a solar system has been inspected and approved to connect and send power back to the grid. It is part of the paperwork you want from the seller for an owned system.
Do you inspect battery storage too?
Yes. If the home has a battery, we confirm it is present, labeled, and accessible, note its visible condition, and check how it ties into the electrical panel.
What if the seller does not have the solar documents?
Ask your agent to request them from the seller and the solar company right away. Without the documents you cannot confirm ownership, warranty transfer, or whether a lease needs to be assumed before closing.
Bring the Paperwork to Your Inspection
Hand us the solar documents and we will walk through the system with you on site.
Call (805) 286-7330Owner operated • Open 7 days, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Serving San Luis Obispo County and surrounding cities.
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