Solar: Does it add value to a house? (price, property, state)

[Bill the Butcher]

We live in an area of the country that is perfect for solar, the very hot California Central Valley. We are contemplating purchasing (not leasing) solar for our house. The only negative that is keeping me from doing it is knowing that we will be here for only another 5-6 years max. Possibly as few as 3 years. We have already owned our home for 4 years.

Can any real estate experts comment on if buyers will pay more for a house with solar? And if so, how much more? The numbers we have show that once the system is paid for it will save $3000 a year on electricity costs per year for our house.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Bill the Butcher

...we will be here for only another 5-6 years max.

You know the expression "if it ain't broke...?
That's you.

[Bill the Butcher]

Originally Posted by MrRational

You know the expression "if it ain't broke...?
That's you.

I know, I know. But then there is always the chance we somehow end up staying in this house for another 10 years or longer. Nobody can ever be certain.

[thinkalot]

Some buyers will subtract the price of removing the solar from their offer.

[StrkAliteN]

I have heard some solar installs are done on a financing 'lease type' plan that carries over to the new home owner until it is paid off

I personally think solar is a bad thing when selling a house.

Not to mention if roof mounted the risk of leaks etc in all the mounting bracket penetrations

[Bill the Butcher]

Originally Posted by thinkalot

Some buyers will subtract the price of removing the solar from their offer.

Why in the world would a buyer have the solar removed? They like throwing $3,000 a year away?

[mathjak107]

just wait until you see what it costs to replace a roof when you have solar mounted on it .solar has its own set of costs as panels and battery's have to be replaced .

many utility's are requiring you store excess power in battery's . some utility's are actually charging you to leave their grid . nevada power charged mgm grand 95 million bucks to be able to pull off the grid . that is what the costs were to put in feeders and distribution equipment to handle their load which is huge and they want to be compensated for it ..

[Nov3]

When it's an energy saving device, buyers tend to gravitate and consider.

It rarely devalues the property if already owned and secured properly.

[luv4horses]

Problem is, technology changes rapidly. The system you install today will be replaced later by one that is cheaper, easier to maintain, and more attractive. Power companies still want your dollars and will find ways to charge you for anything that interfaces with them some way. I agree with those who would not like to have one and see it as a detriment. Unless, of course you live off grid but then you have your own problems anyway.

[maiamom]

I never wanted solar after I thoroughly read through all the details regarding either leasing or owning, cost of maintenance, batteries, dealing with power companies, etc. From a shallow standpoint I also think it looks ugly and would never buy a house with it.