Harnessing Sun Power: A Guide to Buying a House with Solar Panels

When considering the purchase of a solar-powered house, it is crucial to understand the implications including long-term costs, upkeep needs of solar panels, and their overall impact on the property value. This comprehensive guide will discuss the pros and cons of owning solar panels, possible complexities in buying a solar-equipped house, and the distinction between leasing and purchasing solar panels.

Section 1: Considering a Solar-Powered House Purchase

If you're contemplating buying a solar-equipped house, it's crucial to acquaint yourself with the specifics of the solar setup. This includes understanding:

• The homeowner's decision on whether to purchase or lease the solar panels
• Financing details of the solar equipment
• The existence of any liens on the solar equipment
• Warranty details associated with the equipment

Section 2: Leased vs. Purchased Solar Panels

When it comes to houses with leased solar panels, the panels are excluded from the property evaluation. On the other hand, if the homeowner opts to purchase the solar panels, their cost is factored into the overall property valuation. However, in some instances, the local real estate market determines that solar panels don't significantly increase the property's worth. This won't deter some buyers who find solar energy appealing. As for the impact on your mortgage, the effects could be negligible or significant depending on various factors.

Section 3: Who Owns the Solar Panels?

If the homeowner made an outright cash purchase, it means you assume complete ownership once you buy the house. Unless specified otherwise in the agreement, the previous homeowner could potentially remove the panels. If the previous homeowner financed the panels, a lien might be in place on the house. This could pose challenges as most lenders avoid financing a property with an existing lien. To proceed, the lien needs to be temporarily lifted by the solar company until the completion of the purchase. If the previous homeowner leased the panels, you will need to have the lease transferred to your name, a process that usually doesn't present major issues.

Section 4: How do Solar Panels Affect Property Value?

The installation of solar panels may or may not have an effect on property value. Several factors come into play, including the details of the previous homeowner's solar panel lease or purchase agreement and how that influences the property's appraisal.

Section 5: Fannie Mae & FHA Guidelines for Solar Panels

For homes equipped with rooftop solar panels, it's mandatory to meet Fannie Mae's standard eligibility criteria. If the solar panels are financed, their value isn't included in the home appraisal. Leased solar panels have further requirements for obtaining a Fannie Mae mortgage, such as:

• Integration of lease payments into the potential buyer's Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI).
• The solar leasing company must have third-party insurance to cover potential damages from malfunctions or faulty installations.

Section 6: Other Aspects to Consider

Other factors to consider when buying a solar-powered house include the availability of an equipment warranty and the need for an alternative energy source. Most lenders require houses to have a secondary energy source, as reliance on solar power alone may risk making the house uninhabitable during periods of decreased sunlight. Finally, consider how the solar panel payments will impact your DTI. If the payments are sizable, it might lead to a higher interest rate or even mortgage denial.

Section 7: Maintenance of Solar Panels

Solar panels are designed to be durable, especially when installed on a graded roof as rain will naturally clear most of the debris. In most cases, solar panels require maintenance two to four times per year, taking a few hours each time depending on the system's size and location. While most homeowners can perform the maintenance using standard tools, safety is crucial and a professional should be hired if the panels are hard to reach or in a hazardous location. Always remember to turn off the panels before cleaning, as they are electrical equipment and should not be active during maintenance.

Section 8: The Pros and Cons of Solar Power

Solar power is an environmentally friendly energy source, but there are both benefits and drawbacks to consider when thinking about purchasing a solar-equipped house.

Advantages of Solar Energy

Lower utility bills: Solar panels can result in substantial savings over time, depending on factors like your location, system size, and annual electricity usage. In some areas, you may even be able to sell excess solar energy back to the grid.

Reduced carbon footprint: Solar energy is clean and emits no greenhouse gases.

Tax benefits: Depending on the installation date and your location, federal and state benefits may be available if you purchase solar panels.

Minimal maintenance: After the initial installation cost, solar panels require little maintenance.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

High upfront cost: The initial expense of solar panels can be substantial.

Space constraints: Not all roof types or materials are compatible with solar panel installation.

Storage costs: Solar energy needs to be either used immediately or stored in batteries, which can be expensive.

Environmental considerations: The manufacturing process for solar panels can have environmental impacts.

Section 9: Is a Solar-Powered House Right for You?

While solar energy is clean and plentiful, it's still a maturing technology. If your utility bills are high and you could benefit from potential savings, a solar-powered house might be a good option. Remember that leasing solar panels can reduce upfront costs, but it may also lessen the impact on property value and your eligibility for tax incentives. Contact your local Mortgage Advisor at Crosscountry Mortgage to explore home loan options and learn more about how solar panels can impact home value.