More homes have solar panels today than ever before. They can save the average household between $10,000 and $30,000 over the lifetime of the system. Along with being cost-effective, they are also good for the environment. They don’t consume fossil fuels and do not require water to operate. Set them up, collect free sunlight, and you have energy to run your home.
The value of a feature on any home will rely heavily on the buyer’s perspective. Not everyone is aware of the benefits of renewable energy. Others may be concerned about complications related to using what they view as a non-traditional power system. Connect Electric wants to share information on how to use solar panels to improve your chances of a quick sale.
Why Do Some Buyers Avoid Solar Panels?
Depending on the area, some buyers are willing to pay top dollar for homes that are already outfitted with a solar system. However, in other regions, buyers may be reluctant to buy a house with panels.
This often stems from concerns about longevity and structural issues. One common worry is that solar panels installed on a roof could cause damage or weakness. This is not an issue when the system is installed properly by a professional.
Others worry that they may have to make a big financial investment once the panels reach their recommended lifespan.
Share the Financial Benefits of Renewable Energy
One way to overcome cost fears is by showing buyers how much you saved using your solar system. If you can, gather your pre- and post-installation utility bills. Show interested buyers how much you saved each month. If you want to do the math, you can add up the total saved from the time you first turned the system on until now.
Financial savings are a huge selling point. You can also discuss net metering programs if one is available in your area. Let buyers know that they can earn credit by feeding power back into the grid.
Tidy Up Your Solar System to Add Curb Appeal
Go outside and look at your solar panels. Do they appear clean and appealing? If not, you may want to tidy them up. Even hosing off a little dirt or debris can make them more aesthetically pleasing to a buyer.
If you are installing a system now, consider looking for panels with a graphic design on them. This type is commercially available and comes with minimal efficiency loss. You can also find low profile arrays or those that are shaped like shingles.
Make them match the style of your home and they’ll be an even stronger selling point.
Make Sure Your Real Estate Agent is Informed
Your real estate agent is your biggest ally when selling a property. Make sure that they are aware of all the benefits of solar panels. It will be their job to convey this information to potential buyers. Ask if they know about the:
- Long-term financial savings on utility bills
- Earning potential with net metering
- Low maintenance requirements for panels
- Environmental benefits of renewable energy
- Long life span of most systems
Solar panels can help sell your property faster and for more money. It all depends on how informed buyers are and what they are looking for in their new home.
April 7, 2020