☀️ Solar Panels and Real Estate: What Buyers & Sellers Need

• Description: The homeowner owns the solar panels outright, either by paying in full or through a loan.
• Pros:
  
  • Eligible for tax incentives.
  • May increase home value.
  • No contracts to transfer.
• Things to Watch For When Selling:
  
  • If financed, the loan may need to be paid off at closing unless the buyer agrees to assume it.

• Description: The homeowner leases the panels from a solar company for a fixed monthly rate.
• Pros:
  
  • Little to no upfront cost.
  • Maintenance is usually covered.
• Things to Watch For When Selling:
  
  • The lease must be transferred to the buyer.
  • Buyers must qualify with the leasing company.
  • Some buyers may be hesitant to assume a lease.

• Description: With a PPA, the solar company owns and maintains the system on your roof. As the homeowner, you agree to purchase the electricity it produces at a fixed per-kWh rate, usually lower than NV Energy’s rate. This is similar to leasing solar power rather than the panels themselves.
• Key Features:
  
  • You don’t own the equipment — just the power.
  • The contract typically lasts 20–25 years.
  • The solar provider handles installation, maintenance, and repairs.
• Pros:
  
  • No upfront installation cost.
  • Lower, predictable energy bills.
  • Maintenance and repairs are covered by the solar company.
• Things to Watch For When Selling:
  
  • The buyer must assume the PPA and qualify with the solar company.
  • Buyers may be concerned about long-term contracts or rate escalators.
  • Ensure the PPA agreement is fully disclosed early in the transaction.

When buying or selling a home with solar panels (especially if they’re under a lease or PPA), clear documentation and understanding are key to avoiding surprises.

1. Who owns the solar system? (Owned, leased, or PPA?)
2. What are the monthly payments? Are they fixed or increasing over time?
3. How much are the NV Energy bills with the solar system active?
4. Can I see at least 12 months of NV Energy bills and solar payment statements?
5. Is there a buyout option? Can I purchase the system down the line?
6. Will I qualify to assume the existing agreement?
7. How does the total cost compare to a similar home without solar?

• ✅ A copy of the solar agreement (lease or PPA contract).
• ✅ At least 12 months of solar system statements from the solar company.
• ✅ At least 12 months of NV Energy utility bills showing usage and charges.
• ✅ Details on buyout terms or transfer procedures.
• ✅ Contact info for the solar provider in case the buyer has questions.
• ✅ If available, provide past utility bills before solar was installed for comparison.

💡 Why this matters: This information allows the buyer to compare what you’re paying with what a similar home might pay without solar, or how much energy the system is offsetting. Buyers want to see proof that the solar system is truly saving money—not just another monthly payment.

• Transferability of Contracts: Buyers must qualify to take over leases or PPAs.
• System Condition: Buyers should request documentation on maintenance and performance.
• Who Gets the Tax Credit?: Only the system owner can claim federal or state solar tax credits.
• HOA Rules & Permits: Ensure the solar installation meets local code and HOA guidelines.

• Net Metering in Nevada: Homeowners can earn credits on their power bill by sending excess solar power back to the grid. NV Energy supports net metering, but the compensation rate may vary.
  
  • Learn more: Net Metering in Nevada
• Nevada State Incentives: Rebates and incentives may be available through local programs and tax credits.
  
  • Visit: DSIREUSA.org - Nevada
• Permitting Requirements: The City of Las Vegas and Clark County require permits for solar panel installations. It’s crucial to work with a licensed contractor who follows proper permitting protocols.
• Home Energy Rating: Buyers may request an energy efficiency report or solar performance data as part of their home inspection.

• NV Energy Solar Resources
• Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
• U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
• DSIRE - Solar Incentives Database

Whether you're looking to buy a solar-powered home or sell one, understanding how solar systems are financed and maintained can prevent delays and protect your investment. If you're not sure what kind of system is on the property, talk to your real estate professional or request a copy of the system agreement.

• Descripción: El propietario posee los paneles solares completamente, ya sea pagando en su totalidad o a través de un préstamo.
• Ventajas:
  
  • Elegible para incentivos fiscales.
  • Puede aumentar el valor de la casa.
  • No hay contratos que transferir.
• Aspectos a Considerar al Vender:
  
  • Si está financiado, el préstamo puede necesitar ser pagado al cierre, a menos que el comprador acepte asumirlo.

• Descripción: El propietario arrienda los paneles de una compañía solar por una tarifa mensual fija.
• Ventajas:
  
  • Poco o ningún costo inicial.
  • El mantenimiento generalmente está cubierto.
• Aspectos a Considerar al Vender:
  
  • El arrendamiento debe ser transferido al comprador.
  • Los compradores deben calificar con la compañía de arrendamiento.
  • Algunos compradores pueden ser reacios a asumir un arrendamiento.

• Descripción: Con un PPA, la compañía solar posee y mantiene el sistema en su techo. Como propietario, usted acepta comprar la electricidad que produce a una tarifa fija por kWh, generalmente más baja que la tarifa de NV Energy. Esto es similar a arrendar energía solar en lugar de los paneles mismos.
• Características Clave:
  
  • Usted no posee el equipo, solo la energía.
  • El contrato típicamente dura de 20 a 25 años.
  • El proveedor solar maneja la instalación, mantenimiento y reparaciones.
• Ventajas:
  
  • Sin costo de instalación inicial.
  • Facturas de energía más bajas y predecibles.
  • El mantenimiento y las reparaciones están cubiertos por la compañía solar.
• Aspectos a Considerar al Vender:
  
  • El comprador debe asumir el PPA y calificar con la compañía solar.
  • Los compradores pueden estar preocupados por contratos a largo plazo o escaladores de tarifas.
  • Asegúrese de que el acuerdo PPA se divulgue completamente al principio de la transacción.

• Descripción: Los propietarios compran en un proyecto solar compartido y reciben créditos de energía.
• Ventajas:
  
  • No hay paneles en la propiedad.
  • Aún apoya la energía renovable.
• Aspectos a Considerar al Vender:
  
  • Generalmente no está vinculado directamente a la casa, por lo que el impacto en la venta es mínimo.

Al comprar o vender una casa con paneles solares (especialmente si están bajo un arrendamiento o PPA), la documentación clara y la comprensión son clave para evitar sorpresas.

1. ¿Quién posee el sistema solar? (¿Propio, arrendado o PPA?)
2. ¿Cuáles son los pagos mensuales? ¿Son fijos o aumentan con el tiempo?
3. ¿Cuánto son las facturas de NV Energy con el sistema solar activo?
4. ¿Puedo ver al menos 12 meses de facturas de NV Energy y estados de pago solar?
5. ¿Existe una opción de compra? ¿Puedo comprar el sistema más