Solar-Powered Homes: Pros & Cons for Buyers | Kat Moore Realtor®
- Kat Moore — The German Realtor®
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Thinking about buying a solar-powered home in Maryland? Realtor® Kat Moore explains the pros (lower bills, eco-friendly living) and cons (leases, roof issues, resale) so you can make an informed decision.
💡 Spoiler alert: Solar panels don’t make your electric bill vanish into thin air — but they can come close.
Why Buyers Ask About Solar
If you’ve been house-hunting lately, you’ve probably noticed more listings with solar panels sparkling on the roof. With energy costs climbing and eco-friendly living becoming more popular, it’s natural to wonder: Are solar-powered homes a smart buy?
The answer: it depends. Like most things in real estate, there are both pros and cons. Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision — without getting lost in solar jargon.
✅ The Pros of Buying a Solar-Powered Home
1. Lower Energy Bills
The most obvious benefit? Reduced electric costs. Depending on the system size and your household’s usage, solar can slash utility bills significantly. Some homeowners save hundreds (or even thousands) per year.
2. Eco-Friendly Living
Going green isn’t just a buzzword. Solar panels reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint. For many buyers, the appeal is less about dollars and more about doing something good for the planet.
3. Incentives & Tax Breaks
Some homes may still be eligible for state or federal incentives, depending on when the panels were installed and the structure of ownership. While credits usually apply to the original buyer, the benefit can sometimes transfer.
4. Resale Value
Eco-conscious buyers may be willing to pay more for a home with solar, especially if the system is owned outright. A home with proven energy savings can stand out in a competitive market.
5. Energy Independence
Solar can feel like freedom from rising energy costs. Even if you’re still connected to the grid, generating your own electricity can provide peace of mind — especially during peak rate times.
⚠️ The Cons (or at Least the “Read the Fine Print” Parts)
1. Leased vs. Owned Panels
This is huge. If the panels are owned, the seller transfers them with the home — easy. If they’re leased, you may have to assume the lease, which means monthly payments to the solar company. Not every buyer loves that arrangement.
2. Maintenance & Repairs
Solar panels aren’t exactly “set it and forget it.” While they’re low maintenance, they may need periodic servicing. In rare cases, inverters or other equipment can fail — which isn’t cheap to fix.
3. Roof Considerations
Solar panels are installed on the roof, which means the roof’s condition matters. If the roof is nearing the end of its life, you could be looking at a pricey removal and reinstallation just to replace shingles. Always ask about roof age and warranties.
4. Resale Complications
Not every buyer is pro-solar. Some see panels as an asset, others see them as “something extra to deal with.” Leases especially can make resale trickier.
5. Upfront Costs
If the system isn’t paid off, the cost is essentially baked into the home price or lease obligation. While the savings may offset it, it’s not always a net win depending on usage and financing.
What to Ask Before You Buy
If you’re considering a solar-powered home, here are the smart questions to ask:
Ownership: Are the panels owned or leased?
Savings: How much has the current owner saved annually? (Utility bills can show real numbers.)
Warranties: What’s covered and how long?
Roof: How old is it? When was it last replaced?
HOA rules: Does the neighborhood allow solar installations without restrictions?
These questions help you decide whether the benefits outweigh the potential headaches.
📌 Bottom Line
Solar-powered homes can be an amazing investment — or a complication — depending on the setup. For some buyers, the eco-friendly savings are worth it. For others, the lease obligations or roof concerns make it a no-go.
That’s why having a Realtor® who knows what to look for (hi, that’s me 😉) is so important. My job is to help you ask the right questions so you can confidently decide whether solar power fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.
Kat Moore | Realtor | Advisor
Samson Properties
📞 410-414-5967 (cell), 443-975-7555 (office)
The Kat Walk To Homeownership
Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects my perspective as a licensed real estate agent. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations can change, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult a licensed tax professional, attorney, or other qualified advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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