A landlord's question to the r/solar subreddit about how to make money from a newly purchased, solar-powered property turned into an unexpected lesson on the real value of solar energy.
The scoop
In the Reddit post, a Milwaukee-based landlord explained that they'd recently bought a rental home with solar panels installed two years prior. The system, featuring 17 IQ8Plus microinverters and an IQ gateway, was fully paid off when the property changed hands.
Looking for "insight on the value/return selling the pre-owned panels," the landlord asked whether it was worth removing and reselling the system.
Fellow Redditors were overwhelmingly against the idea.
"Just the thought of removing solar makes absolutely no sense unless it's for repairs," one commenter wrote.
Others pointed out that the cost of uninstalling, storing, and selling used panels would exceed any potential profit.
"Much of the cost is the design and labor," another Redditor added. "It will actually cost you MORE to do that."
How it's helping
Instead of tearing out a perfectly good system, commenters urged the OP to treat the panels as an asset, not a hassle. Keeping solar in place could attract eco-conscious tenants and justify slightly higher rent while helping renters save on monthly power bills.
Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you. |
As one user put it, "Advertise the home as green and energy-saving, and let that increase the rent you can get."
Installing solar panels is definitely one of the best home energy hacks out there, cutting utility costs and reducing pollution caused by traditional energy sources. For homeowners looking to explore their solar options, Palmetto offers a leasing program that lets users access solar power with no money down through its LightReach program, minimizing upfront costs while locking down low energy rates.
|
What's the biggest concern you'd have about getting solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
The cost 💰 If you'd rather explore local installers or compare pricing before deciding, Palmetto's local resources and EnergySage's free comparison tool can help to weigh your options and estimate all the potential savings.
And if you're still on the fence about leasing versus buying, check out this side-by-side breakdown to decide what fits your household budget best.
What everyone's saying
Fellow Redditors were certainly blunt about the landlord's original plan.
"You wouldn't get much money for them all — they're worth a lot more as a functioning system," one person wrote.
Another added, "Don't be a [jerk], be a good landlord instead."
Everyone seemed to agree: solar panels aren't just about saving on electricity, they're about investing in long-term value. Removing them, as one commenter summed up, "makes absolutely no sense."
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
