Solar panels can reduce electric bills substantially, but buying a home with them already installed can be tricky. One homebuyer encountered this scenario and sought advice on negotiation strategies in the r/RealEstate subreddit.
"Currently buying a house with ~Sunnova~ SunStrong solar panels on the roof," the original poster explained. "We've solicited feedback from a couple realtors and their experiences and they say it's notoriously difficult, and can lead to excess damage to your roof. I'm a new homebuyer, and it feels like we're stuck with this brand-new 25-year contract with little to no negotiation options."
"Seller pays off entire solar contract at close or no deal," one person suggested. "Don't buy into someone else's lease."
If you can work out a fair deal on a solar contract or already own your home, going solar is one of the best ways to save on electric bills, with EcoFlow reporting that most homeowners save $1,500 annually.
TCD's Solar Explorer can help you find the right system for your needs through partners such as EnergySage, which is a great resource to explore home solar options, tax incentives, and quotes from vetted contractors. If you're not keen on spending upfront, Palmetto's LightReach solar leasing program allows customers to take advantage of sun-powered energy with $0-down subscription options.
Tracking down all the information on solar can be time-consuming and confusing, but that's where the Solar Explorer comes in. It makes it simple to learn about solar systems, available rebates, contractors, and everything in between. For buyers, the Solar Explorer helps you get competitive bids from local installers and save $10,000 on an installation. For those more interested in leasing, LightReach can slash your utility rate by up to 20%.
Regarding the homebuyer's dilemma, commenters generally agreed that taking over the lease would be risky and that they should sign the contract only if the seller had paid off the lease.
"Ask for the last year of electric bills so that you can see if it's worth it to take over the solar lease," another user suggested. "Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't."
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. |
Pairing solar with energy-efficient appliances, such as a heat pump, can further reduce your utility bills. To find the right system for your needs and budget, consider using TCD's HVAC Explorer, which can help you achieve 50% savings on heating and cooling costs. By making eco-friendly lifestyle changes, you could also unlock up to $5,000 in rewards with the Palmetto Home app to use on home improvements.
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What would you be willing to pay upfront for solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$5000 or more 💰 
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