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What Happens If You Sell Your Home After Installing Solar Panels in Arizona?

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.


For many Arizona homeowners, investing in solar is a long-term decision. But what if you decide to move? Does going solar complicate selling your home? Do solar panels increase or decrease property value? Can you transfer incentives or financing to the buyer?

This blog breaks down exactly what happens when you sell a home with solar panels in Arizona — and why it can actually be a major advantage in today’s housing market.


1. Do Solar Panels Add Value to Your Home?

Yes — multiple studies have shown that solar panels increase property value, especially in high-sun states like Arizona.

According to research from Zillow and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory:

  • Homes with solar panels typically sell for 4% or more than similar homes without.

  • Solar homes also tend to sell faster, especially when marketed as energy-efficient or low-utility-cost homes.

In the Phoenix metro area, where air conditioning drives up electricity bills for much of the year, the ROI on solar panels is especially appealing to buyers.


2. Will Solar Make It Harder to Sell?

Not if your system is owned. Homes with owned solar systems (either paid in full or financed with a traditional loan) are easy to sell — and usually more desirable.

However, homes with leased solar systems or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) may face challenges:

  • Buyers may hesitate to assume the lease.

  • Lenders may require buyers to qualify for the lease terms before closing.

  • Some buyers may be unfamiliar with solar contracts, leading to delays.

That’s why many homeowners in Arizona choose to purchase their systems rather than lease, to avoid complications during resale.


3. Can You Transfer Solar Incentives to the Buyer?

The key tax credits and incentives — such as the Arizona solar tax credit and the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) — cannot be transferred to the buyer once the system is installed.

These incentives are claimed by the original system owner, in the year the system is installed.

However:

  • The value of the solar system and its ongoing savings potential remains with the home.

  • Buyers benefit from lower electric bills immediately after purchase.

In other words, while you keep the tax credits, the buyer enjoys long-term savings and property value — a win-win if communicated clearly during the sale.


4. What About Net Metering Credits?

If your utility (such as APS or SRP) uses net billing, and you've built up credits by overproducing solar energy, those credits are usually tied to your utility account.

When you move:

  • Your solar energy credits do not transfer to the new owner.

  • You may be eligible for a final settlement or payout from your utility when the account is closed.

  • The buyer will begin earning their own credits after taking over the home.

Be sure to notify your utility company in advance when you plan to move — and keep

records of your system’s production and savings for the listing process.


5. How to Market Your Solar-Equipped Home

If you're selling your home with solar, here are a few best practices to maximize your value:

  • Provide clear documentation of system size, warranty, and ownership status.

  • Share recent electric bills to highlight savings.

  • Explain how the system was paid for and whether it's fully owned.

  • Highlight remaining warranty coverage (most systems are warrantied for 25 years).

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we provide customers with full documentation and performance reports that make it easy to communicate solar benefits to buyers and real estate agents.


6. Is Solar Still Worth It If You Plan to Move?

Yes — if you plan to stay in your home for at least 5–7 years, you’ll likely recover your investment through:

  • Energy savings

  • Arizona’s strong solar tax credits

  • Increased home value at resale

In many cases, homeowners break even on their solar investment before they move — and then gain additional value when the home sells.


Final Thoughts: Solar Makes Your Arizona Home More Valuable

Selling a home with solar in Arizona is not only possible — it’s often a financial advantage. When installed properly and communicated clearly to buyers, solar panels:

  • Reduce time on market

  • Justify a higher listing price

  • Offer long-term savings to the next homeowner

In a state with rising electricity rates and abundant sunshine, solar isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a selling point.


Get Expert Help from Phoenix Valley Solar

Whether you're planning to stay in your home or sell it in a few years, Phoenix Valley Solar will help you:

  • Maximize available solar incentives

  • Design a high-performance system with excellent ROI

  • Prepare your solar documents for future resale

Contact us today for a free consultation — and let’s build long-term value for your home through solar.


Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.






 
 
 

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