Research on homes with owned solar systems consistently shows faster sale times and a measurable price premium compared to comparable non-solar homes. Studies suggest homes with owned solar sell roughly 4-6% faster and command a premium often cited around $4 per watt of installed capacity — though leased systems generally don’t provide the same effect.
Key Research Findings
| Metric | Finding |
|---|---|
| Sale speed | Homes with owned solar sell roughly 4-6% faster |
| Price premium (owned systems) | Studies suggest roughly $4/watt of installed capacity |
| Price premium (leased systems) | Minimal or no measurable premium |
Why Buyers Value Owned Solar
Owned solar represents an immediate reduction in future electricity costs with no additional payment obligation — buyers can factor this directly into their purchase decision, similar to any other home improvement that reduces ongoing operating costs.
Why Leased Systems Don’t Add the Same Value
Leased systems require the buyer to either assume ongoing lease payments (with credit approval) or have the seller buy out the lease before closing — this added complexity and ongoing obligation offsets much of the potential value boost, unlike a paid-off, owned system.
Zillow and LBNL Studies
Studies from organizations including Zillow and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) have found consistent evidence supporting both the sale speed and price premium effects for owned solar — these findings have been replicated across multiple studies and geographic markets over time.
Regional Variation
The magnitude of the sale speed and price premium effects can vary by regional market conditions, local electricity rates, and how common solar has become in a specific area — markets with higher electricity costs tend to show stronger premiums, since the value proposition of avoided utility costs is greater.
Want to add value to your home with owned solar? Get a free quote: (855) 427-0058
Frequently Asked Questions
Do homes with solar panels sell faster?
Research suggests homes with owned solar sell roughly 4-6% faster than comparable non-solar homes.
How much value does owned solar add to a home?
Studies suggest roughly $4 per watt of installed capacity, though this varies by market.
Does leased solar add the same value as owned solar?
No — leased systems generally don’t provide the same measurable premium due to ongoing payment obligations.
What organizations have studied solar’s effect on home value?
Zillow and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) have both conducted relevant studies.
Does the solar home value premium vary by region?
Yes — markets with higher electricity costs tend to show stronger premiums.
Why do buyers value owned solar more than leased?
Owned solar offers immediate savings with no added obligation, unlike a lease requiring assumption or buyout.
Should I buy or lease solar if I plan to sell my home eventually?
Buying generally preserves more resale value than leasing, based on available research.
Summing Up
Owned solar offers a measurable resale advantage backed by consistent research findings. To add value to your home with an owned solar system, call (855) 427-0058 or visit us.solarpanelsnetwork.com.
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