Many people consider going solar for different reasons. While some may be seeking near-term and long-term relief from energy costs, others may be incentivized from the positive environmental impact. No matter what your reason, owning your own solar just makes sense. There is more and more data suggesting that solar panels increase the value of your home. The lift you might expect to see in home value is dependent on your specific house, location, age and the output and age of your solar system.
However, so long as the monthly operating expenses of your home decrease as a result of your home solar system and other energy efficiency upgrades, you should expect to see increased value on your next home appraisal.
It’s important to understand that your solar system may not provide contributory value towards the house appraisal if the panels are financed and still held as collateral for debt (such as with a UCC-1 equipment lien), pursuant to Fannie Mae. However, once the loan balance is paid off, or if you’re selling your house and pay off any remaining loan principal in accordance with the sale, you and/or the buyer of your property will be able to realize any increased value.