How Solar Affects Home Value and Property Taxes
Home value
DOE summarizes research (LBNL's "Selling into the Sun") finding buyers were willing to pay a premium of about $15,000 for homes with an average-sized array, and evidence homes with solar may sell faster. Important caveats:
- These studies focused on homeowner-owned systems and are not recent; results in your market may differ.
- For third-party-owned (leased/PPA) systems, DOE says impacts on sale price and time on market are "mostly neutral," though they add transaction complexity.
- DOE recommends appraisers use the PV Value® tool, endorsed by the Appraisal Institute for the income approach.
Property taxes
Treatment varies by state and locality. Some states offer property tax exemptions for solar; others don't. Search your state in DSIRE and confirm with your county assessor before assuming any exemption.
Leased systems and selling
The FTC advises checking whether a lease can be transferred, whether buyers must meet credit requirements, and notice requirements. See our guide on moving with solar.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Energy, "Homeowner's Guide to Solar" — https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar (accessed Oct 20, 2026)
- DSIRE (N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, NC State University) — https://www.dsireusa.org/ (accessed Oct 20, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice, "Solar Power for Your Home" — https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/solar-power-your-home (accessed Oct 20, 2026)
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Last reviewed 2026-10-20.
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