Solar Panels & Real Estate in Burlington County

If you've been house hunting in Burlington County lately — whether in Medford, Moorestown, Mount Holly, or anywhere in between — you've probably noticed more and more homes with solar panels on the roof. And if you're selling, you may be wondering whether your solar system is a selling point or a complication.

The honest answer? It can be both. Solar is a great feature, but it also adds a layer of complexity to real estate transactions that buyers and sellers don't always anticipate. Here's what I want my clients to understand before we get to the negotiating table.

The key question isn't whether there are solar panels — it's who owns them. Owned systems and leased systems are treated very differently in a real estate transaction.

Owned vs. Leased: A Big Difference

Homeowners typically go solar one of three ways: they purchase the system outright (with cash or a loan), lease the panels from a solar company, or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) where they buy the electricity generated by panels a third-party company still owns.

If the panels are owned, great — they can potentially add value to the home, and mortgage lenders can factor that into the appraisal. But if the seller took a loan to finance the system, that loan must be paid off before the sale closes.

Leased systems are where it gets more complicated. As a buyer, you'd be assuming a contract with a solar company — with monthly payments, usage restrictions, and potentially a lien on the property. Your lender will count that lease payment as part of your debt load when qualifying you for a mortgage. Read any lease agreement carefully before you commit.

4 things every buyer should check:

• 📄 Ask for documentation — Request past utility bills and solar production records to understand the system's real output.
• 📅 Check the system's age — Most solar systems last 25–30 years. Upgrading an aging system can be expensive.
• ⚡ Understand net metering — New Jersey's net metering rules affect how much you save, and policies can vary and change over time.
• 🛡️ Talk to your insurer — Solar panel placement can affect your homeowners insurance coverage and premiums.

For Sellers: Listing a Home With Solar in Burlington County

If your panels are paid off and owned outright, lean into it. Energy costs are a top concern for buyers right now, and New Jersey's utility rates make solar savings a real selling point. Be ready with documentation — production records, your original installation contract, and any warranty information.

If your system is leased, be upfront about it early. It doesn't have to be a deal-breaker, but it does require the right buyer — one who qualifies for the lease assumption and is comfortable with the terms. I'll help you position it appropriately and navigate any lender requirements.

One thing to keep in mind: in New Jersey, some solar companies use PACE (property assessed clean energy) loans, which are repaid through increased property taxes. Buyers and lenders often have questions about these, so having clear documentation on hand is essential.

For Buyers: Buying a Home With Solar in Burlington County

Do your homework. Ask whether the system is owned or leased, how old it is, and what the actual electricity savings have been. Use past utility bills to compare real costs — not just the seller's estimate.

Also consider how the local utility handles excess power. New Jersey has net metering policies, but they can change, so it's worth understanding how the current setup works for the home you're considering.

And don't forget the roof. Solar panels are only as good as the surface they sit on. If the roof is aging, factor potential replacement costs into your offer — you generally can't re-roof without removing the panels first.

Solar adds nuance to a transaction, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're buying or selling in Burlington County, I'm here to help you ask the right questions and make a confident, informed decision.

Have questions about a home with solar — or thinking about listing yours? Contact me today.

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This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Ashley Skinner is a licensed REALTOR® serving Burlington County, New Jersey.