Leased solar panels interfere with and sometimes not only prevent sales, but also can scuttle closings. Buyers that sign a contract to buy a home with leased panels will need to qualify to take over the lease. If the solar company decides the buyer doesn’t qualify, unless the seller buys out the lease, the deal is dead. Plus the lease payments can throw off the buyer’s income to debt ratio, and then the lender won’t make the loan and the buyer will not get the home. None of these issues exist when the system is owned. So don’t be surprised – be aware of how these items could influence buying or selling a home with a leased array.
