Another factor to consider is the current value of the solar energy system at the time of sale, which is dictated by the price of the initial installation, the cost of potential system maintenance and replacement, how old the system is, how much energy it generates, and so on.

Obviously, newer systems will be worth more in terms of resale. Newer solar panels are made of more efficient materials so potential buyers will benefit from more energy output per panel, and the newer the system, the longer the initial warranty will be effective after the sale of the home, so buyers won’t be as likely to have to pay for costly repairs out of pocket.

While there is some evidence that larger solar arrays do not add proportionally more than smaller arrays in resale value, that certainly depends on the location of your home and the general perception of solar in the area, which, as we mentioned above, is generally viewed positively in Nevada. However, there is a point of diminishing returns, where extremely large solar arrays may not be practical for the average energy consumer. So, keep the size and scope of your solar energy system in mind if you are installing it with plans to later sell your home.

However, one drawback is that selling a solar-equipped home may take longer than selling a traditional home. Statistics show that across the nation, solar-equipped homes spend about eight more days on the market than comparable homes that are not solar-equipped. But, waiting eight extra days may be well worth it if you ultimately can bring in a premium price for your solar-equipped home.