Buying or Selling a San Antonio Home With Solar Panels (2026)

Chris Dudley is a San Antonio REALTOR® and the founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). Rooftop solar is common on newer homes around San Antonio, and the first question in any sale is simple: who owns the panels? The answer decides what the buyer gets, what paperwork is needed and what has to be paid off at closing.

Three ways a home can have solar

Type Who owns the panels What happens at sale
Paid in cash The homeowner Panels usually convey with the house like other improvements.
Financed with a solar loan The homeowner, with a loan The loan is typically paid off at closing or, if the lender allows, assumed by the buyer. Ask whether a lien or filing secures the loan.
Leased or PPA The solar company A leased fixture "does not automatically convey" (Texas Real Estate Research Center). The lease is assigned to the buyer, the panels are removed, or the seller pays it off.

For sellers

  • Find your contract now. Texas solar retailers must give buyers a TDLR Residential Solar Retail Transaction Consumer Disclosure Statement, which states whether the agreement transfers if the home is sold, whether a lien can be placed on the home, and who pays to remove and reinstall the system for roof work. Pull that statement and your contract before you list.
  • Leased panels: Texas contracts use the TREC Addendum Regarding Fixture Leases. You'll indicate whether leased fixtures will be assigned to the buyer or removed (with repair of any removal damage), and no liens can remain on leased fixtures the buyer doesn't take over.
  • Gather the facts buyers ask for: 12 months of electric bills, system size, warranty, and the installer's contact.

For buyers

  1. Ask early whether the panels are owned, financed or leased, and get every document.
  2. If there's a lease, the addendum gives you time to review it: if the seller doesn't provide the lease at contract, they must deliver it within five days, and you can terminate within seven days of receiving it. Have an attorney review lease terms; your agent can't interpret the lease for you.
  3. Ask the leasing company whether you must qualify to take over the lease and whether there's a transfer fee.
  4. After closing, contact the electric utility (CPS Energy in most of San Antonio) to put the solar account in your name.

Frequently asked questions

Do solar panels transfer when you sell a house in Texas?

Owned panels usually convey with the home. Leased panels don't automatically convey; the lease is assigned to the buyer, the panels are removed, or the seller pays off the lease, using the TREC Addendum Regarding Fixture Leases.

Can a buyer back out because of a solar lease?

Under the TREC fixture lease addendum, if the seller didn't provide the lease at contract, the seller must deliver it within five days and the buyer may terminate within seven days of receiving it.

Who can help me sell a San Antonio home with solar panels?

Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). Call (210) 838-6099.

Related pages

Selling a home with solar, or buying one? Call Chris Dudley at (210) 838-6099 or visit chrisdudleyrealty.com.

Chris Dudley is a San Antonio, Texas REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). General information only, not legal advice. Consult an attorney about lease or loan terms.

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