Understand the solar system before you buy the home.

Does a standard home inspection cover solar?

Do not assume it includes a detailed solar performance check. The Texas Real Estate Commission’s minimum Standards of Practice list solar panels among items an inspector is not required to inspect. Some inspectors offer additional services, so ask what your actual agreement covers.

Our requested scope is a focused solar equipment and service assessment. It is not a substitute for a licensed real estate inspection, an appraisal, a roof certification, or a lender’s required report. Tell us if a third party needs a particular document so we can confirm whether the request can be met before booking.

Define the solar assessment before the visit

The starting point is your concern: the seller cannot show production, an inspection mentions damaged wiring, panels were recently reinstalled, or you simply need to understand the system. We agree on access, checks, and the form of the written findings.

What production history can—and cannot—tell you

Request a complete year of monthly generation records when available, plus recent readings and notes about outages, faults, or system changes. Dated records help show whether the array has been operating consistently and whether a change needs explanation.

Grid exports are only the electricity sent out after the home’s use; they are not total solar generation. Likewise, a low seller electric bill does not predict your bill. Household usage, the electricity plan, weather, and future equipment condition can differ.

One sunny-day reading cannot establish annual output or remaining system life. Where records are missing, the findings should state the limitation. A site-specific production model can support a comparison, but it is not a guarantee of the future.

What to expect in the written findings

Before booking, agree on a summary that records the equipment identified, date and scope of the work, accessible observations, available monitoring information, relevant photos, and any limitations. It should distinguish confirmed findings from items that need further testing or documents.

If repair is recommended, ask which finding supports it and whether the repair price is a quote or an initial planning estimate. Any repair or further testing needs the owner’s permission and a separate approval where it is outside the original scope.

Ask your agent, lender, or other recipient whether the agreed document suits their needs. We do not promise transaction approval, a pass/fail certificate for the entire property, or a finding that every concealed component is defect-free.

Keep equipment condition and ownership questions separate

Ask the seller to identify whether the system is owned outright, financed, leased, or subject to a power purchase agreement. Your agent, lender, title company, and agreement provider should address payoff and transfer requirements. A solar equipment visit cannot settle those obligations.

Also request equipment warranties, installation documents, prior service notes, and any roof removal/reinstallation records. Tell us who controls the monitoring account. Use the provider’s approved transfer process; do not exchange account passwords with the seller.

Our homebuyer solar checklist helps organize those requests. After closing, the new-owner guide covers getting familiar with your system.

Scheduling and pricing before your deadline

Send the property location, deadline, access contact, and the specific questions you need answered. Seller authorization, safe access, monitoring availability, and the requested documentation can affect what can be completed in one visit. Appointment and report timing are confirmed before booking.

A homebuyer assessment receives a scope-specific quote. The published $200 diagnostic deposit is not a promise of a complete buyer inspection or transaction report at that price. If the request includes diagnosis or repairs, we explain the applicable fees and scope separately. No travel fee.