So back story. I live in CA and bought a new build house. CA law requires a developer to sell houses with solar on it. What I was told (my fault for not looking into it myself) was once I closed on the house I could get the solar panels removed it was just between the solar company and I; and the developer had nothing to do with it. When I signed the paperwork I thought I was signing opting for whether I would lease it by the panels IF I was to keep them. I didn’t know that it was a contract I was signing into.
Today I call the solar company and tell them I want the panels removed the person I spoke with immediately got hyped up and told me that I’m in a 25 year lease and “ cannot just get rid of them “ unless I purchased them out right (it’s like 13k). She then told me she would send my contract to me before I make a “rash decision”.
So being a member of the Natty Guard and going on orders soon does anyone know if SCRA could apply here beings that it technically falls under “real property”.
These panels are a pain as I live by myself and work a ton so my utilities bill are legit lower then the cost of these panels.
Posted by Classic-Big-2400
3 Comments
I don’t see how scra relates to solar panels unless maybe California has its own law for that. People often confuse similar state laws with scra
The panels cost more than the utility bills because you’re leasing them. You might be able to sell some power back too the local power company. If you bought them you’d make that money back in 7-10 years. You should ask if you buy them will you receive tax credits.
Considering it sounds like it’s code to have solar in CA, I would discourage you from removing them. I wouldn’t want to buy a house that isn’t up to code. Also, CA is requiring all new cars to be EV in 2035 so removing the panels I think is a bad move. I know you don’t want the panels but removing them, IMO, will hurt your home value and make selling more difficult. Maybe you could use SCRA to get a loan to buy them.
Solar is cool but leasing the roof over your head to corporate America I would never do. Scummy ass companies
SCRA probably won’t do anything here. That said, a 25 year lease for $13k can’t be that expensive….maybe if you have a 10% APR or something on them.
Have you considered just buying the panels straight out? It will lower your monthly expenses and if you decide to rent it when you aren’t living there you can still rent for market value and pocket the extra rent (that would normally go towards paying them off).