11.1.2 What to do when the seller can't produce solar documents

Don't drop the issue easily. It's not a "nice to have."

Even if the seller tells you "the home price doesn't include any premium for the solar," you haven't won. A non-working, unmaintainable solar system can actively reduce the home's value.

First, there are safety concerns — when you don't know why the system stopped, whether water intrusion has occurred, whether wiring has shorted or aged out, that uncertainty itself is risk. Second, if you want to install a new system later, the old system can't just be ripped off — there's removal, transport, roof repair, and disposal cost. That bill isn't small.

So first, demand the most recent utility bills and access to the solar monitoring app. They reveal whether the system is producing, what it saved over the year, and whether there have been bill anomalies.

Also, if the system is still under warranty, get the complete warranty document so you know who is responsible when something fails, and exactly what's covered. Some warranties terminate when the home changes ownership — you must read the fine print.

Homeowner takeaway: when you install solar, email yourself an electronic copy of the full design package. It won't ever disappear. You'll need it for your own use, and you'll need it when you sell the home.