Solar Panels and Home Inspections in Atlanta: What Buyers Should Know

As solar energy continues to gain popularity in the Atlanta metro area, more homebuyers are encountering properties equipped with solar panels. While the idea of reducing electricity bills and lowering your carbon footprint is appealing, solar panels can also introduce hidden complexities when it comes to buying or selling a home.

So what should you expect if the home you’re inspecting has a solar energy system installed? And most importantly—does your home inspector actually inspect solar panels?

Let’s break it down.

Table of Contents

1. Why Solar Panels Are Popular in Georgia

2. Are Solar Panels Included in a Standard Home Inspection?

3. Common Solar-Related Defects Inspectors May Flag

4. Why You Should Hire a Licensed Solar Contractor for a Full Inspection

5. Solar Panel Ownership vs. Leasing in Atlanta

6. How Solar Panels Affect Home Insurance and Appraisal

7. Questions to Ask About Solar During a Home Purchase

8. Georgia-Specific Considerations

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Conclusion + Local Call to Action

Why Solar Panels Are Popular in Georgia

Georgia ranks among the top 10 states in the U.S. for solar energy generation. The combination of strong sun exposure, rising energy costs, and attractive tax incentives has made solar power an increasingly common feature on Atlanta homes. Suburbs like Marietta, Smyrna, and Roswell are also seeing a spike in solar installations, especially among newer builds and energy-conscious homeowners.

Are Solar Panels Included in a Standard Home Inspection?

No, solar panel systems are not included in a standard home inspection.

As a home inspector, my job is to assess the condition of readily accessible structural, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. However, solar energy systems fall outside the scope of a general visual home inspection—especially since:

• They’re often mounted on rooftops or in difficult-to-access areas

• They involve high-voltage electrical systems and battery storage

• Warranties and leases may restrict third-party evaluations

That’s why we strongly recommend hiring a licensed solar contractor for a full inspection of the system before closing.

Common Solar-Related Defects Inspectors May Flag

While we don’t inspect the panels themselves, we do observe and report on related or connected defects, including:

• Improper roof penetrations or flashing around mounts

• Signs of roof damage due to panel installation

• Electrical panel modifications or unsafe wiring

• Inverter installations that aren’t labeled or permitted

• Conduit lines improperly secured or routed through walls

We also check the attic space below panels (if accessible) for signs of water intrusion, mold, or overheating.

Why You Should Hire a Licensed Solar Contractor for a Full Inspection

A solar contractor can perform a deep inspection of:

• Solar panel efficiency and output testing

• Inverter function and age

• Battery storage system performance

• Voltage and current measurements

• Manufacturer warranty and installation workmanship

• Roof load calculations

Even more importantly, they can identify whether the system was professionally installed, has active warranties, and was permitted through your county or city (a requirement in places like Cobb and Fulton Counties).

If you’re buying a home with solar panels in Atlanta, don’t rely on a general home inspection alone. A licensed solar specialist ensures you know what you’re buying and what may break down.

Solar Panel Ownership vs. Leasing in Atlanta

Here’s a critical question: Does the seller actually own the solar panels?

• Owned systems add home value and transfer with the sale.

• Leased systems or power purchase agreements (PPAs) may require credit approval, transfer agreements, or pre-payment before the sale closes.

Ask for the paperwork. If a seller can’t produce ownership documentation or the contract details, treat it as a red flag.

How Solar Panels Affect Home Insurance and Appraisal

Not all insurance policies in Georgia automatically cover rooftop solar. You may need to:

• Add a rider to your homeowner’s policy

• Increase coverage limits for roof-mounted assets

• Get separate liability for battery storage systems

Also, many appraisers in Georgia still undervalue solar systems, especially leased ones. A professional solar inspection and system valuation can provide supporting documentation to increase appraised value.

Questions to Ask About Solar During a Home Purchase

Before you sign a contract, make sure you ask:

1. Who installed the system? Was it a licensed company?

2. Is it leased, financed, or owned outright?

3. Are warranties still active? Who are they through?

4. Is there documentation for permits and inspections?

5. Has the roof underneath been inspected since installation?

6. Are there batteries, and are they under warranty?

7. Can you provide 12 months of electric bills to verify performance?

Georgia-Specific Considerations

Atlanta and surrounding counties each have their own permitting processes. If solar panels were installed without permits or final inspections, you could be on the hook to bring the system up to code after purchase.

Georgia also allows net metering in limited capacities. Some utilities (like Georgia Power) restrict how much excess energy can be sold back to the grid. This impacts long-term savings.

Make sure you understand:

• Which utility services the property

• The rate structure and rebate programs available

• Whether the system is grid-tied or battery-backup

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a home inspector tell me if the solar panels are working?

A: Not with certainty. That’s why we recommend hiring a licensed solar specialist who can test the electrical output and system performance.

Q: Will I get tax credits if I buy a home with solar?

A: Only if you are the original purchaser of the system. Most incentives are tied to installation, not resale.

Q: What happens if the roof under the panels needs replacing?

A: The panels must be removed and reinstalled by a solar company, which is expensive. Always have a licensed roofer AND solar company evaluate the roof condition first.

Q: Should I remove panels before a home inspection?

A: Not unless you’re planning to sell them separately. Most buyers expect them to stay with the home.

Conclusion + Local Call to Action

Solar panels are an exciting feature—but they come with responsibility. If you’re buying or selling a solar-powered home in Atlanta, Marietta, or the surrounding suburbs, make sure you understand exactly what’s on (or above) your roof.

As licensed home inspectors, we’ll alert you to roof, wiring, or installation issues that may relate to solar—but for a true system evaluation, we strongly recommend you contact a licensed solar contractor before closing.

Don’t go into a solar home blind.

📅 Schedule your comprehensive Atlanta home inspection today with Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, and we’ll help coordinate with solar professionals when needed.