Selling or Refinancing a Home With Solar

Solar panels can add value to a home, but leased systems, power purchase agreements, solar loans, and recorded UCC filings frequently complicate closings. Buyers, lenders, and title companies need to know who owns the panels and whether any lien or filing must be released. Muggeo & Associates helps Massachusetts sellers, buyers, and owners refinancing resolve solar issues before they derail a transaction.

Owned, Financed, Leased, or PPA?

Owned outright: the panels transfer with the house like other fixtures.
Financed with a solar loan: the loan may need to be paid off at closing, especially if a UCC filing or lien secures it.
Leased: you pay monthly to use a system the provider owns; the buyer must assume the lease, or you must buy it out.
Power purchase agreement (PPA): the provider owns the system and sells you the electricity; similar transfer or buyout rules apply.

UCC Fixture Filings

Solar providers and lenders often record UCC-1 fixture filings at the registry of deeds to give notice of their interest in the equipment. The Massachusetts Attorney General has cautioned homeowners that these filings tell buyers and lenders that the homeowner does not own the panels. A title examiner may require a release, subordination, or other documentation before closing.

Common Closing Problems

Buyer does not qualify for or refuses to assume the lease or PPA
Provider is slow to approve a transfer or give a payoff
Filing not released after a loan is paid
Inaccurate payoff or buyout figures
Provider or installer has gone out of business
Lender requires subordination before refinancing
Disputes over who pays for removal before a roof replacement

How We Help

Review the solar agreement for transfer, buyout, and removal terms
Coordinate with the title examiner, lender, and provider
Draft purchase and sale terms that allocate solar obligations
Demand releases and accurate payoffs, and pursue remedies for unreasonable delay
Handle related Real Estate and Landlord-Tenant matters and Condominium Matters

We represent homeowners, condominium owners, and businesses across the North Shore, including Salem, Peabody, Beverly, Lynn, Marblehead, Swampscott, Danvers, Gloucester, Newburyport, and communities throughout the North Shore and Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a UCC filing on my home?

Many solar lease and PPA providers, and some lenders, record a UCC fixture filing to give public notice that they own the panels or have a security interest in them. That filing can show up in a title search when you sell or refinance.

Can I sell my house if my solar panels are leased?

Usually yes, but the buyer must qualify to assume the lease or PPA, or you must buy out or otherwise resolve the agreement. Start the transfer process early, because provider approval can take weeks.

What if the solar company will not cooperate with my closing?

Unresponsive providers, inaccurate payoff figures, and refusals to release filings can delay closings. We contact the provider, demand the required documents, and pursue remedies when delays cause damages.

Do I have to disclose leased solar to a buyer?

Leased or financed panels, transfer requirements, and filings affect title and the buyer’s obligations. Disclose them early and address them in the purchase and sale agreement.

Talk With a Massachusetts Solar Dispute Attorney

If you have a home sale or refinance complicated by solar panels, call Muggeo & Associates at (978) 741-1177, text the same number, or request a consultation online. We answer calls 24/7 and can be reached at jared@ljmassoc.com. Our office is at 133 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts. Bring your contract, financing documents, and any utility or monitoring statements.

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Laws and incentive programs change, and every situation is different. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. Last reviewed November 2026.

Call or Text (978) 741-1177 to Schedule Your Consultation