In the sunny coastal corridor of Southeastern North Carolina, solar panels are popping up on rooftops from Surf City to Sunset Beach. For a homeowner, they mean lower electric bills and energy independence. But for a home seller, they can be a transaction minefield.

We have seen deals in New Hanover and Brunswick counties derailed days before closing because of a misunderstood solar contract. The complexity of the sale depends entirely on one question: Do you own the panels, or do you lease them?

Here is the 2026 playbook for navigating a solar sale in our specific utility markets (Duke Energy, BEMC, and Jones-Onslow).

Scenario A: You Lease the Panels (The "Personal Property" Trap)

If you have a lease or a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you do not technically own the panels on your roof—a third-party company does. In the eyes of North Carolina real estate law, these are considered Personal Property, not real estate fixtures.

The Buyer Hurdle: The buyer cannot just "take over" the payments like a utility bill. They must technically apply to assume the lease. This requires a credit check. If your buyer has a borderline debt-to-income ratio for their mortgage, adding a $150/month solar lease payment could disqualify them from buying your house.

The "UCC-1" Lien: Solar leasing companies file a UCC-1 Financing Statement against your home’s title. This is not a mortgage, but it acts like a lien. It must be lifted or transferred for the buyer to get clear title.

The Timeline: Do not wait until closing week. Initiating a lease transfer with national solar companies can take 30+ days. Start this process the moment you go under contract.

Scenario B: You Own the Panels (The "Appraisal" Challenge)

If you paid cash or financed the panels with a loan you intend to pay off at closing, the panels are Real Property. They convey with the house just like a deck or a fence.

The Value: In our market, owned solar panels add value, but they rarely add dollar-for-dollar value. If you paid $30,000 for the system last year, an appraiser in Hampstead might only give you $12,000 in contributory value.

The Marketing: You must sell the math, not the hardware. Don't list "Solar Panels" as a feature; list "$12 Average Monthly Electric Bill" as the headline.

The "Grandfathered" Rate: A Duke Energy Goldmine

If you are a Duke Energy customer in Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach, your solar system might be more valuable than you think.

The Legacy Rate: If you installed your system before October 2023, you are likely on the "Legacy Net Metering" rate (the favorable 1:1 credit system).

The Transfer Win: Contrary to popular belief, subsequent owners (your buyers) CAN inherit this legacy rate until January 2027. After that, they transition to the "Bridge Rate" for the remainder of the 15-year term.

The Strategy: This is a massive selling point. You are selling a home with "guaranteed cheap power" that a neighbor buying a new solar system today cannot get.

The Local Utility Transfer Guide

Transferring interconnection agreements varies wildly by zip code.

Duke Energy (New Hanover/Pender): The buyer must submit a "Transfer of Ownership" request via the online portal.

Brunswick Electric (BEMC): Simpler process. The buyer fills out the "Name Change/Transfer" form. Be aware BEMC has a 25 kW cap for residential systems—rarely an issue for homes, but critical for larger estates.

Jones-Onslow EMC (Onslow): Requires a new Interconnection Agreement. Note that they have specific application fees ($100+) that often surprise buyers at closing.

We Speak "Solar"

Selling a home with solar requires more than just a "Green Home" flyer. It requires a specific contract strategy to ensure the lease transfers smoothly or the paid-off value is recognized by the appraiser.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we understand the nuances of the "Solar Addendum" and the specific transfer policies of our local co-ops. We make sure your solar investment is an asset that sells the home, not a liability that stalls it.

If you are ready to sell your solar-powered home and want to ensure you get full credit for your energy investment, let’s connect.