Summary
Realtors in Calgary: Has the number of listings of homes with a solar system increased in the past 3 years? Knowing what to ask the homeowner, and which solar benefits to highlight, can make the difference between a standard listing and a standout sale. With solar adoption surging and buyers actively seeking energy-efficient homes, it's essential to position these properties as smart, future-ready investments.
This toolkit provides realtors with the essential resources needed to effectively market and sell solar-equipped homes.
Solar panels are no longer a novelty in Alberta real estate. As of August 2025, over 36,600 solar microgeneration systems—mostly roof-mounted—are powering homes across the province, with nearly 10,000 added in 2024 alone.
So, solar-equipped homes are becoming increasingly common—but are they becoming increasingly desirable?
Selling a solar home isn't just about listing it; it's about leveraging its energy-smart advantages to appeal to today's budget-savvy and eco-conscious buyers. Here’s how to position a solar home as a hot commodity on the market, and why you should be excited to sell one!
Why Solar Homes Sell Differently (and Better)
Solar homes offer something rare in real estate: built-in long-term savings. In a market where energy costs continue to rise, homes with solar systems are increasingly seen as a smart investment. These are the key benefits realtors should highlight:
1. Shorter Time on Market
Energy-efficient homes in Calgary tend to sell faster. Buyers are looking for homes that are “move-in ready” in more ways than one—solar fits that bill with immediate benefits. You can read more about the landscape of Calgary homes with solar here.
2. Reduced Utility Bills = Ongoing Buyer Value
Buyers love hearing two things: "low maintenance" and "low monthly costs." A solar system delivers both.
A home with a well-built solar system should have electricity bills that are close to zero. That's right, ZERO! Depending on the size of home, that could mean thousands of dollars less that a homeowner will have to pay out per year. Like a new water heater, except that it saves you money.
3. Energy-Independence
A solar home can generate its own electricity and here's why it matters - A solar-powered home offers:
- Protection from utility rate increases and reduced transmission and distribution fees
- The most affordable way to power an EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles, more than using grid electricity or gas—making it a smart match for the modern, energy-efficient lifestyle.
- Solar panels on south-facing rooftops reduce direct sunlight exposure, helping preserve shingles and extend roof life.
- Solar systems can eliminate a home's electricity costs, or even generating excess credits or payments, through net metering, where excess solar power is sent back to the grid.
- Real-Time monitoring and smart usage, through apps that can track their energy production (and in some cases, consumption) in real-time.
The Result?
Solar homeowners often become more informed and intentional with their energy choices. This leads to lower bills, smarter consumption, and a deeper sense of environmental responsibility. It’s not just about saving money. It’s about energy freedom and independence.
Selling Tips: How to Market a Solar Home
What Information Do You Need to Gather?
When you are assessing a new solar home to list, look at the number of solar panels the home has (installers call them solar modules, as to not be confused with electrical panels) and ask the current homeowner:
- How long ago they installed the solar system, and which app they use to track their solar production
- If their system has animal guard / squirrel protection / critter guard? (it makes a BIG difference for maintenance purposes!)
- If their solar offsets their entire home's consumption? Maybe ask them for an electrical bill, so you can include utility bill screenshots showing the savings. Nothing speaks louder than a $10 electricity bill.
- If they installed their solar system within the past few years – ask how much it dropped their bills. Then you have an exact figure for how much savings the solar system generates per year!
How to Make the Most out of Your Listing?
- Include the system size (in kW) and installation date
- State whether this system is currently offsetting the entire home's consumption
- Include drone shots of the panels
- Highlight the inverter brand (which is also the App that the system is linked to)
Final Notes: Solar is a Selling Point, Not a Hurdle
Some real estate professionals may hesitate to list or market homes with solar systems due to unfamiliarity with the system or the nuances of energy savings. Or worse, attribute zero value to a home's solar system. However, with a clear understanding of how these systems work, solar panels can become a strategic selling advantage. By helping buyers see the real value, such as monthly savings, environmental impact, and future-proof appeal, you’re not just selling a home - you’re selling a lifestyle upgrade.
At Potential Engineering, we are happy to assist in conversations on how to sell a home with solar, provide our knowledge on solar systems and key selling points to help you and your clients make informed, confident decisions. Reach out to us anytime!
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