States are finding that subsidies and net metering policies for rooftop solar panels are costing taxpayers millions and tend to benefit higher-income households, who can more afford them.[1] Furthermore, households with solar panels are finding it more difficult to sell their homes if the lease on the solar panels has not been paid off. Prospective homeowners are worried that the solar equipment will become obsolete or will not save as much on electricity bills as advertised. Real estate agents indicate that potential home buyers lose interest in purchasing a home if they need to qualify for credit to take over solar lease payments for the next 15 to 17 years. As a result, current home owners often find that they need to buy out the remaining lease payment stream — $15,000 or $20,000 or more.
