Quick Answer
How do I know if solar panels on a house are leased or owned?
Search floridaucc.com (Florida Secured Transaction Registry) for UCC-1 filings under the homeowner's name. If there's a filing mentioning solar, photovoltaic, or energy equipment, the panels are likely leased or financed — and there's a lien on them. Owned panels free and clear won't have a UCC filing.
Why Solar Panel Liens Matter
Solar panels are increasingly common on Florida homes, and they can be a great feature — lower electric bills, environmental benefits, and potential home value increase. But there's a critical distinction every buyer needs to understand: owned panels vs. leased panels.
Owned panels are yours. They convey with the property at sale, no strings attached. Leased panels belong to the solar company. When you buy the home, you're inheriting the lease — typically 20 to 25 years of monthly payments to the solar company, plus restrictions on what you can do with your roof.
A leased system usually has a UCC-1 financing statement filed with the state, which is essentially a lien on the equipment. This can complicate your closing, affect your insurance, and limit your options if the roof needs work.
How to Search for Solar Liens
Step 1: Search floridaucc.com
Go to the Florida Secured Transaction Registry at floridaucc.com. Run a free debtor search using the current homeowner's name (first and last). Look for any UCC-1 filings that mention solar, photovoltaic, energy, or the property address.
A UCC-1 filing means a creditor (the solar company) has a secured interest in equipment at the property. Common solar companies you might see: Tesla/SolarCity, Sunrun, Vivint Solar, Sunnova, or local installers.
Step 2: Check the County Official Records
You can also search the Hillsborough County Clerk's official records at hillsclerk.com. Search by the homeowner's name and look for any recorded documents related to solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), or UCC fixtures filings.
Have Questions About a Property You're Considering?
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Send Me the Address Call (813) 733-7907Questions to Ask the Seller About Solar
- Are the panels owned or leased? This is question number one. Get documentation.
- If leased, what are the transfer requirements? Most solar leases require the new buyer to qualify and assume the lease. If you can't or won't, the seller may need to buy out the lease before closing.
- What's the remaining lease term and monthly payment? A 20-year lease with 15 years remaining at $150/month is a $27,000 obligation you're taking on.
- Is there a buyout option? Some leases allow the homeowner to purchase the system. Get the buyout price in writing.
- What happens if the roof needs replacement? Removing and reinstalling leased panels for a reroof can cost $5,000-$10,000, and the solar company may need to coordinate the work. Who pays?
- Is the solar permit finaled? Check the building permit for the solar installation. An open or failed permit is a problem — the system may not be properly connected or inspected.
How Solar Panels Affect Home Insurance
Solar panels add to your insurable value — they're part of the structure once installed. Your homeowners insurance needs to cover them. Leased panels can complicate claims because the solar company owns the equipment but you own the roof it's attached to. Make sure your insurance agent knows about the panels and whether they're owned or leased.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove leased solar panels if I don't want them?
Not without the solar company's permission, and usually not without paying an early termination fee or buying out the lease. The panels belong to them, and the lease is tied to the property. Removal without authorization can trigger breach of contract claims.
Do solar panels increase home value in Florida?
Owned panels generally do — studies show a 3-4% value increase on average. Leased panels are more complicated. Some buyers see them as a benefit (lower electric bills), while others see them as a liability (monthly payments, roof restrictions). The lease obligation can actually make the home harder to sell.
What if the seller says the panels are "paid off" but there's still a UCC filing?
The UCC filing may not have been terminated after the loan was paid. Ask for proof of payoff and then request a UCC-3 termination filing from the creditor. Don't close until the filing is cleared — otherwise, the lien follows the property.
About Barrett Henry — Barrett Henry is a licensed REALTOR® and Broker Associate with REMAX Collective, serving buyers, sellers, and investors across the greater Tampa Bay market. With 23+ years of real estate experience, Barrett brings data-driven advice and a client-first approach to every transaction. Learn more