Here at Sunrun, we’ve transferred thousands of solar lease agreements for our customers.

First-time home buyer Michael Naughton shares his simple path to saving with the sun

Here at Sunrun we’ve transferred thousands of leased solar panels agreements for our customers. We pride ourselves on making this solar system transfer process super easy and hassle-free—just a like a solar lease with Sunrun.

Buying a home with solar panels from Sunrun already installed is a lesser-known but increasingly popular way to go solar for the first time. The good news is that there are a number of solar energy homes for sale today that have pre-installed solar panels ready for use.

We caught up with happy Sunrun solar energy system customer Michael Naughton in Dedham, Mass., about his experience going solar as a first-time home buyer.

So, did you buy a house with solar panels already on it?

Yes, that’s right. 

We were looking to buy our first home and knew we wanted to stay there long-term. When we first scouted properties, we didn’t see too many homes for sale with the solar panel installation already done, so we had it in our minds that we’d add solar energy systems later. 

When we visited our new home, we were super happy with the property, and the fact that it was a house with solar panels already installed was icing on the cake.

Why was solar something you always knew you’d want?

We’re very environmentally conscious and keen on reducing our carbon footprint. My wife lived in California previously and grew accustomed to living sustainably, whether it be through composting and recycling whenever possible or using public transportation.

In Boston, we also had high electricity utility bills. We have a 7-month old daughter now and savings is a priority for our family. We knew that we had to install solar panels as it was the right thing to do for the planet and for our finances.

So, are you saving money today with your Sunrun solar panel system?

Yes, we’re enormously pleased with our solar power savings. Last month we didn’t even pay an electric bill. In fact, we got a $23 credit for the power we generated. Having solar panels definitely helps us keep costs down.

Let’s talk about the service transfer process, what was that like?

To be honest, I haven’t thought a lot about the leased solar panels transfer process since we moved in at the end of last summer—it was that easy. 

The Sunrun solar panels transfer team made the process simple by communicating regularly with me about the required forms for the leased solar panel system transfer. 

There was a good amount of coordination between the parties (sellers, realtors, ourselves, and the utility company) for this power purchase agreement, but Sunrun managed it all seamlessly.

So would you say the future’s bright for renewable energy?

Absolutely. I love that my daughter will grow up thinking installing solar panels is the norm. I’m proud that we’re setting a good example for her. I try to spread the word about leased solar panels whenever possible. I’m actually in the process of convincing my parents to get solar panels installed right now.

Sarah Mier is the communications supervisor at Sunrun.