How Solar Panels Affect Your Home’s Value and Curb Appeal

By Ted Holmes

A lifelong resident of Chappaqua, Ted began his career as a mortgage loan officer over 20 years ago, eventually co-owning The Asset Center, Inc., a mortgage brokerage firm in Armonk, NY.

Most homeowners love the idea of paying less for power, but the thought of covering their roof with solar panels raises a lot of questions: Will it really save money? Will it hurt curb appeal or help resale value?

I recently decided to install solar panels on my own home, and the process gave me a clear, real-world view of what works, what to expect, and what every homeowner should consider before saying yes to solar.

Why solar stands out. With energy costs rising, more Westchester homeowners are looking for ways to cut long-term expenses. Solar panels are one of the most effective methods, and modern systems are far more efficient than they were a decade ago. The idea of producing your own clean power is appealing, but understanding how it works in your specific home is important.

What to consider before installation. One of the first questions my clients ask is how solar panels will look on their roof. Curb appeal matters, especially when your home is visible from the street.

My wife and I felt the same way. Even though installing panels on both the front and back would create better efficiency, we chose to install them only on the back to keep the home’s front appearance clean. Decisions like this are personal, and every homeowner should weigh aesthetics against performance.

Preparing your roof for sunlight. Solar works best with clear exposure, which means trees can sometimes be a factor. We removed a few trees to increase sunlight and improve overall output. This is something many homeowners need to consider, and a good solar company will guide you on what needs to change to maximize efficiency.

Real expectations about savings. While the potential savings are exciting, they depend on your roof direction, sunlight exposure, and system size. I worked with Trinity Solar, and after reviewing their analysis, I am confident there will be meaningful savings. The exact amount varies, but homeowners should expect some reduction in electricity costs once the system is running.

Should you consider solar? If lower energy bills, long-term savings, and increased home appeal matter to you, solar may be worth considering. A trustworthy solar company will walk you through the financial breakdown so you can compare your current utility costs with projected solar production.

If you are considering solar panels or have questions about your home or real estate, give me a call at 914-548-6179, email me at ted.holmes@raveis.com, or visit www.theholmesteamny.com. So if solar is on your mind, let’s talk through your options and build a plan that protects your home’s value, your budget, and your peace of mind.