Solar and home sales: a guide for estate agents
Tony Lopes
Short answer: Confirm early whether the solar system is owned or rented, ask the seller for the Certificate of Compliance and the municipal SSEG approval, and flag any missing paperwork before the offer stage. An independent solar audit gives buyers confidence, protects the seller and stops a late surprise from delaying transfer.
Last updated November 2026.
More and more listings in Gauteng come with solar, and buyers ask harder questions about it. Agents who know what to check close faster and avoid deals falling over at transfer. CleanVolts runs a partner programme for estate agents to help. This guide isn't legal advice; confirm specifics with the conveyancer.
What should estate agents know about selling homes with solar?
| Check | Why it matters | Ask the seller for |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | A rented system belongs to the provider, not the seller. | Purchase invoice, or the rental agreement. |
| Certificate of Compliance | The electrical CoC for transfer should cover the solar installation. | The solar CoC and the installer's details. |
| SSEG registration | Grid-connected systems must be registered with the municipality. | The municipal approval letter. |
| Warranties | Buyers want to know what's still covered. | Component list with serial numbers and warranty terms. |
| Condition | An ageing battery or a faulty inverter affects value. | Monitoring app access and service records. |
Who pays for a solar CoC on transfer?
Usually the seller, as part of the electrical compliance certificate the sale agreement requires, but it depends on the agreement. If the solar installation has no CoC, the seller may need a registered electrician to inspect it and fix any defects before a certificate can be issued. Raise it early. See no CoC for your solar system.
How do I handle a rented system?
Contact the rental provider as soon as the property is listed. Most offer either transfer of the agreement to the buyer, if they qualify, or settlement and removal. State in the listing and the offer which applies, so the buyer isn't surprised.
Can I refer clients for an audit?
Yes. A solar audit by a registered installer checks the paperwork, safety and condition of the system and gives buyer and seller the same report. Point buyers to buying a house with solar and sellers to selling a house with solar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for a solar CoC on transfer?
Usually the seller, depending on the sale agreement. Check with the conveyancer.
How do I handle a rented system?
Ask the provider whether the agreement can transfer to the buyer or must be settled, and disclose it in the listing.
Can I refer clients for an audit?
Yes. CleanVolts arranges audits with registered installers and keeps you informed.
Where We Fit In
CleanVolts arranges solar audits for property sales through registered CleanVolts Approved installers, who contract with the client directly and fix anything the audit finds. Agents in our partner programme get a fast turnaround and updates throughout. Any referral fees are disclosed to everyone involved.
