Buying a Property with Solar Panels or EV Infrastructure: What You Need to Know in 2025 (NSW Guide)

As more Australians embrace sustainable living, homes with solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers are becoming highly sought-after. If you're buying a property in 2025 that comes with green infrastructure, it’s important to know what to look out for.

In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through the legal, financial, and practical checks to make before buying a property with solar energy systems or EV charging capabilities in NSW.

Are the Solar Panels Owned or Leased?

Not all solar systems are fully owned by the seller. Some are:✔ Owned outright and included in the property sale✔ Leased from a solar company✔ Installed under a power purchase agreement (PPA)

✅ What to do:

• Ask your conveyancer to check the contract for solar ownership details

• Get documentation showing proof of ownership or lease agreement

• Be cautious if the system is leased you may be taking over monthly payments or restrictions

Check If the EV Charger Is Included in the Sale

EV chargers can be valuable fixed assets but they’re not always automatically included.

✅ What to do:

• Confirm in writing whether the EV charger is included

• Ask if it’s a hardwired wall charger (usually included) or a portable charger (may be excluded)

• Make sure the Contract of Sale lists it as an inclusion

Request System Documentation

To avoid surprises after settlement, ask for all available documentation, such as:✔ Warranty certificates for solar panels and battery systems✔ Installation and compliance certificates✔ Inverter details and energy output history✔ Any smart system login details (e.g. apps or web portals)

💡 These documents are helpful for ongoing maintenance, warranty claims, and getting the most out of the system.

Confirm Approvals and Compliance

In NSW, any solar or electrical installation must meet local council and safety regulations.

✅ Ask your conveyancer to:

• Check that the system was approved by council or installed by a licensed provider

• Review whether there are any outstanding council orders or non-compliance issues

• Confirm that solar panels are appropriately located and permitted by strata (if in a strata property)

Understand the Financial Benefits (and Limitations)

Solar panels and EV infrastructure can reduce your bills but it's worth understanding the details.

✅ Consider:

• What feed-in tariff (rate per kWh) is offered by the current energy retailer

• If the system includes battery storage, which may store power for night-time use

• Whether the EV charger is compatible with your car make/model

• Potential insurance implications some insurers require special cover for solar battery systems

Don’t Assume Always Include

Even if you see solar panels or an EV charger at the inspection, they won’t be legally yours unless included in the contract.

✔ Ask your agent or conveyancer to list them in the inclusions section✔ Don’t rely on verbal assurances get it in writing✔ Check the condition of the infrastructure before settlement

Final Thoughts: Make Sure It’s a Clean, Green Deal

Buying a home with solar or EV infrastructure is a smart choice but it’s important to do your due diligence. Ownership, warranties, approvals, and inclusions should all be reviewed before you sign the contract.

Why Choose SL Conveyancing?

At SL Conveyancing, we’ve been helping buyers across NSW for over 21 years. We know what to look for in modern contracts, including the fine print around green energy features, smart homes, and emerging technologies.

📞 Buying a home with solar or EV charging? Contact SL Conveyancing for fast, clear contract reviews and expert advice before you sign.

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