Solar Lease Surprise: When a Solar PPA and the Closing Don't Align

During a routine closing a buyer discovers the home's rooftop solar system is tied to a third-party power purchase agreement (PPA) that can't be assigned without lender and servicer sign-off. Suddenly the loan, insurance, and the seller's payoff plan are all in limbo. In this episode Matthew Halliday unpacks that real-deal scenario and walks listeners through practical, non-technical steps to prevent the same problem. You'll learn how to tell leased vs owned solar, the title and escrow flags to watch for, and three concrete resolution paths—assignment, buyout, or escrow holdback—plus how each affects lender approval and homeowner insurance. The episode closes with a concise pre-offer and pre-closing checklist you can use right away to avoid surprises, protect financing, and keep the calendar intact.