Solar Lease Or Buy Apr 2026

You can start saving on day one without spending thousands upfront.

The solar company owns the equipment, meaning they are responsible for all repairs and monitoring. solar lease or buy

The solar company, not you, keeps all government rebates and tax credits. Buying (Cash/Loan) Leasing (PPA/Lease) Upfront Cost High (or monthly loan) Tax Credit You keep it (30%) Solar company keeps it Maintenance You are responsible Company is responsible Home Value Increases equity No change (may complicate sale) Long-Term Savings Highest (40-70%) Lower (10-30%) You can start saving on day one without

Leasing is essentially "renting" your roof to a solar company. It’s an accessible entry point if you want green energy without a large financial commitment. Buying (Cash/Loan) Leasing (PPA/Lease) Upfront Cost High (or

It’s a strong option if you have low tax liability (and thus can't use the tax credit) or don't qualify for a competitive solar loan. The "Red Flags" of Leasing While convenient, leases have long-term drawbacks:

An owned system can increase your home's resale value by up to $79,000 , or roughly 6.9%.

Most leases include an "escalator" that increases your monthly payment by 1–3% every year , which can eventually eat into your savings.