You may be tempted to lease rather than buy but consumer reports says leasing solar panels is not a bright idea.
Buying vs leasing solar panels.
Buying solar panels requires an investment and more decision making than leasing but over the long term the benefits of owning your system are hard to beat.
The main practical distinction between buying and leasing a solar pv system is in ownership.
Buying involves purchasing the solar panels for domestic or commercial use using the buyers own or borrowed funds.
Buying solar panels long term savings.
Buying your solar panels means you either purchase with cash or take out a solar loan or home equity loan that you can pay off and eventually own your solar panel system outright.
And while buying is still the better long term investment leasing solar panels is a good alternative to buying for many people and in many circumstances.
Prices of solar panels are falling.
Leasing solar panels from a solar provider merely give you benefits as a renter of the energy system.
We will discuss the pros and cons in this article but first we must address one fact.
Tax credits and incentives.
If you don t buy the company you lease from remains the owner of the solar panel system and therefore receives the long term financial benefits.
If you buy a solar panel system you own the system either outright if purchasing with cash or after repaying your solar loan.
The benefits of a solar lease solar leasing and ppas allow homeowners to go solar without the upfront costs of installing a system which can range up to 30 000.
The only way to receive a 30 federal tax credit on the cost of your solar energy system is if you buy your panels.
One of the biggest disadvantages of solar leases is that you don t get to take advantage of.
A solar panel system can impact the way you enjoy and utilize your home.
Conclusion on leasing vs buying solar panels in conclusion leasing solar panels makes solar energy available to more people than ever.
Whether you lease or buy solar panels you will save money on your energy bill.
If you lease the system or sign a power purchase agreement ppa a third party owns the solar panel system.
Leasing your solar panels essentially means you rent them and the company you rent them from has ownership of the system for the duration of your lease contract.
However when you buy.
The solar panels become the property of the purchaser after the funds are transferred.
At the end of the contract the lessee can renew buy the panels outright often for a discounted price or have the panels removed.
Difference between leasing vs buying solar panels.