Pros and Cons of Leasing Solar Panels (Key Points To Note!)

There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re thinking about going solar. One option you might be considering is leasing solar panels.

Leasing has become a popular option in recent years, as more and more people are looking for ways to go solar without having to make a big investment. But is it the right choice for you?

The pros of leasing solar panels are lower upfront costs, no down payment, and immediate savings. The cons of leasing solar panels include: you don’t own the system, you can’t take the system with you if you move, and you may have extra fees if you want to get out of the lease early.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of leasing solar panels and help you decide if it’s the right option for you!

The Pros and Cons of Solar Panel Leasing

Solar panel leasing has become a popular option for many homeowners who are looking to go solar. There are a few things to consider before signing a lease.

It is important to make sure that you understand the terms of the lease. These can vary depending on the company, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.

You will need to have a good idea of your energy needs. This will help you determine how much of your home’s energy will be offset by the solar panels. You should also be aware of any changes in energy prices. This can affect how much money you save by going solar.

To help you decide if leasing is the right option for you, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Leasing Solar Panels Pros

There are a few advantages to leasing solar panels. These include:

Lower upfront cost: One of the biggest advantages of leasing solar panels is that it requires little to no money down. This makes it a great option for people who want to go solar, but don’t have a lot of money upfront.
Easy installation: Solar panel leases often include installing solar panels. This can make going solar much easier and more convenient because you no longer have to think about solar panel installation.
No maintenance costs: When you lease solar panels, the solar company that owns the solar equipment is responsible for maintaining it. This means that you won’t have to worry about paying for repairs or replacements if something goes wrong.
Immediate energy savings: Leasing solar panels can also help you start saving money right away. This is because you’ll be using less energy from the grid, which will lower your monthly utility bills.
Flexible repayment terms: Most solar leases have flexible repayment terms, which means you can choose how long you want to lease the panels for. This can be helpful if you’re not sure how long you’ll be in your home.

The Cons of Leasing Solar Panels

There are also a few disadvantages to leased solar panels. These include:

You don’t own the system: When you lease solar panels, you don’t actually own the solar system. This means that you won’t be able to take it with you if you move.
You may have extra fees: Some solar leases come with additional fees, such as termination fees. This means that it could be more expensive to get out of the lease early.
You can’t make changes to the system: If you want to make any changes to the solar panels, you’ll need to get permission from the company that owns the system. This can be difficult and time-consuming.
No net metering credits on utility bills: In some states, you can get credits on your utility bills for the extra energy that your solar panels produce. However, these credits are typically only available if you own the solar panels.
You can’t claim the tax credits, rebates, and SRECs: Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and other solar incentives can help offset the cost of going solar. However, these are only available to people who own their solar panels and not when leasing.

Now that you know the pros and cons of leasing solar panels, you can decide if it’s the right option for you. If you have any questions, be sure to consult with a solar expert. They can help you understand the process and find the best option for your needs.

We also recommend talking to others that have gone through or are in the middle of the solar panel leasing process. They can provide valuable insights and first-hand experience that can help you make your decision.

How Does Leasing a Solar Panel Work?

Leasing solar panels work by having a third-party company own, install, and maintain the solar panels on your property. In exchange for this service, you agree to pay the company a monthly fee for the solar power that the solar panels generate.

The terms of the solar lease agreement will vary depending on the utility company, but most leases last for 20 years. At the end of the lease, you will have the option to purchase the solar panels or have them removed from your property.

Leasing solar panels is a good option for people who want to go solar but don’t have the money to purchase solar panels outright and do not have the right credit score for solar loans.

What Is a Solar PPA?

A solar PPA, or power purchase agreement, is a financial agreement between a homeowner and a solar developer, in which the developer agrees to install, own, and operate a solar energy system on the homeowner’s property.

In exchange, the homeowner agrees to purchase electricity from the developer at a fixed rate for a set period of time. Solar PPAs are an attractive option for homeowners who want to go solar but don’t have the upfront capital to pay for a system.

And because the developer bears the risk of fluctuating electricity prices, PPAs can provide homeowners with greater price stability over the term of the agreement.

Solar PPAs are also becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses and other large electricity consumers who want to switch to renewable energy but don’t want to invest in their own solar arrays.

In some cases, the developer may also agree to sell the customer the PV system at the end of the contract period which can provide additional savings.

Remember that this is a long term agreement so you’ll need to make sure that you’re comfortable with the terms before signing anything because the contract usually lasts for 15-20 years.

FAQ

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Is Leasing Solar Panels Worth It?

As a general rule, leasing solar panels is worth it if you do not have the money to buy them outright and plan on staying in your home for at least 10 years. If you move within that time frame, you will likely end up losing money on the deal.

However, if you stay in your home long enough, you will save more money by leasing the solar panels than you would have by buying them outright.

What Is the Downside of Solar Leasing?

The main downside of leasing solar panel systems is that you don’t actually own the panels, the leasing company does. This means that you don’t reap the financial benefits of owning the panels, such as federal solar tax credit and rebates.

Additionally, if you decide to sell your home, you may have to lease the solar panels from the new homeowner or remove them altogether.

Final Thoughts

Leasing solar panels can be a great way to reduce your monthly energy costs, but it’s important to understand the terms of the solar panel lease agreement before signing anything.

Make sure you know what you’re getting into and that you’re comfortable with the length of the contract.

If you have bad credit and trying to purchase solar panels, leasing may be the best option for you. There are a number of companies that offer solar leases, so shop around to find the best deal.

And remember, if you do decide to lease, make sure to read the fine print!