The decision about how to finance your solar power system depends on your particular financial goals.
The main practical distinction between buying and leasing a solar PV system is in ownership. If you buy a solar panel system, you own the system, either outright (if purchasing with cash) or after repaying your solar loan. If you lease the system or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA), a third party owns the solar panel system.
This distinction impacts the cost, maintenance, terms, financial offsets, and savings/returns on investment of your solar panel system. In addition, not all companies offer solar leases and/or PPAs—confirm that your chosen provider offers the financing option that you want most. Note that PPAs are not legally permitted in many areas.
Should I buy or lease my solar power system?
Purchasing a solar panel system with cash, or financing a purchase with a solar loan, is your best option when you…
- Want to maximize the financial benefits of installing a solar panel system, rather than solely benefiting from the system’s environmental benefits;
- Are eligible to reduce your federal and state tax liability through the federal investment tax credit;
- Are a business, and can realize tax benefits by treating the solar panel system as a depreciable asset; and/or
- Want to increase the market value of your home by installing a solar panel system.
A solar lease/PPA is your best option when you…
- Are primarily interested in using electricity generated from renewable resources, rather than maximizing the financial benefits of installing a solar panel system;
- Want to avoid the responsibility of maintenance or repairs for a solar panel system;
- Are ineligible for federal or state investment tax credits resulting from your investment in a solar panel system; and/or
- Do not want to wait until the following year to receive the financial benefits of tax credits.
Compare and contrast: buying and leasing solar
There are practical differences in cost, maintenance, terms, opportunities for financial offsets, and savings/returns on investment, depending on the financing decision that you make.
Installation cost
Solar loan/cash purchase
- Solar power systems can cost $15,000 to $30,000 before rebates and incentives in the United States and between £2500 and £8000 in the European Union.
- Cash rebates can reduce the total cost by up to 50 percent. Most solar installers will manage the paperwork and adjust the purchase price to reflect the net amount.
Solar lease/PPA
- You can get a solar energy system for little or no money down.
- You don’t qualify for tax credits, rebates, or incentives – those belong to the third party owner of the system.
Maintenance
Solar loan/cash purchase
- You own the system and are responsible for maintaining it. Note that solar equipment is durable and carries warranties, so you won’t have much maintenance to worry about.
- Your purchase may not include an app to track your system’s performance.
Solar lease/PPA
- The solar company owns and maintains the solar power system.
- Most leases include free apps that track the performance of your system.
Terms
Solar loan
- Loans are generally available for 10 to 20 year terms, with interest rates ranging from 3 percent to 8 percent if you have a FICO credit score of 640 or above.
Solar lease/PPA
- Solar leases and PPAs are generally for 20 to 25 years, at which point you can renew your agreement or purchase the system outright.
Savings/ROI
Solar loan/cash purchase
- You can save between 40 percent and 70 percent on electricity costs over the lifetime of your solar panel system, depending on your property and the incentives in your state.
- You receive free electricity for the life of the solar energy system (usually 25 to 30 years).
Solar lease / PPA
- You can save between 10 percent and 30 percent off the prices you pay your utility for electricity, depending on your property and the incentives in your state.
Compare your financing options before deciding to buy or lease your solar power system
Before you make a decision on buying or leasing your solar power system, explore all of the solar financing options available to you. Every situation is different, and what is best for your property depends on a wide range of factors. By registering your property and project with us, you can view the best finance options and access a network of pre-screened solar installers. Our one-stop shop provides you with all the information you need to understand the relative costs and benefits of buying versus leasing your solar power system.
Do you need a solar financing company in the USA and Canada?
Finding the right financing provider for your solar panel system is relatively easy. Our extensive database includes profiles of solar financing companies for United States and Canada.
- Financing Companies
- Leasing Companies
- Loan Providers
Do you need a solar financing company in Europe?
As we said earlier finding the right financing provider for your solar panel system is easy. Our extensive database includes profiles of the solar financing companies available to you in Europe (
- Financing Companies
- Leasing Companies
- Loan Providers
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