Lease Vs Buy Solar - What Are the Pros & Cons?

What are the pros and cons of a solar lease compared to purchasing them outright?

In this video, I will explain some of the differences between the two options and why you might choose one over the other. There is no wrong way to go solar but there are significant differences that you need to be aware of. Some of those differences are:

Who gets credit for the energy produced?
Who gets the rebates and incentives and tax credits?
What costs are there up front?
Does it increase my home value?
Are there hidden things I need to know about?
What happens if I want to sell my home?
Which option is more predictable?

If you are interested in a grid tied solar system for your entire house, these are the experts:

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[CarolColeLewis]

If you want to sell a home that has a solar lease or PPA and the buyer wanted the solar free and clear, wouldn't you just negotiate the cost of the buyout as a part of the sales process? Why or why not?

[MrJohndeere]

i want 2 get a small windmill 2 power some small things in my house.. a 400 W windmill is right around $600. so may work on that next summer..

[jamessmoth]

the also place a title lean on the house in some places, if you have a roof leak, it's impossible to have someone fix or repair the roof with the panels on, and almost impossible to get the lease company to remove the panels from your roof to do the repair

[thomaskn]

Don't the incentives and tax benefits depend on what state you're in? In California, there's much better incentives than say in Arizona.

[raysatterfield]

most solar lenders whether lease or loan include the ability to transfer the contract to the new homebuyer.

[felaxchow]

In my opinion when it comes to leasing on the long term bases = fleece. Making sure that your roof will last the time that your module will be up there will help immensely. For last few months, I've seen a lot of photovoltaic systems installed conventional shingle roofs. I know that they have some that are rated up to 40+ years, but the hot and humid climate in my area time will tell. I opted for a standing inseam metal roofing system knowingly that I will be installing photovoltaic system in the future. The cost up front was higher than conventional roofing materials, but I sleep better knowing that the contents inside is secure and dry. Next will will be securing my energy future...

[robertschilling]

to this video...👍. i will add a thought. i hear buyer remorse on leasing. conversely, the upfront cost to buy your own system scares off a lot of buyers. if i had to make a choice...i would buy. i have never heard of a lease of anything to be profitable to the leesee. just my thoughts.

[FranciscoSanchez-xukk]

I’m in the process of buying a house. There is a lease on the solar panels 17 years left. If i buy the panels outright will I still get a tax refund.?

[steedblackman]

2:14- "Solar panels DO NOT increase your homes value
3:36- " You have increased your homes value."

Wait. What? What did he just say? Which one is it?

[IJoeAceJRI]

Id buy anytime but im gonna wait 10 or so years when solar costs go through the floor.

[robertsteich]

An other thing to add. Is that with a purchased system, you can go over 100% of your annual energy usage. That is of course depending on where you live. CT just made it a law in late 2016 where a residential owner can go over 100%. Thus they could make their power bill be $0 for the entire year, or even receive money.

I don't think that can be done with a lease option. Either because of law and/or policy of the installing company. Think about it, if they are allowed, then you'll have to agree that they keep the "overage" payments or you'll get it. And with shady, yes pun intended, out there. Whose to say they'll be honest.

[Mojo]

This information is totally opposite from what i heard about leasing
You do get credit
It does raise value

[ACAMPS.HITHOUSE]

Leasing a solar system just sounds like a dumb idea trust me people buying is the way to go. If your going to be paying monthly and never own it your better off getting with an electric company find one that does a fixed rate it's the same shit . You can get a solar system at 0 down no payment for 60 days and its roughly the same amount as you pay for electric but at least some day you will own it. And take advantage of all the rebates tax credits and over produce power.