Does Leasing Solar Panels Save Money

These options could save you more money than a solar lease depending on your circumstances.

Does leasing solar panels save money. That offers a lower upfront cost although since you don t own the panels they won t raise the value of your home. Solar leasing does have some drawbacks potential lessees should pay attention to. Many leases contain an. With a lease arrangement you ll make lower monthly payments while your freed up cash can work for you in other investments like stocks bonds or real estate.

The federal government provides a 30 percent tax cut on solar installation costs though that program is set to end this year with nothing in the works to replace it. You receive free electricity for the life of the solar energy system usually 25 to 30 years. Essentially the solar leasing company is selling you power at a reduced rate generated from the newly installed solar panels. While solar lease options typically have less financial benefit to homeowners than owning a system a good solar lease can still save you anywhere from 10 to 30 percent compared to what you re paying your utility company for electricity.

If you don t have the money for a cash purchase of a solar panel system you can consider a solar loan or a solar ppa. Keep in mind that you don t have to buy solar panels you can lease them too. If your roof is deeply shaded by trees mountains or buildings solar panels won t work well. Savings vary from 5 25 on monthly electricity bills.

If your credit score prevents you from qualifying for a zero down solar loan then leasing solar panels might be your best option. For one lessees won t qualify for tax incentives. Your power rates with the leasing company are locked in for the life of the agreement. In most cases you ll save much more money in the long run by exploring other financing options like an fha title 1 loan or a traditional loan from your personal bank.

Considering that solar panel installations start in the tens of thousands of dollars leasing could be more accessible to the general population. We simply do not recommend it. Here s where it gets really good. It may seem obvious but access to sunlight is important.

People who lease their solar systems save far less than those who buy them outright or with a loan they also miss out on federal tax benefits and any local incentives.