Should I Buy or Lease My Solar Panel System?

Solar panel systems are becoming more accessible, affordable, and accepted as an alternative to traditional energy. As more people adopt solar panel systems, the solar industry has boomed, giving customers more options.

Buying a solar energy system can be a good investment, but it is not as simple as it seems. There are many factors, including the cost, maintenance, savings, and return on investment of your solar panel system, that you need to know before making your decision.

While many people have already embraced solar power, the question remains whether they should buy or lease solar panels. In this blog, we will analyze both alternatives, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as providing a cost analysis. Additionally, you will gain insights into what a solar lease entails and determine if it is the optimal choice for your specific needs.

Differences Between Leasing Solar Panels Vs Buying Solar

Leasing Solar Panels Solar panels are a great way to switch to renewable energy but a little expensive. Leasing solar panels is a more affordable option for many people since it does not require the upfront investment that buying solar panels does.

However, when you lease solar panels, you do not own them - a third party does. A solar lease is an excellent option to avoid any responsibility for maintenance or repairs to your solar panel system.

Additionally, this lease can be beneficial to those ineligible for federal or state solar tax credits. Finally, a solar lease is perfect for someone who wants to go solar but does not want to take out a loan or pay cash upfront.

The cost of leasing solar panels varies depending on multiple factors, including how much energy you use, the solar company you lease from, your location, and your credit score.

The average cost is between $50 and $250 per month, with some companies requiring a down payment and others allowing you to lease with a $0-down agreement. When deciding to lease a solar panel system, be sure to account for all of these potential costs.

There are a couple of pitfalls associated with solar leases. For one, a solar lease is not a long-term investment. The savings you could make every month are reduced once the monthly lease amount is deducted. Those who wish to use solar panels for many years will save a lot more in the long run by investing in solar panel purchase. These financing options are available to make the installation cost more affordable, as well as tax credits and incentives to reduce installation costs.

You may have heard that solar panels increase the value of your home, and this is true- only if you the solar panels. Leased solar panels can be a hindrance rather than a help when trying to sell a home. Potential buyers may be reluctant to pick up the lease, and removing the solar panels and cutting your lease contract short will cost you. On the other hand, a fully functional solar system that you own can raise your home’s value by around 4% and make sure you recover your investment.

Buying Solar Panels

Depending on where you live and which company you purchase your solar panels from, the installation cost will vary.

Credits are often given to people who buy solar panels, which can come from either the state or the manufacturer. Even with these perks, there is still an upfront investment that comes with buying solar panels.

Although solar panels have an upfront cost, they ultimately save you money in the long run. Solar panels cost an average of $18,000 to install, but the average amount of time it takes to get a full return on the investment due to energy savings is between seven and ten years.

Additionally, you can benefit from federal tax credits and reimbursements when you own the system.

Over many years, utilizing solar panels can result in significant savings on electricity expenses compared to a solar lease. With a lifespan of 25-35 years, solar panels can generate power for an extended period. Typically, it takes around 7-10 years to achieve a return on investment (ROI), enabling homeowners to benefit from cost savings for a longer duration. Offset 100% of your electricity consumption and eliminate electricity bills with solar panels. With rising energy inflation, your savings, in the long run, are well worth the initial investment.

Which is Better: Leasing or Buying Solar Panels?

The decision to lease solar panels versus buying them is a complex one. There are many factors to be considered like how much you can afford to pay upfront.

If you can afford to buy the panels outright, you will save money in the long run after you recover your initial investment. If you do not have the funds to buy the panels outright with cash or a loan, consider a solar lease.

Another important consideration is the amount of energy you use. If you don't use enough electricity to make it worth buying solar panels, you would be better off leasing them and saving the cost of solar energy.

Final Thoughts

Both leasing and owning solar panels have their perks- like saving money on utility bills and helping the environment.

If you want to adopt solar energy without a significant initial investment, leasing solar panels could be the most suitable option for you. However, if you aim to attain cost savings in the long run, it would be more fitting to purchase and own solar panels.

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