Leasing Solar Panels: Is It a Good Idea?
Let’s find out whether leasing solar panels is a good idea.
Solar panels require a significant level of investment and the decision to buy or lease solar panels requires a lot of care; however, the long-term benefits of installing them are already well documented.
However, a solar panel lease contract can make things very complex when you decide to sell your property. The reason is that lease contracts are usually hard to transfer. If you were to sell your home before the full term of the lease has run, the new owner must have a good credit score. One way out of this is to prepay the lease and add the cost to the asking price of your home.
Why Solar Leasing Isn't a Good Idea
Leasing often looks more attractive than buying solar panels; the theory is that with leasing, there is no need for you to look around separately for an installer and finance options. While a whopping 72% of residential solar customers in 2014 signed up for leasing or other third-party arrangements, there is a stark reality that people are missing about solar lease vs buy.
Here is why leasing solar panels could turn out to be a bad idea.
Modest savings
Those who lease their solar devices end up saving much less than their counterparts who buy outright — even with loans. The truth is that many lease contracts include escalator clauses that could potentially limit your savings by increasing your payments by 3% annually. If you were paying 12 cents per kWh in the first year, a 3% escalator clause will see you pay 18 cents per kWh in your 15th year. If the cost of energy doesn’t go up by as much as the rise in your contracted lease payments, your savings will vanish for good. If you want to lease or buy solar panels, weigh the pros and cons at Solwiser first.
Leases may scare off potential home buyers
If you list your property in the market before the lease is due (usually 20 years), you may be forced to buy out the lease. Many potential buyers will be reluctant to assume responsibility for the lease.
This unfortunate scenario has been problematic for homeowners for years; Prospective buyers are put off by solar lease contracts as solar panel lease costs can be expensive.
Some solar leasing brands may allow you to relocate your systems from one property to another. However, that too could cost you up to $500 for the initial audit and another $500 for possible transfer of the panels. Paying these extra costs will be less than ideal.
Furthermore, you may need to seek approval from your utility or homeowners’ association. Meanwhile, there is no guarantee that the new home will be able to accommodate your old solar systems. If things get ugly, the leasing company reserves the right to remove your systems alongside your savings.
Leasing vs buying solar panels: which is better?
According to Samantha Allen of Forbes Advisor, buying solar panels with cash is an upfront expense. However, eventually, that is the easiest way to lower your costs and benefit the most from your solar panels. Paying with cash means you won’t incur any interest on your payment. As soon as you install the panels, you can start saving more monthly on power bills.
The bottom line is that leasing solar panels isn’t that a great idea.