What Is the Difference: Solar Lease vs. Buying

Across the nation, rooftops are being elevated with gleaming solar panels, a testament to the increasing shift towards renewable energy. But diving into the world of solar energy is not without its decisions. One of the most pressing dilemmas homeowners face is whether to lease or buy solar panels. This decision can significantly impact both the short-term and long-term benefits of going solar. While both options have their merits, they cater to different needs and financial situations.

In the ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida, the quantity of sunny days makes it a prime spot for solar power. The decision to lease or buy, however, remains crucial. This article aims to demystify the complexities surrounding this decision, exploring the pros and cons of each option. You may even find that owning your solar panels might just outshine leasing in more ways than you would expect.

How Does Leasing Solar Panels Work?

Solar panel leasing can be compared to leasing a car. Instead of making an outright purchase, you enter into an agreement with a company that installs and owns the solar panels on your property. Just like a car lease, you will make monthly payments over a predetermined period, often ranging from 15 to 20 years.

During this lease period, the solar system on your roof will generate electricity, which will power your home, potentially reducing or even eliminating your electricity bills from the grid. The idea here is that your monthly savings from the reduced utility bills will often surpass the monthly lease payment, creating a net positive cash flow. However, there are a few crucial aspects to understand about solar leasing.

Ownership: The leasing company retains ownership of the panels. This means they are responsible for maintenance and repairs, which might seem advantageous. But it also means they reap the financial benefits from federal or state tax credits and incentives, not you.

Long-term Agreements: Solar leases are long-term contracts. While this provides predictability in monthly payments, it can pose challenges if you decide to sell your home or if your energy needs change.

Price Escalation Clauses: Many solar lease agreements include annual price escalation clauses. This means your monthly lease payment might increase over time, often pegged at a certain percentage each year. While this is meant to account for rising electricity costs, it can eat into the savings you might be expecting.

Pros and Cons of Leasing Solar Panels

Transitioning to solar energy has become increasingly accessible, thanks in part to solar leasing. However, as with every financial decision, there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with this option.

Pros of a Solar Lease

No Upfront Costs: One of the primary attractions of solar leasing is the potential elimination of significant upfront installation costs. This makes it more accessible for homeowners who may not have the necessary capital on hand to purchase a system outright.

Maintenance and Repairs: Because the leasing company owns the solar system, they are typically responsible for any required maintenance or repairs. This can be a relief for homeowners who prefer not to deal with potential technical hiccups.

Immediate Savings: With solar leasing, homeowners often experience immediate reductions in their monthly electricity bills, since they will be generating their own power, at least in part, from the leased solar panels.

Cons of a Solar Lease

Loss of Tax Credits and Incentives: As we mentioned earlier, the most significant drawback of leasing is that the customer does not receive the federal tax credit or other incentives. These benefits go directly to the leasing company. Over the years, this can amount to a substantial sum, making leasing less financially beneficial in the long run.

Moving Challenges: Deciding to sell your home brings certain complexities if the new owner is reluctant to assume the solar lease. In such instances, you may be compelled to relocate the system, often entailing a costly process. This scenario might even necessitate a full buyout of the lease by the homeowner, adding an extra financial burden. It is crucial to recognize that buying a previously leased solar panel system may render you ineligible for the federal investment tax credit (ITC). This is because the original owners of the system likely already claimed this benefit. The presence of these potential hurdles could make the property less appealing to some buyers, who might be wary of entering into a pre-existing lease agreement or missing out on significant tax incentives.

Locked into a Long-term Contract: Committing to a solar lease agreement, often spanning 15 to 20 years, can pose significant restrictions, especially given the fast-paced evolution of solar technology. These long-term contracts may hinder your ability to upgrade to newer, more efficient systems as they emerge, potentially rendering your setup obsolete as advancements continue. Changes in personal energy needs or life circumstances, like relocation, can complicate the contract, as altering or terminating the agreed terms often results in financial penalties or transfer challenges. This contrasts with the freedom you maintain when purchasing solar systems outright, where upgrades or modifications are at your discretion, keeping you at the forefront of renewable energy solutions without unforeseen hurdles.

Annual Price Escalation: Many solar lease agreements include clauses for annual price escalations, which, although they may seem minimal at first, can significantly increase lease payments over time. These scheduled increases are designed to cover system maintenance and potential upgrades. However, they can erode the cost-saving benefits of solar energy, as the cumulative effect of these hikes can lead to substantially higher costs over a 20 to 30-year term. Unlike a fixed-cost solar purchase, where savings are realized immediately and grow over time, these escalations in a lease structure can gradually undermine the financial advantage, ultimately diminishing the net savings.

End-of-lease Dilemmas: At the end of a solar lease, you are faced with a decision that is far from simple: buy the system, renew the lease, or have the system removed. Opting to buy might mean acquiring the technology at a depreciated value, but by that time, advancements would likely render the system less efficient compared to newer models. Furthermore, if you choose not to buy the system, the lease agreement may stipulate a removal process that could cost you thousands in fees. It’s also important to note that purchasing the system does not necessarily mean you will qualify for the federal investment tax credit (ITC). This benefit was most likely already claimed by the leasing company when the system was first installed and, as a result, it would not be available to you. This array of considerations adds layers of complexity to the end-of-lease decision, highlighting the financial nuances and potential extra costs involved.

Buying Solar Panels 

The decision to buy solar panels is akin to investing in your home’s future, and in many ways, the planet’s future as well. As an owner, you not only gain access to sustainable energy but also enjoy a suite of benefits that go beyond the immediate energy savings. Owning your solar panels means you have complete control over the system. You are free to make modifications, upgrades, or even expand the system if your energy needs grow. By owning solar panels, you reduce your reliance on the grid and traditional utility companies. This not only shields you from fluctuating energy prices but also ensures a more consistent power supply, especially valuable in areas prone to blackouts or brownouts.

When you buy, you directly benefit from any available federal tax credits and incentives. Over time, these can significantly reduce the effective cost of your solar panel installation, often by thousands of dollars. By owning solar panels, you reduce your reliance on the grid and traditional utility companies. This not only shields you from fluctuating energy prices but also ensures a more consistent power supply, especially valuable in areas prone to blackouts or brownouts. While the initial cost of buying and installing solar panels might seem daunting, the long-term savings are substantial. In most cases, solar panel systems pay for themselves in a few years through savings on utility bills. After the break-even point, the energy generated is practically free.

Numerous studies have shown that homes with solar panel installations often fetch a higher resale value compared to those without. Potential buyers appreciate the long-term energy savings and reduced environmental footprint that a solar-equipped home offers. Ownership also means a direct contribution to environmental conservation. Every kilowatt-hour produced by your solar panels is one less derived from fossil fuels. Over your system’s lifetime, this can result in a significant reduction in carbon emissions. In essence, buying solar panels is an investment in the long term. It is about having a vision for a sustainable future, both in terms of personal finance and environmental stewardship.

Cost of Buying Solar Panels 

Florida, nicknamed the ‘Sunshine State,’ boasts an average of 230 sunny days per year. This sunny disposition not only beckons beachgoers but also offers a promising terrain for solar energy. But like any significant investment, understanding the costs associated with solar panels is crucial. The average cost of installing a solar panel system in Florida is between $2.75 – $3.00 per watt. For a residential system size of around 10 kW, homeowners are typically looking at an upfront investment of $27,500 – $30,000. Several factors can influence this price range. The type and brand of solar panels, the installation complexity due to roof design, additional features like battery storage, and the installer’s expertise and reputation can all impact the final bill.

While the initial outlay might sound steep, it is essential to view this as an investment rather than a cost. Given Florida’s abundant sunshine, solar panels frequently operate at peak performance. This can lead to substantial savings on monthly utility bills, translating to a quicker return on investment. Many homeowners find that their systems pay for themselves in just a few years.

Another financial boon comes in the form of tax incentives. When you factor in these federal incentives, the financial burden of the system lightens considerably. The state also mandates that utilities offer net metering, allowing homeowners to earn credits for any excess electricity their solar system produces and feeds back into the grid. Over time, these credits can significantly offset the cost of any grid electricity you might still need, further enhancing your system’s profitability.

Which is Better: Solar Lease or Buying Outright?

When contemplating a switch to solar energy, homeowners often find themselves at a crossroads: Should they buy or lease their solar panels? One of the most pronounced advantages of buying is ownership. When you own your solar panels, they become an asset, adding value to your property. Research has consistently shown that homes with solar installations tend to have higher resale values compared to those without. Leasing, on the other hand, might complicate the home-selling process, as potential buyers may be reluctant to assume an existing solar lease.

Buying allows homeowners to tap into an array of financial incentives, the most substantial being the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). As mentioned earlier, this tax credit deducts 30% of the installation cost from your federal taxes. When you lease, these benefits go straight to the leasing company. Over time, this can translate to a significant financial gap between buying and leasing.

While leasing may seem economically appealing in the short term due to the lower initial outlay, buying often proves more financially beneficial in the long run. The combined advantages of the federal tax credit, potential property value increase, and long-term energy savings generally outweigh the benefits of leasing. While leasing may present an accessible entry point for some homeowners, the long-term advantages of buying are hard to dispute. At SEM Power, we firmly believe that buying is the superior option, both from a financial and an ownership standpoint. By purchasing your solar panels, you are investing in an asset that delivers both environmental and economic returns.

Why SEM Power is Your Trusted Partner in Solar Energy 

Navigating the solar market can be a daunting endeavor. With numerous options and technologies available, making the right choice requires guidance from experts who not only understand the landscape but are deeply passionate about the future of renewable energy. At SEM Power, we understand that every home and homeowner is unique. Our dedicated team of professionals works closely with you to assess your energy needs, budget, and property specifications to design a system that is perfectly tailored for you.

Making the switch to solar energy is not just about panels and savings; it is about partnering with a team that genuinely cares. By choosing SEM Power, you are not just purchasing solar panels; you are investing in a brighter, more sustainable future with a company that stands by its promise of quality, integrity, and exceptional service.