Solar energy is one of the best money-saving hacks for any homeowner, and leasing solar panels is a great way to get those benefits without big upfront costs. But one homeowner faces a legal battle over the solar lease at their new house.
The scoop
The homeowner shared their story on the r/solar subreddit. After buying a new home that included a solar lease, the previous homeowner allegedly failed to transfer the solar lease to the OP.
That previous owner also stopped paying the lease, which caused the solar panels to be shut off and dinged their credit score. Roughly a year later, the OP was sued by the previous owner for the damage done to their credit.
"She is asking for me to pay the lien, her lawyer and any other counseling fees, plus around $40,000 to the collection agency," the OP wrote. "What should I do? The lawyer that I spoke to is charging $6,000 just to start."
Despite this homeowner's troubles, leasing solar panels is a fantastic way to experience the environmental and financial benefits of solar, without worrying about prohibitive upfront costs. Palmetto's LightReach program offers many solar-leasing options, including some that require no money down.
How it's helping
Solar is one of the world's cleanest and cheapest energy sources. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar panels provide renewable energy that doesn't rely upon burning dirty fuels or creating toxic, heat-trapping air pollution.
Because solar panels let homeowners generate their own electricity, they can bring monthly energy bills way down, sometimes to nearly zero. But buying solar panels is expensive, and is unrealistic for many people's budgets. That's where solar-leasing programs, such as those offered by Palmetto, enter the picture.
On the other hand, buying solar panels might be the right option for you. For those considering such a purchase, EnergySage offers free tools that allow homeowners to get estimates from several sellers and installers, making it easy to compare quotes.
Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you. |
If you're interested in solar panels, but unsure whether to lease or buy, this handy list of pros and cons should help.
To really amp up the savings, consider pairing your solar panels with other energy-efficient appliances, like upgrading your HVAC system to a heat pump. These amazing pieces of technology can help you save an average of $400 annually on energy costs, and Mitsubishi can help you find the right heat pump for your house and budget.
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Commenters suggested the OP not only gather all paperwork proving that the previous homeowner failed in their duties to transfer the solar lease, but that they seek professional legal advice.
"You can't handle this on your own or not deal with it, you could get screwed," one commenter wrote.
When the OP said they couldn't afford what that first lawyer quoted, commenters insisted that not using a lawyer could end up costing significantly more in the long run.
"You can't afford not to have a lawyer," one wrote.
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