Everybody knows that going solar is one of the best ways to help your household save on utility bills. But one Redditor was approached by a door-to-door salesperson and asked the r/Solar community if leasing panels could be just as cost-effective.
The original poster wrote that they were "impressed by his shtick," but also felt unsure whether to move forward after being offered a lease from a company providing solar subscription plans.
They shared that while the lease included "warranties for 25 years plus maintenance," it also "would cost a bunch more than an outright purchase."
(Click here to view the thread if the embed does not appear.)
"The biggest plus side to a lease is that you can get solar and save some money without investing into it," shared someone else. "The downside would be if you're using an abnormal amount of power for a home that size, your solar payment might not look great for people who are looking to buy your house."
Leasing programs can work well for people who don't want the responsibility of system maintenance or prefer lower upfront costs. Conversely, owning your panels outright can provide greater flexibility and a faster return on your initial investment.
That's where The Cool Down's Solar Explorer can help. This free tool connects you with trusted installers in your area, helping you explore leasing and purchasing options based on your goals. It can even help save up to $10,000 by curating competitive bids — simplifying the process with concierge-level support.
For those looking to avoid large upfront payments, $0-down solar subscriptions like Palmetto's LightReach might be the way to go. These plans can lock in predictable energy costs and reduce your utility rate by up to 20%, allowing you to benefit indirectly from federal tax credits with lower lease pricing — something that's no longer available for direct purchases.
Get $1,000 cash to slash your bills with rooftop solar panels for $0 down and low monthly payments Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's 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 — including an exclusive $1,000 cashback offer for TCD readers. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings of up to 33% off your current power bill. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just book a short meeting with Palmetto's experts to explore your options and find the solution that's right for you. |
Many commenters weighed in to share their experiences, noting that leasing can make solar more accessible but could also lead to smaller long-term savings.
One Redditor noted that they were "9 years into a 20 year lease. I have no regrets," but added that if they could do it again, they would "purchase a system and get one with a battery backup."
|
If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Upfront costs 💰 Pairing solar with an energy-efficient HVAC system can drive those energy bills even lower. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find affordable systems that could cut your home's heating and cooling costs by half.
If you're considering a solar upgrade, take time to explore your options. With the right guidance and the right tools, you can find the setup that fits your budget, home, and goals for a cleaner, brighter future.
Learn more here about how to install solar panels and take your first step toward energy independence.
💰Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
