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Homeowner reveals why he chose to buy and lease solar panels at the same time: 'A bargain compared to the wild utility-rate hikes'

"My goal was to actually lower my monthly payment immediately."

One homeowner revealed how signing up for a solar lease was worth it β€” and how you can do the same.

Photo Credit: iStock

Going solar is a smart way to free up room in your budget β€” but the best way to go about it depends on your goals. For one homeowner, that meant signing up for a solar lease to complement the energy from a solar system he had purchased.  

YouTube user Brad the Solar Guy (@bradthesolarguy) broke down whether his solar lease was worth it in a six-month review of his decision. The answer? A resounding yes.

First, Brad explained how he got to this point. After happily owning solar panels for more than seven years, he realized it was time for an upgrade. His family was using more electricity because they were charging an electric vehicle at home. 

But most pressingly, utility rates were continuing to rise.


Even though his panels worked as intended, he needed more solar power to keep his energy bills as low as they were or even down to 0. If you're interested in similar savings, The Cool Down's Solar Explorer can help you sort through your options and connect with vetted providers.

Initially, Brad considered purchasing another solar system β€” something he said would have undoubtedly been "a very good deal for me over time." However, he shared that his "goal was to actually lower my monthly payment immediately." 

That's how he ended up signing a solar lease, which protects his family against volatile price fluctuations associated with polluting, environmentally damaging fossil fuels. 

"My lease bumps up 2.9% each year, but it's still a bargain compared to the wild utility-rate hikes we've been seeing," Brad shared. 

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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 β€”Β 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.

While determining whether buying or leasing is right for you may seem overwhelming, TCD's Solar Explorer simplifies the process with concierge-level service connecting you to trusted partners. 

You could cut your utility rate by up to 20% with Palmetto's LightReach leasing program, which requires no money down and allows you to take advantage of retired tax credits for direct purchases via lower rates. Or you could save up to $10,000 on solar installations with EnergySage, a Solar Explorer partner.

If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them?

Upfront costs πŸ’°

Trouble with my HOA 🚩

Too much maintenance πŸ”§

An incompatible roof 🏠

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

As for Brad, he was also pleased to secure 25 years of maintenance in his lease, as well as compensation if his solar system doesn't deliver a guaranteed amount of energy. In other words, no surprise bills. "So, was getting a solar lease worth it? Obviously," he concluded.Β 

What's inside your home is just as important, too. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find an affordable, energy-efficient HVAC that could slash your energy bills by up to 50%. You could unlock $5,000 in rewards for home upgrades with Palmetto's free Home app.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices β€” and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.

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