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Cautious shopper searches for first-hand advice about navigating solar panel investment strategies: 'Help me not get ripped off'

"I highly recommend getting several more quotes from other installers."

Leasing solar panels is a budget-friendly way to add solar power to your home without the upfront investment of purchasing panels.

Photo Credit: iStock

Navigating different solar options for your home can be overwhelming. One homeowner reached out to Reddit's r/solar forum for advice after reviewing their solar leasing quote from Sunrun. According to the OP, their initial quote would be $0.25 per kilowatt-hour cost plus a 3.5% annual escalator.

"Help me not get ripped off," wrote the OP. "What should I be targeting?"

Leasing solar panels is a budget-friendly way to add solar power to your home without the upfront investment of purchasing panels.
Photo Credit: Reddit
Leasing solar panels is a budget-friendly way to add solar power to your home without the upfront investment of purchasing panels.
Photo Credit: Reddit

Redditors agreed the quote from Sunrun seemed high and encouraged the OP to compare quotes from other installers.

"The price for that system is way overpriced," responded one user. "And then the 3.5% escalator on top of that, ouch."


"I highly recommend getting several more quotes from other installers," suggested another Redditor.

Leasing solar panels is a budget-friendly way to add solar power to your home without the upfront investment of purchasing panels. However, it's crucial to find a vetted installer to ensure you receive a fair rate. 

TCD's Solar Explorer connects you with trusted partners that offer concierge-level service. For homeowners looking to lease panels, TCD's Solar Explorer can help you find a leasing program with a $0-down subscription.

Palmetto's LightReach leasing program, for example, can reduce your utility rate by up to 20%. You can save even more, as leasing programs still qualify for federal tax credits that have been retired for direct purchases. 

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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.

For homeowners interested in reviewing options for purchasing a solar system, TCD's Solar Explorer offers free resources to help navigate the process. EnergySage can curate competitive bids from local installers in your area, helping you save up to $10,000 on installation costs. 

By powering your home with solar energy, whether through a leasing program or purchased panels, you can save money on your energy bills while cutting down on your household's pollution. 

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

Upfront costs 💰

Trouble with my HOA 🚩

Too much maintenance 🔧

An incompatible roof 🏠

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Redditors emphasized the importance of comparing quotes from different installers. 

"Take the quote to local installers and see if they can meet/beat it," wrote one user.

Pairing your home's solar power with other energy-efficient appliances, such as a heat pump, will further reduce your utility costs. Check out TCD's HVAC Explorer to see how you can cut your energy bills by up to 50%. And as you continue to make more eco-friendly updates to your home, you can unlock $5,000 in rewards thanks to Palmetto's free Home app.

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.

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