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Solar panel owners share their honest opinions on buying versus leasing panels: 'What are the benefits …?'

Switching to solar energy is a huge plus — but what's the best way to go about it?

One homeowner looking for help in the r/solar subreddit sparked a discussion comparing the pros and cons of leasing and buying solar panels.

Photo Credit: iStock

One homeowner looking for help in r/solar on Reddit sparked a discussion comparing the pros and cons of leasing and buying solar panels.

Whether you lease or buy, switching to solar energy can save you a lot of money. Solar panels create cost-effective energy. They can pay for themselves over time and protect you from rising energy costs and power outages with the help of battery storage. TCD's Solar Explorer includes multiple trustworthy solar partners with a variety of solar installation options.

But this homeowner wasn't sure which of the options they should choose and asked, "What are [the] benefits of leasing vs owning?"

Commenters who had experience with solar panels jumped in to help. 


"I think that owning is almost always the better option," said one user. "If you ever plan on selling your home, I feel like it's easier to pass ownership of an asset versus a usage contract."

Another commenter shared, "Our PPA is at 0%, vs significantly higher rates to buy. I can buy it out at six years — which I've got six more until I can partially retire, so it aligns well for us. We're paying $125 per month for a 12.6kw system. That covers 100% of our usage."

In other words, the ideal setup depends on the user's circumstances.

TCD's Solar Explorer is a great way to connect with vetted partners that can help you install solar panels on your home. For example, EnergySage can save you up to $10,000 by presenting competitive bids from trusted local installers. It streamlines the process of finding a provider near you and offers information on available tax incentives and the solar installation process. 

FROM OUR PARTNER

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.

Solar leasing partners like Palmetto offer subscription options such as the $0-down LightReach program. LightReach can help you access tax credits that are no longer available for solar purchases and save up to 20% on your utility rate.

Heat pumps and other electric appliances can bring your utility bills down even lower when paired with solar panels. TCD's HVAC Explorer is a valuable tool for finding heating and cooling equipment that fits your budget and will save you money.

For up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades, install the free Palmetto Home app, which allows you to cash in on simple actions you take in your everyday life.

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.

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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