A homeowner thought they were buying a house, but the solar lease came with a side of red tape and a 24-year headache.

In a post shared on Reddit, the homeowner explained they bought a house that came with a transferable solar lease, only to find the transfer process was anything but smooth.

After weeks of back-and-forth, the solar company allegedly sent the credit application to the wrong email, then took so long to respond that the buyer had to chase down the seller's agent for updates. Then, the company denied the buyer, saying their "records cannot be verified," even though the homeowner said they had a 785 credit score.

The buyer later learned the company told the seller that the lease could only be transferred if the buyer applied with a co-applicant, bought out the lease with 24 years left, or had the seller buy it out instead.

"I don't have the money to buy out the lease so that's not an option and I don't have anybody else to cosign for me. Has anybody experienced anything similar? I'd like to know my legal options," they wrote.

If you're interested in solar partners you can trust, check out EnergySage and its free tools which can help you save up to $10,000 on installations by curating competitive bids on your project. 

Early in the comments, multiple readers pointed out that this is exactly why some homeowners avoid leases altogether, even though solar itself can be a great deal.

"They're absolutely trying to force a buyout and if they don't cooperate your next step is a lawyer," said one commenter.

Solar panels can be a huge win for your wallet and the planet. They can lower your electricity costs, reduce reliance on dirty-fueled power plants, and help stabilize your energy budget when utility rates rise. 

But the lease model can add complications, especially when you sell a home. Unlike a system you own outright, a lease is a long-term contract with a third party, and that company typically controls.

What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment? $200 or more 💰 $100 💸 $30 💵 I'd only do it if someone else paid for it 😎 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Smart upgrades that slash monthly bills

If this story has you worried about solar, the good news is you have better options than ever. You can shop around without committing to one company's fine print.

• EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on installations by curating competitive bids from local installers
• Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto's $0-down LightReach solar leasing program can lower your utility rate by up to 20%
• TCD's Solar Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners

Solar can also pair well with other electric upgrades. For example, you can combine panels with efficient HVAC systems to drive your utility costs even lower, and Mitsubishi offers high-efficiency heating and cooling options designed to fit a range of homes and budgets.

And if you like the idea of making progress through small wins, the free Palmetto Home app can help you unlock up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades by taking simple actions in everyday life.

In the meantime, the Reddit homeowner's situation is a tough reminder. Solar is a great tool, but the contract matters just as much as the panels.

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