Should You Buy or Lease Solar Panels?
Going solar is a smart move—but how you pay for it matters. One of the first questions homeowners ask is: Should I buy or lease my solar panels?
Both options can lower your energy bills. The right choice depends on your budget, goals, and how long you plan to stay in your home. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide.
Buying Solar Panels
Buying means you own the system, either by paying upfront or through financing. It’s the best way to maximize savings and take full advantage of available incentives.
Why buying makes sense:
- You qualify for the 30% federal tax credit and $1,000 MA state tax credit
- You keep Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and other solar incentives
- Once paid off, there are no monthly payments
- Boosts your home’s value
- Highest long-term return
What to consider:
There’s a higher upfront cost—but with financing options, many homeowners go solar with no money down and still own the system.
Looking to finance your system?
We partner with trusted local and national lenders to make solar ownership accessible:
- UMass Five College Federal Credit Union (insert links on post) offers low-rate, solar-specific loans with flexible terms
- ATMOS Financial (insert links on post)provides clean energy lending backed by climate-positive banking
Leasing Solar Panels
Leasing allows you to go solar with little or no upfront cost, but the system is owned by a third party. You make a monthly lease payment to use the solar power.
Why leasing may work:
- Lower or $0 down
- Maintenance and monitoring are usually included
- Fixed payments make it predictable
What you give up:
- You don’t qualify for tax credits or RECs
- Lower long-term savings
- You don’t own the system—it may not increase your home’s value
- Lease terms can complicate home sales
Need a Leasing Option?
We partner with LightReach to offer simple, low-commitment solar leases. It’s a great option if you want to lower your energy costs without the upfront investment. LightReach covers system monitoring and maintenance, so you can just enjoy the savings.
Buy vs. Lease: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Buy | Lease |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Higher (or financed) | Low or $0 down |
| System Ownership | You | Leasing company |
| Tax Credits (Federal/State) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Monthly Payments | None (after payoff) | Yes (fixed lease) |
| RECs (Renewable Credits) | You keep them | Provider keeps them |
| Maintenance Responsibility | You (minimal upkeep) | Provider |
| Adds Home Value | ✅ Yes | ❌ Typically no |
| Long-Term Savings | ✅ Highest | ⚠️ Lower |
Our Take
If you want the most value and the biggest savings—buy your system. You keep the incentives, reduce your bills faster, and build long-term equity. If upfront cost is your main concern, a lease through a partner like LightReach can still help you go solar and start saving right away.
Talk to a Solar Expert
Still weighing your options? We’ll walk you through both paths, compare the numbers, and help you choose the setup that works best for your home.
Get a Free Quote and see what solar could look like for you.
