Solar: lease vs. buy vs. loan
The same solar system, three ways to pay. Compare the 25-year net savings of cash, a loan, and a lease — and see which wins for you.
Cash vs. loan vs. lease
See the 25-year net savings of each way to pay for the same solar system.
Cash, loan, or lease — which is best?
As a rule: cash returns the most (no interest, no monthly payment), a loan is the best balance for most people (little down, you own the system and qualify for state incentives), and a lease/PPA saves the least over 25 years because you don't own the asset and contract escalators add up. Note: the federal 30% residential solar credit was eliminated for new installations after December 31, 2025 — neither cash nor loan buyers receive it in 2026.
The big rule of thumb: own the system (cash or loan) to capture state tax credits, maximize home value, and get the highest lifetime return.
Read the full financing guide → What happened to the federal credit →