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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.
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Cash, loan, or lease — which is best?
As a rule: cash returns the most (no interest, full tax credit), a loan is the best balance for most people (little down, you still own it and claim the 30% credit), and a lease/PPA saves the least because the leasing company keeps the tax credit and adds a yearly payment escalator.
The big rule of thumb: own the system (cash or loan) unless you can't use the tax credit or don't want to maintain it.