Rant: Solar lease vs buying panels outright - which is actually smarter?

I'm in Phoenix and been going back and forth on this for months. Leasing would cost me $0 down but lock me into a 20 year contract with a 2.9% yearly escalator clause. Buying a 6kW system would be $15k upfront but I'd own it after 7 years. I ended up going with buying after my neighbor showed me his electric bill went from $280 to $40 a month in summer. The lease companies here are predatory with those hidden fees when you want to sell your house. Has anyone else run the numbers on both options in a high sun area?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannah_wells9d ago

I mean, are you really saving that much once you factor in inverter replacements and panel degradation over 25 years though?

henryt188d ago

But aren't you also forgetting that electricity rates go up over time, usually way more than inflation? The savings gap gets wider every year as grid power gets pricier while your panels keep churning out free juice. Plus most modern panels still pump out 80-85% after 25 years, not like they just die on you.

the_sean8d ago

Hah, nah. That inverter cost is peanuts compared to what you keep paying the utility company every month.