Market Insider Tips – To Lease Or Buy Solar Power

Westwood Market Insider discusses the differences between leasing and buying solar power for those that are ready to take that step:

In 2015, the United States reached 27.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity. That’s enough power to serve 5.4 million homes, making 2015 the biggest solar year yet. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) predicts that residential installation of solar power in the U.S. will break more records and double that capacity this year.

Between energy savings and tax breaks, adding a solar array to your home has never been more attractive or affordable. It’s also a viable investment that both saves money and adds long-term value to a property. But when it comes to installing a solar array on your home, you may be wondering whether it’s better to buy or lease the system. To help you determine which option makes the most sense for you, we’ve put together a quick overview of solar purchasing and leasing options.

The Difference between Buying and Leasing

Ownership is the number one distinction between leasing and purchasing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. When you use cash or a solar loan to buy solar panels, you’re making payments toward owning the system outright. When you lease a solar system, the third party you’re leasing from actually owns the array and you’re just paying to use it. This difference may seem small, but it becomes significant in regard to tax credits, system maintenance, and long-term returns.

Federal and State Solar Regulations

One thing that can make a huge difference in your approach to solar financing is the regulatory climate in your state or region. Overall, 2015 was a good year for solar power. Hawaii became the first state to set a goal to achieve 100 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 2045 – requiring the adoption of renewable energy statewide – while Vermont set a similar goal of 75 percent.

In addition, costs for solar installation and manufacturing continue to drop, making solar more accessible to homeowners across the country. Solar leasing is also becoming a more popular option. Overall, solar power is a positive investment in every state, with returns ranging from 3.9 percent to more than 35 percent.

It’s not all great news, though. Kansas recently repealed their RPS law, leading other states to consider following suit. Another significant factor is the pending expiration of state and federal incentive programs. At the close of the last year, Congress extended the 30 percent federal energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) through 2019, but that benefit rate will drop sharply in the years that follow.

States also heavily regulate power purchase agreements (PPAs), a special type of solar financing – similar to regular leasing – in which a third-party provider installs solar panels on a home, and all the homeowner pays for is the power they use. PPA regulations are abound, and some states don’t allow them at all, so you’ll want to check both state and municipal regulations before looking into a PPA-financed array for your home.

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