CA 7 kW system, $22k cash vs $115/mo lease (2.9% escalator)
Cash net = $15,400, 25-yr savings $98k. Lease 25-yr cost $48k vs $113k value = $65k savings. Cash wins by $33k.
Solar lease vs buy calculator
Solar lease or cash purchase — which saves more?
Model cash purchase (with 30% ITC) versus a 25-year lease with annual escalator. Inputs: system cost, lease payment year 1, escalator %, annual production, retail rate.
EV Lease vs Buy
EV lease vs buy 5-year comparison
RecommendationLease is cheaper
Difference$2,810.82
Buy 5-yr total$40,810.82
Lease 5-yr total$38,000.00
Monthly loan payment$743.51
Results are first-pass estimates. Verify with installers, manufacturers, and utility tariffs before purchase.
How it works
How it works
- Cash net cost = system cost × (1 − ITC%). Cash 25-yr savings = production × rate × 25 − net cost.
- Lease year-n payment = year-1 payment × (1 + escalator)^(n−1). Total lease cost = sum over 25 years.
- Lease net savings = retail value of production − total lease cost. Compare the two totals.
Worked examples
Worked examples
NJ 8 kW, $24k cash vs $135/mo lease (2.9% escalator)
Cash 25-yr savings $82k. Lease savings $44k. Cash wins by $38k.
Renter with $0-down PPA
No upfront. 25-yr savings ~$15–25k with no tax credit eligibility — still positive but cash buyers do better.
Lease vs buy FAQ
Lease vs buy FAQ
Who keeps the ITC on a lease?
The lessor (installer/financier) — not you. That's baked into the lower monthly payment.
What's a typical escalator?
2.9% is common; some PPAs offer 0% but a higher year-1 rate. Avoid escalators above 3.5% — they often outpace utility increases.
Does lease affect home sale?
Yes. Many buyers require the lease to be paid off or transferred. Cash-purchased systems usually add appraised value.
What if I move?
Lease must be transferred to the new owner (subject to credit check) or bought out. Cash purchased panels can be removed but typically stay.
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