Owning vs. Leasing Solar: A Simple Guide for Oregon Homeowners

If you’re exploring solar for your home, a big decision you will likely face is whether to own your system or lease it. Each option works differently, and understanding the basics can help you choose the path that makes the most sense for your goals, budget, and long-term plans.

What Leasing or a PPA Means

Solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are arrangements in which a third-party company owns the solar equipment installed on your roof. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount for the system for the term of the agreement, typically around 20 years. With a PPA, you make monthly payments based on the amount of electricity the system produces.

Leasing or using a PPA is worth considering if:

• You have high energy bills but can’t afford the upfront cost of solar

• You don’t qualify for traditional solar loans

• You plan to stay in your home for the full lease or PPA term

  
  

These financial arrangements can have downsides. Selling a home with a leased system becomes complicated if the buyer doesn’t want to take over the remaining term of the lease – resulting in an expensive “lease buyout” or lump sum payment before the real estate transaction can be completed. The monthly payments may also increase over time through “escalator clauses” included in the lease and PPA agreements.

Benefits of Owning Your Solar System

Beautiful Solar Array in Aurora, Oregon

When you purchase your solar system or use a solar loan, you own the system from day one and that comes with several advantages.

Incentives and Savings:

System owners are eligible for local solar and battery storage incentives offered by Energy Trust of Oregon, and they enjoy long-term bill reductions by effectively pre-paying for electricity at a lower rate.

Added Home Value:

Owned solar systems can increase your property value, and without a lease or PPA agreement to overcome this don’t create complications during a home sale.

More Control:

You get to select the best available equipment and maintain full flexibility for future upgrades, such as adding battery storage.

While ownership requires an upfront investment or financing, solar equipment is low-maintenance and generally backed by long warranties, making ownership an appealing option for many homeowners.

Sunpath Believes in System Ownership

Sunpath Services does not currently offer solar leases or PPAs, mainly because ownership consistently provides the clearest long-term value for homeowners. There are no escalating payments, restrictive contracts, or complications to overcome when selling a home — challenges that can overshadow the benefits of going solar. By offering only ownership-based solutions, Sunpath ensures that homeowners maintain full control over their equipment, and enjoy the greatest financial return over time. It’s a straightforward approach that keeps solar simple, transparent, and financially beneficial for Oregon families.