Solar isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some homeowners want the low upfront cost and long-term coverage of a solar lease (Third-Party Ownership, TPO), while others prefer the flexibility and expansion potential that come with full ownership. Whether through a lease, solar loan, or cash purchase, every option can include batteries — as a standalone backup or paired with panels — so you can maximize savings, energy independence, and resilience in the way that works best for you.
"Go solar your way — lease, loan, or buy outright. Every option can include batteries to maximize savings, independence, and resilience."
K. Muir, Arizona
Solar Lease (Third-Party Ownership, TPO)
A solar lease, also known as Third-Party Ownership (TPO), is one of the most accessible ways to go solar. With zero out-of-pocket cost and immediate savings, you enjoy all the benefits of clean energy without the responsibility of ownership.
Utility rates rise on average 2–3% every year (U.S. Energy Information Administration). Over 10–20 years, that adds up to thousands in higher bills. A solar lease helps you avoid those increases by locking in a lower, predictable energy cost for decades — all while shrinking your carbon footprint and supporting a cleaner future.
No upfront cost — start saving from day one with $0 down.
Lower, predictable monthly payments — Payments lower than your utility bill are locked in for up to 20 years, protecting you from rising rates and - when a battery is included - keeping your home powered during outages
Full-term system support — 20+ years of monitoring, maintenance, and repairs, far beyond typical manufacturer warranties.
This includes batteries, which normally carry only a 10-year warranty but are covered for the full lease term under TPO.
Hands-off convenience — the provider handles performance monitoring, repairs, and any component replacements, including panels and batteries.
Performance guarantees – If the system ever produces less than promised, the lease provider works to make it right — either by fixing the issue or crediting you for the shortfall.
Flexible options at the end of your lease — buyout at fair market value (available after five years in some cases), extend, upgrade, or have the system removed.
With a solar lease, you can enjoy lower bills, clean energy, and full system support for decades — all with zero upfront cost.
A solar loan makes it easy to own your solar system and batteries without paying everything upfront. Payments are structured like a typical home improvement loan, but once it’s paid off, the system is fully yours. A loan balances affordability today with long-term ownership benefits tomorrow.
Low or no upfront cost — finance panels and batteries with predictable monthly payments.
Full ownership once paid off — you keep both the system and all its long-term savings.
You keep any available tax credits and incentives — unlike a lease, tax credits and incentives go to you, helping reduce the total cost of ownership.
Fixed monthly payments — no annual increases, unlike some leases.
Flexibility to expand — easily add more panels or batteries later as your needs grow.
Easily transferable – system can be easily transferred to a new owner if you decide to sell the home.
With a solar loan, you can lock in ownership and long-term value while still spreading costs out in a budget-friendly way.
Cash Purchase
Paying cash for your solar panels and batteries gives you complete freedom and full access to any available tax credits or incentives. If you’re ready to invest upfront, it’s the most effective way to secure decades of clean, reliable energy while keeping the door open for future expansion. Since you own the system outright, you can easily add a battery or more panels down the road as your home and lifestyle evolve.
Immediate ownership — panels and batteries are yours outright.
You keep any available tax credits and incentives — lowering your net cost.
Boosts home value — owned solar and battery systems are a premium feature for future buyers. Leased systems do not add value to your home.
Total independence — expand and grow your system as needed without third-party involvement.
Own it all from day one — with a cash purchase you keep all available incentives, boost your property value, and enjoy the freedom to expand your system as your needs grow
Quick Comparison
Option
Upfront Cost
Ownership After Term
Incentives
Maintenance / Support
Includes Batteries
Best Fit
Solar Lease (TPO)
$0
No
Goes to lease provider
Full-term (typically 20 yrs, incl. batteries)
Yes
$0 down, hands-off savings
Solar Loan
Low or $0
Yes (after payoff)
You keep them
You handle after OEM warranty expires
Yes
Full ownership with flexible payment options
Cash Purchase
Higher
Yes (immediate)
You keep them
You handle after OEM warranty expires
Yes
Maximize lifetime savings
Reliable Power. Real Savings. Your Way.
No matter how you choose to pay, solar — with or without batteries — helps you save money, protect against ever-rising utility rates, and stay powered during blackouts when a battery is included. All of this while reducing your carbon footprint and living more sustainably.
Whether you prefer the zero-down simplicity of a solar lease (TPO), the balanced path of a solar loan, or the maximum flexibility of cash ownership, our team will guide you every step of the way.
Have A Project In Mind? Let's Talk Solar & Batteries!
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