You may have various reasons for going solar. If you’re looking for free solar panels, or at least solar panels with less cost upfront, solar leases could be a good option for you. Solar leases: how to go solar with less upfront cost That’s not to say that PPAs or solar leases are bad – you can still save money in the long run! If you’re interested in learning about ways that the federal and local government can offset the cost of installing solar panels, we recommend learning more about the Renewable Energy Tax Credit and exploring your eligibility for state and local programs. You pay for the electricity the system produces, and you miss out on many of the financial benefits and incentives of renewable energy. These payment plans are actually solar leases or PPAs, and they’re a no-cost upfront option that gives ownership to the solar company or installer. Simply put, you cannot get free solar panels from the government. Most offers will save you money on energy bills but not all of them, so make sure you’ve thoroughly compared all your options (and consider buying your solar panels or financing them with a zero-down solar loan).Ĭan you get free solar panels from the government? In essence, the company has built a small power plant on your roof and is selling you the electricity. Under solar lease agreements, ownership is retained by the solar company, and you pay for the electricity it produces. This sounds great – you get to say that your home is powered by clean energy, and can even point to the solar panels on your roof to prove it.īut the reality is that you do not technically own the system, and the solar energy the panels produce is not part of a ‘no cost’ solar program. Under these solar financing arrangements, a solar company will put a solar system on your roof at no up-front cost to you for installation, enrollment, or maintenance. What do companies mean when they say free solar panels?ĭecoding the sales pitch: the terms ‘free solar panels’ or ‘no cost solar program’ are sometimes used to advertise solar lease or solar power purchase agreements (PPAs). Lower the cost of solar with federal and local incentives.Will you save money with free solar panels?.While you can’t get free solar panels, you can get free solar quotes – visit the EnergySage Marketplace to compare custom quotes from local installers.If you’re able to purchase your system outright, you’ll see the highest return on investment overall.You’ll save more money overall by choosing a $0-down solar loan over a solar lease or PPA because you’ll be the one to receive any federal, state, or local incentives.‘Free solar panels’ aren’t really free: typically this refers to solar leases or PPAs.
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