Florida is one of the sunniest states in the U.S., making it a prime spot for solar energy. With rising utility bills and growing environmental concerns, more Floridians are turning to solar to power their homes. But for many homeowners, the upfront cost of buying a solar panel system can be a dealbreaker. That’s where solar leasing comes in.
A solar lease lets you access the benefits of solar energy without the large upfront investment. But is it the right move for you? In this article, we’ll break down how solar leases work in Florida, their pros and cons, how they compare to other solar options, and what to look out for before signing an agreement.
What is a Solar Lease?
A solar lease is a financing option that allows you to use a solar energy system without actually owning it. Instead of buying the panels, you lease them from a solar provider for a fixed monthly rate—similar to leasing a car. The solar company installs the system on your roof, maintains it, and monitors its performance, while you enjoy the electricity it generates.
In Florida, this arrangement can be especially appealing due to the state’s abundant sunlight. Many solar lease agreements are designed to offer monthly payments that are lower than your current electric bill, allowing you to start saving right away.
Here’s how a typical solar lease works:
- Installation: The provider installs the solar panel system on your home.
- Monthly Payment: You pay a fixed monthly lease payment, usually for 20–25 years.
- Energy Savings: You use the electricity generated by the system, reducing or even eliminating your electricity bill.
- Maintenance Included: The provider handles all upkeep, repairs, and system monitoring.
- No Ownership: At the end of the lease, you may have the option to renew, remove, or purchase the system.
Unlike a solar power purchase agreement (PPA), where you pay per kWh of electricity generated, a solar lease is a flat monthly fee regardless of usage or system performance.
Pros of Solar Leasing in Florida
For many Florida homeowners, solar leasing offers an easy and affordable way to go solar. Here are some of the biggest advantages:
1. No Upfront Costs
One of the biggest hurdles to solar adoption is the initial price tag. A full solar system can cost $15,000–$30,000 or more depending on your home. With a solar lease, you can avoid that entirely. Most lease agreements require little to no money down, making solar accessible to a wider group of homeowners.
2. Immediate Savings on Electricity
Since solar lease payments are often lower than your existing electric bill, you can start saving money right away. Instead of paying hundreds each month to your utility company, you make a smaller payment to your solar provider and pocket the difference.
3. Free Maintenance and Monitoring
Solar panel systems require minimal maintenance, but when issues arise, they can be costly to fix. With a lease, your provider handles all repairs and system monitoring at no extra cost. If anything breaks or underperforms, it’s their job to fix it—not yours.
4. No Risk on Performance
Since you’re not the system owner, you don’t bear the risk of the panels underperforming. Most solar leasing companies guarantee a certain level of production, and they’re responsible if those numbers aren’t met.
5. Easier Access to Solar Energy
Leasing opens the door to solar for homeowners who can’t get a loan or don’t want the responsibility of ownership. It’s especially helpful for those who don’t plan to live in their current home for the next 20+ years but still want to lower their energy costs in the meantime.
Cons of Solar Leasing in Florida
While leasing offers clear benefits, it also comes with limitations. Here’s what to keep in mind before signing a solar lease:
1. You Don’t Own the System
Because you’re leasing the equipment, you don’t own any of it—even though it’s installed on your roof. This means the system doesn’t add value to your home in the same way an owned system would. At best, it’s neutral; at worst, it can complicate a home sale.
2. You Miss Out on Federal Tax Credits
Homeowners who buy their system—whether with cash or a loan—are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), which covers 30% of the system’s cost. When you lease, that benefit goes to the solar company, not you.
3. Lower Long-Term Savings
Solar leases can reduce your monthly electric bill, but not as dramatically as owning a system. Over time, the total amount you save may be significantly less than if you had financed or paid for the system outright.
4. Complications with Selling Your Home
If you decide to sell your home before the lease ends, the buyer will need to assume your solar lease—or you may need to buy out the contract. While more buyers are open to solar, this can still be a hurdle depending on the lease terms and market conditions.
5. Long-Term Contracts with Escalators
Most solar leases are 20 to 25 years long and include annual price escalators—meaning your payment increases slightly each year. While this is usually still lower than rising utility costs, it’s something to be aware of. Over time, these increases can chip away at your savings.
Is Solar Leasing Worth It in Florida?
The answer depends on your financial goals, homeownership plans, and energy needs. Florida’s abundant sunshine makes solar a no-brainer in many ways, but leasing is best suited for a specific type of homeowner.
Solar Leasing Makes Sense If:
- You want to go solar but can’t afford the upfront cost of ownership
- You don’t qualify for solar loans or prefer to avoid debt
- You’re planning to stay in your home for at least 5–10 years, but not necessarily long-term
- You don’t want to worry about maintenance or system issues
Solar Leasing May Not Be Right If:
- You qualify for a low-interest solar loan or can pay cash
- You want to maximize long-term savings and return on investment
- You plan to stay in your home for 20+ years
- You want to claim tax credits and incentives
If you’re unsure, many solar providers offer free consultations that compare leasing, loans, and cash purchase options side by side. This allows you to see the total cost, savings, and risks for each option based on your specific home and usage.
Solar Lease vs. Solar Loan vs. PPA in Florida
When considering solar for your home, it’s important to understand how leasing stacks up against other popular financing options: loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Each option comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right one depends on your financial goals and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Solar Lease
Best for homeowners who want a simple, low-risk way to reduce energy bills without the burden of ownership or maintenance.
Solar Loan
Ideal for homeowners who want to own the system, get the tax credit, and maximize long-term savings—especially if they qualify for a low-interest loan.
PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)
More common in other states, PPAs are rare in Florida due to regulatory issues. When available, they’re similar to leases, but you pay based on the energy the system produces instead of a flat rate.
Best Solar Leasing Companies in Florida
If you’re considering a solar lease in Florida, choosing a reputable company is critical. The right provider will offer clear terms, reliable service, and long-term support. Here are some of the top names in the state:
1. Sunrun
Sunrun is one of the largest solar leasing companies in the U.S. and one of the first to popularize the lease model. They offer competitive pricing, reliable customer service, and full-service maintenance. Their BrightSave lease program is available in many parts of Florida and includes system monitoring, performance guarantees, and zero upfront costs.
2. Tesla Solar
Tesla offers sleek, minimalist solar panels and solar roof tiles with a lease option for Florida residents. Their systems come with built-in monitoring via the Tesla app and optional Tesla Powerwall battery storage. Tesla’s solar lease is simple, with clear pricing and a no-hassle experience backed by a strong brand.
3. Freedom Forever
Freedom Forever has a growing presence in Florida and offers solar leases with top-tier equipment, including Tesla and LG Chem battery options. They are known for their production guarantees and strong permitting support, making them a great option if you want a custom system without the headache.
4. Momentum Solar
Momentum offers both purchase and lease options and is active throughout South Florida. Their lease agreements are easy to understand, and their strong customer service team helps homeowners navigate every step of the process, from consultation to post-installation monitoring.
5. Local Providers
Many smaller, Florida-based solar companies also offer lease options. Companies like Solar Prime USA and All About Solar Inc. often provide more personalized service, local expertise, and flexible lease terms. These local installers can be especially helpful for navigating Florida-specific codes and utility programs.
What to Ask Before Signing a Solar Lease
Before committing to any long-term solar lease, it’s important to ask the right questions and understand the fine print. Here’s a checklist to guide your decision:
1. What’s the length of the lease?
Most solar leases run for 20 to 25 years. Ask about early termination fees and renewal options at the end of the term.
2. Is there a price escalator?
Some leases include an annual increase (e.g., 2–3%) in your monthly payment. Make sure you understand how much your payment will rise over time.
3. Can I transfer the lease if I sell my home?
Find out if the lease can be transferred to the new homeowner and what the process involves. Some buyers may be hesitant to take over a lease.
4. What happens at the end of the lease?
Ask if you’ll have the option to purchase the system, renew the lease, or have the panels removed.
5. What’s included in the maintenance and monitoring?
Confirm that all servicing, repairs, and system monitoring are covered under the lease.
6. Who claims the tax incentives?
With leases, the provider typically claims the federal solar tax credit. You’ll want to be clear about this and factor it into your decision-making.
7. Can I upgrade or expand the system later?
If you plan on adding a battery or more panels in the future, ask about your options under the lease.
Conclusion: Is a Solar Lease Right for You?
A solar lease can be a smart choice for many Florida homeowners—especially those who want the benefits of solar power without a large upfront investment or the responsibility of system ownership. With predictable monthly payments, included maintenance, and no-cost installation, leasing makes solar more accessible than ever.
That said, it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Homeowners who want to maximize their long-term savings, take advantage of tax credits, and boost their property value may find that buying a solar system—either outright or with a loan—is the better route.
The most important step is to compare all your options. Many solar companies offer side-by-side estimates for leasing, loans, and purchases. Be sure to review proposals from multiple providers, ask about escalators and contract terms, and understand how each option will affect your home and finances.
No matter which path you choose, going solar in Florida is almost always a step in the right direction. With abundant sunshine and rising utility costs, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.