Lease vs buy: a side-by-side worksheet
Print and fill out this side-by-side worksheet to compare solar leasing (or a PPA) versus buying/owning your system. It helps you organize the numbers—so you can ask better questions and compare offers fairly.
What’s in the Lease vs Buy Solar Worksheet?
This free worksheet helps you compare solar lease/PPA options against buying/owning a solar system. It’s designed for US homeowners, including people who are new to US solar terms.
You’ll use it to write down the key details that usually show up in proposals, like upfront costs, monthly payments, payment increases, and how the federal tax credit may be treated. Because every home and contract is different, this worksheet is for comparison and questions, not predictions.
The worksheet includes sections for both paths:
- Lease or PPA: lower upfront cost, monthly bill changes, and possible yearly escalators
- Buy/own (cash or loan): higher upfront cost, potential long-term benefit, and typical differences in how tax credits are handled
Important: This guide does not guarantee savings. Solar outcomes vary by your roof, system size, utility rates, state incentives, and contract terms.
How to use it (step-by-step)
1. Gather your quotes (or proposal pages) from solar providers you’re considering. If you don’t have quotes yet, you can still use the worksheet to list what you need to request.
2. Fill in the “at a glance” section first: contract type (lease/PPA/buy), system size (kW), term length (for leases/PPAs), and your estimated monthly payment.
3. Record the payment details carefully. For leases/PPAs, note the monthly payment and any escalator (for example, a yearly increase). For buying, note what’s financed, the loan term (if any), and your expected monthly loan payment.
4. Compare upfront cost items side-by-side. Write down what you pay at signing (down payment, closing costs, fees, etc.). Also list what you are not paying (for example, some lease options reduce upfront costs).
5. Add the tax credit notes (as shown in the contract). In many cases, the provider may claim the federal tax credit with leases/PPAs, while homeowners may benefit more directly when they own the system. However, only your contract confirms how it works in your deal.
6. Estimate and compare outcomes using your own numbers. The worksheet can help you think through “what changes over time,” especially if you have an escalator or a loan—without assuming a specific savings result.
Lease vs buy: what to compare most
Use the worksheet to compare the terms that can change your costs over time. Here are the most common areas to capture:
- Upfront cost: Are there $0 down options, or is there a down payment? Any permitting, installation, or administrative fees?
- Monthly payment or bill impact: With a lease/PPA, you usually have a set monthly payment (sometimes plus escalators). With buying/financing, you typically have a loan payment.
- Escalators and payment increases: Leases/PPAs often have scheduled increases over the contract term. Buying can also have rate and interest effects depending on financing.
- Contract term and ownership: Leases/PPAs usually have a set length. Buying means you own the system (and usually take on more long-term responsibility).
- Who gets the tax credit and how it’s reflected: Don’t rely on assumptions. Look for the exact language in the proposal and contract.
Get matched with vetted local solar providers (free)
If you want help comparing offers, SunWise Lease is a free matching service. We connect you with vetted local solar providers so you can request quotes and ask for the numbers you’ll plug into the worksheet.
Start here: Get matched with vetted solar providers.
Then review these basics as you collect proposals: Solar guides and tips. They can help you understand common terms you’ll see in leases, PPAs, and ownership offers.
Tip: Ask each provider to give you the same information so you can compare apples to apples.
Safety tips: avoid surprises before you sign
Solar deals are contract-heavy. Before you decide, read the full agreement and make sure you understand every number.
- Ask for everything in writing. That includes monthly payment details, escalators, term length, fees, and what happens at the end of the contract.
- Be cautious with high-pressure sales. Some door-to-door or phone sales tactics are regulated in certain states, and it’s okay to say you need time.
- Don’t sign on the spot. Take the worksheet and the proposal to compare with other offers.
- Clarify responsibilities. Who handles repairs or maintenance under a lease/ PPA? What warranties apply?
If you’d like to browse other tools and resources, visit Tools.
Print this worksheet to compare solar lease/PPA vs buying/owning by writing down upfront costs, monthly costs, possible payment increases, and tax-credit notes—then compare offers before you sign.