Honest comparison from a real installer
Before you sign a 25-year solar lease, read this.
We've never offered solar leases. Here's the math we always run with homeowners — and why we built our business on ownership, not leasing.
Free Lease vs. Own Comparison
We'll run your specific numbers — including any existing lease.
100+ solar companies have closed. Most pushed leases.
Over the last 18 months, more than 100 solar companies have filed for bankruptcy or shut down — including some of the biggest national brands. Many of them sold leases that benefited the company more than the customer, then sold the financial upside to investors. When interest rates rose and customer churn climbed, the model broke.
We've never offered leases or PPAs. Not because they're always wrong for everyone — but because they almost always look better on the salesperson's tablet than they do on a 25-year spreadsheet. So we put the spreadsheet first.
If you're researching a lease, we'll run the numbers against ownership for your home, side-by-side. Free. Even if you decide a lease is right for you.
Lease vs. PPA vs. Ownership — at a glance
These are the structural differences. Real numbers depend on your home, but the patterns hold up.
| Lease | PPA | Ownership | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | $0 | Cash or financed |
| Monthly payment | Fixed + escalator (~2-3%/yr) | Per kWh produced | Loan payment (or none) |
| Federal tax credit | Goes to lease company | Goes to PPA company | Goes to you |
| Home value impact | May complicate sale | May complicate sale | Adds value |
| 25-year total cost | Often more than buying | Varies by usage | Lowest lifetime cost |
| If company goes bankrupt | Lease may transfer or orphan | PPA may transfer or orphan | You still own it |
| Selling your home | Lease must transfer or buy out | PPA must transfer or buy out | Sells with the home |
Patterns above are general; your specific lease/PPA contract terms may differ. We always read the contract before recommending anything.
Already in a solar lease and want out?
You may have more options than you think. Some leases allow buyout (sometimes at a discount as the lease ages). Some leases transfer cleanly to a new homeowner if you sell. Some lease companies that went bankrupt left customers with orphaned systems and unclear servicing — we help with that too.
Send us your lease and we'll review it for free. We'll explain what your options are — even if the answer is "stay in the lease for now." No pressure, no obligation.
Send Us Your Lease →Customers who chose ownership
Click any video to hear the story in their own words.
"Find the right company and you're smiling all the way to the bank."
Jeff reviewed 30+ solar companies before choosing Option One. He was burned by hidden costs, vague quotes, and fine print at other installers. We gave him a firm, honest quote — and the system he needed before NEM 2.0 expired.
"Top-notch service and unmatched professionalism—I couldn't be happier!"
Bob picked us specifically because we're locally based with our own in-house install team — not a national lease company that subcontracts. He owns his system; the value goes to him.
"Option One Solar made everything easy with great communication and efficient service—I'm glad I trusted them."
Drew came back to Option One for a second project. That's the trust that comes from straight numbers and ownership — not lease lock-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual cost of a 25-year solar lease?
Why are so many solar lease companies going bankrupt?
Can I get out of a solar lease?
Is owning solar harder than leasing?
What about 'free solar' offers?
Get the real numbers — for free.
We'll run lease vs. PPA vs. ownership for your specific home. Honest math. No sales pressure.
Free Lease vs. Own Comparison
If a lease is right for you, we'll tell you. We just won't be the ones who sell it to you.