Should You Lease or Own Your Solar Panels in Phoenix?

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.

If you're considering going solar in Arizona, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to lease your solar panels or purchase them outright. Both options can help reduce your electric bill, but the long-term benefits are very different.

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we believe homeowners deserve clarity before making a major energy investment. Here's what Phoenix homeowners should know when deciding between leasing and owning a solar system.

How Solar Leasing Works

Leasing a solar system means you don't own the panels on your roof. Instead, you agree to pay a third-party provider a monthly fee for the electricity the panels produce. These leases usually last 20 to 25 years and are structured either as fixed monthly payments or based on the amount of energy your system generates.

Leasing can lower your electric bill without requiring any upfront investment. But you won’t receive the long-term financial benefits or tax credits that come with owning a system.

Why Ownership Offers More Value Over Time

When you purchase a solar system—either with cash or through financing—you own the equipment. That means you’re entitled to:

• The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit

• The $1,000 Arizona Solar Tax Credit

• Increased home value without higher property taxes

• Full access to net billing programs with APS or SRP

• Long-term savings without monthly payments to a third-party provider

Residential solar panels in Phoenix continue generating free electricity for 25 years or more. Once your system is paid off, the energy it produces is essentially free.

Leasing Limits Your Flexibility

Homeowners who lease often face challenges when selling their property. A solar lease can complicate the sale process, especially if the buyer doesn’t want to take over the lease agreement.

In contrast, home solar installation in Phoenix that’s owned outright becomes a strong selling point. Buyers value the reduced electric bills and are often willing to pay more for a home with a fully owned solar system.

Financing Makes Ownership Accessible

If upfront cost is a concern, financing your solar panel installation in Phoenix AZ is a smart alternative. With solar loans, many homeowners enjoy monthly payments that are lower than their old electric bill—while still building equity in their system.

Phoenix Valley Solar works with lenders who offer low-interest financing and flexible terms to help homeowners switch to ownership without a large upfront expense.

What’s Right for You?

Leasing might be worth considering if:

• You want short-term savings without ownership responsibilities

• You’re not eligible for solar tax credits

• You plan to move soon and don’t want to invest long-term

Ownership is a better fit if:

• You want to maximize savings over the next 25 years

• You’re eligible for tax incentives

• You want more control and flexibility

• You plan to stay in your home for several years

Why Work with Phoenix Valley Solar

As one of the top solar installers in Phoenix, we specialize in helping homeowners understand the full cost-benefit of every solar option. We don’t push one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we design custom systems that match your home, budget, and goals.

As the best solar company in Phoenix, we’ll help you decide whether ownership or leasing is the smarter move—and walk you through every step of the process.

Ready to Compare Your Options?

Contact Phoenix Valley Solar today for a personalized solar proposal. We’ll show you exactly how much you can save, whether you choose to lease or own your system.

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.