Breaking a solar lease

[silversaver]

Using that logic, I guess renting and not owning a home is free because I'd not be forced to pay property taxes, property insurance or a mortgage, as well as being free of the yoke of upkeep.

Eventually everything is free on that logic. That's how you fool people.

[silversaver]

Silversaver - some people look at it as "free" because it doesn't cost you anything additional than what you would already be forcefully paying to the utility company, so in that sense, it is "free".

I guess I'll give a finger to that person saying it is "free"

[J.P.M.]

Silversaver - some people look at it as "free" because it doesn't cost you anything additional than what you would already be forcefully paying to the utility company, so in that sense, it is "free".

Using that logic, I guess renting and not owning a home is free because I'd not be forced to pay property taxes, property insurance or a mortgage, as well as being free of the yoke of upkeep.

[HX_Guy]

Obviously the guy doesn't want to pay anything..... I'm sure he will take it for free.

Yes, lots people choose lease route. Because they don't like to pay any money, but like the idea of saving money each month. You need to have money, to build solar and to save money.....

Silversaver - some people look at it as "free" because it doesn't cost you anything additional than what you would already be forcefully paying to the utility company, so in that sense, it is "free".

[silversaver]

Solar lease is great option for many home owners if they can save money without any out of pocket expense. What make lease bad is " solar lease with escalation clause" You might be saving money now, but you will end up paying more in the feature. The only ones save/make money is the lease company.

Anyone that tell you solar is free, just give them a finger.

If you believe in free solar, just look yourself in the mirror, that is da dum arse

[Andygt02]

It's not as bad as it seems. Buy out the system and sell your house for market rate + whatever it cost you to buy the system (or more). Solar adds a great deal of value to a house.

[HX_Guy]

To the OP, I think you're best strategy is to educate the potential buyer. I find most people who do not want a lease and/or solar do not understand it. What is there not to want? Cheaper electricity than what they would have to pay for anyway? What are they going to do, live off candle power?

[J.P.M.]

Leases are great for a lot of people but definitely not for everyone.

Leases are a rip off for most everyone signing one. Kind of like renting furniture only worse. At least the furniture renters probably know they're getting screwed.

[solarix]

Ya, the bottom line with leases is that they offer you no-money-down, but really save you very little money overall. They allow a customer who is motivated to have solar a way to afford it, but whatever savings you see off your electric bill are just paid to the lease company. The only reason to go the lease financing route is because you can't use the tax credits yourself and can't afford to buy it straight out, and are not interested in saving much.

[Lowcostnrg]

Sunrun has a dept solely to help you figure out the selling of your home. Use purchase option to buy it out. Add cost to home purchase. I've been a sunrun dealer for many years. Leases are great for a lot of people but definitely not for everyone. Pro reps that are truly pros should be able to make that decision. First off never choose an 2.9 escalator unless your in a reverse mortgage or very senior and don't care about the home after you pass. Otherwise ask for a zero escalator at 10 cents. If you need a panel upgrade you might have to go 11 cents. If they can't go that low than your dealing with a sales company and not the actual installer. Purchase a system if you can use the Fed tax credits. Sales companies sell double what an actual install company sells for. $3 per watt is fair for an installer. This is the only way for a customer to get a true Energy savings.

[peakbagger]

I except the OP didn't get the answer he wanted and has gone on to other sources of commiseration.

[AZHIGH]

Read the OP - the prospective buyer does not want the system.

Not everyone wants to assume a lease.

The homeowner has no choice, he needs to buy out the contract or be in default, period. If the new buyer does not want it, then the buyer has the wrong home even though he owned it previously. If you have a lease with payments, it is best to buy the system out before even trying to sell. No one wants to assume another payment with a lease payment. When you buy a property you don't have add on expenses. Like it is going to cost another $20,000 for the pool, $2,000 for the shed, $10,000 for solar. It is not a clean way to sell. Buy it out, then set your sales price.

[silversaver]

Obviously the guy doesn't want to pay anything..... I'm sure he will take it for free.

Yes, lots people choose lease route. Because they don't like to pay any money, but like the idea of saving money each month. You need to have money, to build solar and to save money.....

[russ]

Don't default on your obligation. Just buy out the SunRun lease and add it to the sales price of your house. Easy. Who wouldn't want free electric? Solar adds a lot of value to your home. Buy it, no lease for the new owner and roll the cost into the purchase price. SIMPLE. What is the issue?

Read the OP - the prospective buyer does not want the system.

Not everyone wants to assume a lease.

[AZHIGH]

Don't default on your obligation. Just buy out the SunRun lease and add it to the sales price of your house. Easy. Who wouldn't want free electric? Solar adds a lot of value to your home. Buy it, no lease for the new owner and roll the cost into the purchase price. SIMPLE. What is the issue?