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PUT THE WHOLE PRICE IN PERSPECTIVE

Three solar paths.
One clear comparison.

Start with the same proposed system and installed scope. Then compare the upfront amount, recurring payments, total obligation, ownership and long-term responsibilities.

THIRD-PARTY OWNERSHIP

Lease

A provider owns the solar equipment under the lease agreement while you make the required lease payments.

  • Review the starting payment and any scheduled change.
  • Understand service, production and insurance responsibilities.
  • Check transfer, buyout and end-of-term terms.
Discuss this option

FINANCED PURCHASE

Loan (ownership)

A lender finances a system purchase. Ownership, any lender security interest and repayment duties follow the signed project and loan documents.

  • Compare cash price, financed amount, APR, fees and total payments.
  • Check for payment changes, lump sums and prepayment terms.
  • Review payoff, service and home-transfer responsibilities.
Discuss this option

UPFRONT LEASE STRUCTURE

Prepaid lease

A lease obligation is paid largely or entirely upfront while equipment ownership and long-term responsibilities remain governed by the lease.

  • Confirm the exact upfront amount and any remaining charges.
  • Separate the equipment owner from the property owner.
  • Review service, transfer, buyout, removal and end-of-term terms.
Discuss this option

Origin is a contractor, not a lender, lessor or tax adviser. Available programs, pricing, approval and terms depend on the provider and your project. This page is not a financing offer. Your signed agreements and current law control.

SEE THE TRADE-OFFS

Ask the same questions.
Compare the written answers.

What to compareLeaseLoan (ownership)Prepaid leaseDirect purchase
Equipment ownerUsually the providerPurchaser, subject to governing documentsUsually the providerPurchaser
Payment structureLease paymentsLoan paymentsUpfront lease payment plus any stated chargesInstallation payment schedule
Service responsibilityDefined by leaseProduct, installer and loan documentsDefined by leaseProduct and installer documents
Selling the homeReview transfer and buyoutReview payoff, lien and transferReview transfer, buyout and prepaid termDisclose system and transfer records
Utility billRemaining charges still applyRemaining charges still applyRemaining charges still applyRemaining charges still apply

MAKE THE MONTHLY PICTURE CLEAR

Your solar payment is one part of it.

Add the utility charges you expect to keep, then compare the total with your current bill.

Try the payment check

VERIFY BEFORE YOU CHOOSE

Current terms.
Complete documents.

Do not assume ownership, a tax benefit, an unchanged payment or an automatic home transfer from the option name alone. Read the provider documents beside the installed scope and compare the total obligation.

When roofing, solar or backup work are planned together, ask which scopes are eligible for each payment path. A combined project does not mean every program covers every service.

Read the FTC solar buying guide ↗ · Check current IRS guidance ↗

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