Solar: Lease or Own?
One of the most common obstacles to going green is upfront costs (though we all know the long-term savings are plentiful). Many new homes are built solar-ready, with intentions of installing panels once the construction loans are paid down. In April 2008, SolarCity, a Foster City, California-based solar energy company, launched SolarLease to offer residents a way to immediately capture savings from solar power.
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Why isn't everyone doing this? It's fantastic!
this is some great info- ive been looking into solar panels and i think that once i get my own house, im going to buy some! for now, i'll stick with solar powered products... normally i find a whole bunch at blog.guffly.com but does anyone have other suggestions?
Sounds great. Two questions though: 1) SolarCity doesn't serve our area (Dallas, TX). How can we find someone that will? 2) What happens when you want to sell your house, if you have SolarCity's panels sitting on your roof?
Hi Lars! Great questions. Unfortunately I don't have an answer for the first one. SolarCity offers the SolarLease to customers in California and Arizona. freEner-g (http://www.freener-g.com) offers a similar program to residents of Minnesota and Connecticut Solar Lease (http://www.ctsolarlease.com) does the same for those in Connecticut. The Citiznre Corporation (http://www.citizenre.com) is another company looking to set up a leasing program, but it has yet to launch one. You can contact SolarCity at 888-765-2489 for more information. Regarding your second question, if you lease solar panels from SolarCity and then sell your house, you have three choices: (1) You can transfer the lease to the new homeowner, (2) prepay the remaining amount on the lease and incorporate it into the sale price so the solar panels become the new homeowners' for the remainder of the lease, or (3) move the solar panels with you to your new home if it's within SolarCity's SolarLease region. Hope that helps!
If a homeowner has an older roof - say estimated remaining life of10 years or less - is there some economic coordination between local roofing companies and SolarCity to make the new roof more affordable? It seems the big opportunity in retro fit applications would be to deal effectively with older housing stock (and their old roofs) that has good solar site qualties?
this is a great idea although those in the time of the end cant be tied to this long term thing--if we would downsize our living habits we could do this upfront and out of debt for alot less--people have a mental block when the words solar or wind come up--but you can simplify this with a little study and live completely off grid for alot less than these "professionals" charge
Anything that promotes the adoption of solar energy should be applauded. Leasing is one option that makes sense for some homeowners, but it has some drawbacks. Notably, the savings are significantly less compared to other purchase methods, there could be balloon payments, it requires a very high FICO, and there could be complications upon a sale of the property. A property sales requires the new owner to sign a leasing contract or a balloon payment for the current contract. If you are worried about the upfront cost for solar panels, there are many financing programs available to homeowners with good credit. Some loans are tax-deductible too. Buying the system outright will generate the greatest savings. Home Depot and Lowe's solar panel prices seem to be about about 30% to 40% more than what a good installer would charge. Solar panel installers get wholesale pricing. Like any complex home improvement, you should get quotes from at least three licensed, professional installers for solar panels at your home or business. In addition to installation, a pro solar installer will help with system design, permits, the utility connection, state rebates, incentives and warranties. To learn more about solar costs, savings benefits and financing visit FreeCleanSolar.com. You can also search a nationwide network of local solar installers and find information about state solar rebates and federal tax credits. The bottom line is that many homeowners and business owners can afford and save with solar power today.
Why would anyone want to lock themselves and their home into a solar lease when prices for the purchase of a solar system have come down so low and so many new financial incentives are coming on line ? What would you do if a national feed in tariff is enacted ? Those of you who are locked into a lease for the next 15 years will be out of luck because you will have to pay a hefty penalty to break your lease not to mention that people who lease don't get any available rebates, they don't get the 30% Federal tax credit nor do they get any valuable REC credits. All of those benefits go to the leasing company because they own the solar system that sits on your roof that YOU will have to make payment on for the next 15 years. Oh and good luck if you ever go to sell your house because your home's buyer will have to have excellent credit to qualify for the lease or you will pay.
This is a joke. These people don't realize that they bought a system that is attached to the house and they own it. It's easier for people to understand monthly payments vs. a true system balance. Cable Co. do this, cell phones and so on... Who would pay 18K for cable up front? No one. But 120$ a month makes them pull the trigger easier. Issue with Solar is the Roof would need to be replaced or home sold as is, a nice Lien on the home if the seller defaults and does not pay out the lease.
SolarCity has only been in business since 2006? And the founders are ex dot.com-ers ?? No wonder they have such a pretty website. They are playing the same old car-dealer tricks "its only so-much per month... don't worry about the price..." I did some research and here in Los Angeles, taking advantage of the generous local rebate and federal tax credit, I can have a higher-quality system installed by a company with TEN years experience for less that $5 grand and reduce my electric bill by nearly $600 per year. My investment pays for itself in just over 8 years and the system carried a 25 year warranty! SolarCity should chage its name to SolarBubbleCity ... these guys are obviously band-wagon jumpers looking for the next big thing!
Steven: Who is the installer of your system? If they can do the job that you say, give us all the advantage of your knowledge. I'm in the process of researching companies and have found no company near as economical as you say. So far, they all cost some $10K to 12K (after rebates) for a sytem that will save $600-$700 a year. Also they take longer to pay off and have far less than a 25 year warranty. Pass on your valuable knowledge to help your fellow Californians.
A fair price for solar is $7.2 per dc watt. A 4kwh system cost 4000w x $7.20 = $28800. Rebates and tax incentives are around 14400 leaving 14400. Business owners can get larger systems for less then $7 per kwh and also get another 30% (if there in the 30% tax bracket) off the balance from accelerated depreciation. For home homeowners 14400 saves 140 per month. (South facing roof, with no shade). 14400 divided by 140 = 103 months or 8.5 years. After 8.5 years you still have 11.5 years or more of saving 140 per month or maybe well over $200 per month if rates climb. You can think of it as a investment into your retirement. If you sell the house five years after buying the system you will make money. You will increase the value of your house by more then 20,000 (the true value of the system with out rebates and then depreciating it substantially) you will have paid no more then 14,400 and save $4800 or more in electricity. Profit to you $10400. If you lease and sell the house in five years you will owe $23,407.80 (lease compounds at 3.5% per year, needed a spread sheet for that one). Minus the $4800 = 18607.80 that you lost. So stay in the lease full term (which is the same as getting a loan for 15 years at 8% interest IF YOU GO FULL TERM ON THE LEASE). If you sell your house early it is like a 250% interest rate.
I forgot to add the value of the system for when you sell which is $20,000 so you actually come out ahead by $1400. $10400 - 1400 = $9000. You lose $9000 leasing it instead of buying it if you sell at 5 years. Buying is better, but leasing is better then not going solar at all. Sorry for the incomplete statement above. Disclaimer: calculations are based on the assumption that breaking the lease requires fulfilling the lease of 15 years.
I really am messing up, disregard the above post, I am sending a corrected post
A fair price for solar is $7.2 per dc watt. A 4kwh system cost 4000w x $7.20 = $28800. Rebates and tax incentives are around 14400 leaving 14400. Business owners can get larger systems for less then $7 per kwh and also get another 30% (if there in the 30% tax bracket) off the balance from accelerated depreciation. For home homeowners 14400 saves 140 per month. (South facing roof, with no shade). 14400 divided by 140 = 103 months or 8.5 years. After 8.5 years you still have 11.5 years or more of saving 140 per month or maybe well over $200 per month if rates climb. You can think of it as a investment into your retirement. If you sell the house five years after buying the system you will make money. You will increase the value of your house by more then 20,000 (the true value of the system with out rebates and then depreciating it substantially) you will have paid no more then 14,400 and save $9300 in electricity. Profit to you $14900 in five years. If you lease and sell the house in five years you will owe $18800 (lease compounds at 3.5% per year). 18800 is balance on lease. IF you value the system at $20000 you made 1200 on the system. Your lease payment is 110 and you save 140 on electric then you made another $2200 savings in electricity (compounding electric rate at 5% annual and lease at 3.5%). Grand total $3400 profit in five years with lease. The difference between buying and leasing is over $11000 if you sell in 5 years. The longer you stay in the lease the smaller the difference gets. You make money either way but if you sell your house before the lease is up you make a lot more when you buy the system. If you stay in the house for 15 years the lease is the same as a 8% loan for 15 years.
What a great article providing summary of information about how a Solar Lease program works! In the above comments, the writer addressed dangling questions about ways home owners resolve sale of their real estate property where solar leases are implemented. Here is another perspective for the public to consider. Whether a consumer decides to lease or purchase solar is really up to the same level of consideration one would consider a large purchase like an automobile. (Think about this for a moment...) It is obviously different investment and need however, both represent independence of spirit. Based on personal lifestyle and under most circumstances, the level of cost to purchase a solar PV system is about the same level of cost one might spend to buy a brand new automobile except we choose to pay off the car in 5 years and probably get a few more years of service to repeat the process once more again. With a solar PV system, for the same level of capital cost on that new automobile, the purchase and pay down for the system in 5 years could be possible reaping energy independence for a long time. Conclusion: One could spend money on a new car less often and obtain access to solar energy (lease or purchase) and greater independence.
This is a great idea and not only for home owners looking to save money. It will help bring solar into the public eye and there will be a greater diffusion of knowledge about solar power in the main stream. Not everyone can afford a solar pv system, so many people do not even consider learning about it. A leasing program will allow people to learn about PV systems and may lead to more people wanting to own systems in the future. Is Solar City a dealer like PVPower (http://www.pvpower.com) or do they design and install?
Anything that promotes the adoption of solar energy should be applauded. Leasing is one option that makes sense for some homeowners, but it has some drawbacks. Notably, the savings are significantly less compared to other purchase methods, there could be balloon payments, it requires a very high FICO, and there could be complications upon a sale of the property. A property sales requires the new owner to sign a leasing contract with the provider, or a balloon payment for the current contract.
this debate about climate changing and global warming is getting us nowhere. what matters is 1) energy independence 2) creating jobs in america and 3) growing energy demand. There are 6 billion people in the world today, and there will be 9 billion in 25 years. This growing population will need power, and solar energy can help with this. we'll make more of our own power and create jobs right here in America. Check out http://freecleansolar.com to learn more.
In Colorado, leasing companies get a better deal on rebates and incentives than homeowners do. Who gets to keep the production amount of 11cents a kWh should the homeowner decide to buy out the lease during the contract time frame of 20 years? Does the production incentive transfer over to the homeowner if he or she decides to buy the system during the lease time frame, or does the leasing company continue to get the 11 cents/kWh for the life of the contract, regardless of who eventually owns the system during that 20 year time frame? Also, does the leasing company get the tax incentive too, instead of the homeowner since it is a lease?
Leasing though applicable in the developed countries, may not work in Afirca especially Malawi where most of the target groups live in rural areas and being and agricultural dominated economy, most of the potential customers are farmers with erratic (seasonal ) cash flows. However, if these systems are being financed by working family members thern this optional may be attarctive especially if the maintenance aspect is bulit within the lease agreement. This could be a nice project to launch in Malawi. Thanks for theis article
Here is another perspective for the public to consider. Whether a consumer decides to lease or purchase solar is really up to the same level of consideration one would consider a large purchase like an automobile. ______________ thomasjimmy
Renting vs Purchasing...Who cares? Clean Energy is the mission and a solar lease program is designed to make the solar conversion to clean energy a simple and affordable way for the masses to participate in a solution to help minimize the environmental destruction, and dependence on fossil fuel driven power plants. In this economy most homeowners are just trying to get by, they want to do something to change our carbon footprint, but the investment of $25,000 and even after all the rebates and write offs they may only pay about $11,000 for the system. Then factor in the maintance and any repair cost of a system, and the purchase option to a new solar customer may seem a bit of a stretch. A new solar customer should have the option to test drive the technology before investing and a solar lease offers just that. Technology changes so fast these days, many of the systems being purchased today may be obsolete in 10 years, remember all of those giant cable satellite dishes, or the block sized cell phones, and I can go on and on, the point is sometimes it is better to find a way to enjoy the technology during its ‘evolution stage without having to invest the farm. The main mission is to bring the clean energy of solar to the masses with a program that will work for them now, not wait until they can afford to purchase and who cares if a homeowner buys or leases? What we desire is a clean environment, and the reduction the BP oils spills and the coal mining accidents. Ohhh, by the way there is a solar lease program that you can lease with the option to buy in six years, they have two of the best leasing programs in the nation, you can get a free solar quote and compare before you decide. Read about it: http://www.2rentsolar.com Either you are part of the problem, or part of the soultion, either buy or lease, but please, please convert ot clean energy.
I agree. It's great if someone owns or leases a photovoltaic system because they have made a commitment towards a more sustainable energy choice. If you have the money to spend, the ROI on purchasing a solar electric system outright makes more sense than leasing. However, if you don't, I think the leasing options from SolarCity and other IPP's give homeowners' a great alternative.
I agree. It's great if someone owns or leases a photovoltaic system because they have made a commitment towards a more sustainable energy choice. If you have the money to spend, the ROI on purchasing a solar electric system outright makes more sense than leasing. However, if you don't, I think the leasing options from SolarCity and other IPP's give homeowners' a great alternative.
I must disagree with most of y'all. Leasing, at least as proposed by most in the industry, is not a good deal for the homeowner. The leasing company gets the Federal Tax Credits, The utility Co. Rebates, and the homeowner pays thousands of dollars more for the system than it is worth, just to avoid the up front costs. Bad decision in most cases. It's worth the trouble to try to find financing which allows you to take advantage of the above reductions to the system cost, and also enjoy the free electricity from the sun, which is the point.
I am trying to make up my mind between a SunRun PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) where they charge me $0.28 per kWh for the next 18 years (no escalating payments) and they own/insure/maintain the system, vs. a SolarCity lease of $0.22/kWh for 20 years with a 4% yearly increase. Both systems replace my top tier from PG$E exclusively which now is $0.40, and both a fairly large 11kW installation groundmount for which I'd rather not take out a loan right now. SunRun has their work done by Acro Energy which is an excellent company in all respects with a long history, but SolarCity looks like a big strong company that has a lot to loose by conning people. For a housewife like me the call is so close and the numbers so confusing, any help?
I think solar lease will be more popular with more additional functions in our daily life. After all, these kinds of new technologies are the necessary to our lives than any other resources.
hey guys, i got a quote from SolarCity for a 2.15kW system. My electricity bill is usually $40/month for $1600sqft (3BR, 2BTH) in Pasadena, CA. It's hot here but even at the peak, July was only $67. You guys should know that SolarCity leases already factor in rebates and tax credits. Also, at the end of 20 years they say you can buy it at 10% it's market value or give a low ball offer like a few hundred dollars and they will probably take it. After 90 days they need to pick it up. If they don't it's yours. of course maybe in 20 years we can transport to the moon. Anyway, here's the 4 options based on my scenario: 1. $0 down, $43 month to SolarCity, $12 electric bill for 20 years (increase of 3.9% a year for lease) 2. $2400 down, $23 month to Solar City, $12 electric bill for 20 years (no increase) 3. $4200 down, $0 month to Solar City, $12 electric bill for 20 years (no increase) 4. purchase system for $8k. So wouldn't option 3 seem the best. I pay $4200 for 20 year lease w/no monthly charge and I can own the system almost for free at end of 20 years.
Hey Dudette, what did you decide? I'm looking at SunRun PPA too. Trying to decide whether to buy 20 yrs of energy upfront for $15,938 and they own the structure and maintain/insure, or purchase with rebates/refunds at $16,709 and then I maintain/insure. They "guarantee" a total of 94,145 kWh output over 20 years (cost per kWh = $0.169). But in the contract, if you look at the language there's some squiggle room for them to adjust "guaranteed" outputs after year one. Other concerns: (1) sale of property. I'm expecting to be in home for 8 to 12 years. I'm buying the power upfront, so shouldn't be a concern for next homeowners, tho they would have to sign on to get the continued maintenance and guaranteed outputs, and not sure if they'd have to pass credit check then. Option would be for me to buy the system prior to home sale, which wouldn't be much in price (I would expect) because in effect SunRun would be getting out of maintenance and guaranteed outputs at that point and they'd already have recouped the depreciation. (2) bankruptcy of SunRun. They agree in contract to sell system to me less price of energy already purchased. Price of system doesn't mention anything about rebates, so if I enter this agreement I'm needing SunRun to stay in business at least for 5 years (but probably longer?), when total price of the system drops to below (or near) what I've paid for energy to be produced. (3) after 20 years. Not concerned about this. they have to take the system off roof or sell it to me. I can't imagine them selling it for much at that point.
I read most of the posts here and I got some good information. I'm starting the process of evaluating if solar leasing will be a good option for us. The only reason I'm hesitant is that we may be moving in 5-7 years, but don't have the money to put up front to purchase panels. Our PG&E bill is $300-$350/month!!! This amount is so ridiculous, specially, when we are already doing everything we can to lower our energy consumption (don't use AC, have a gas fireplace and dryer, and have energy efficient appliances, etc.). Im trying to find out anyway we could save $$. I received a quote from Sungevity which they indicated would be about $150 a month. It sounds too good to be true. Has anyone heard about them? If people could be saving so much $$$ why are not more people doing this?
hould you Rent, Lease, or Buy a home solar system? With so many home solar options on the market today, many homeowners are overwhelmed with which option best matches their family's energy needs, and offers the best cost savings. Many smart homeowners have selected to use the services of 2RentSolar.com to match them to the best solar lease or purchase plan. They use over 25 points of comparable data, and many other variables to find which of the top renewable energy providers (including all of the above mentioned and more) will match best for your home energy needs and they even contact the selected matching provider program and submit your request for a solar quote, so you can see how much you will save by going solar. The best part is their matching service is free to homeowners! So before looking anywhere for a home solar lease or purchase program, go to www.2rentsolar.com and submit your quote request, and they will do the rest. They really do make upgrading to a home solar system "simple and affordable."
Question. If I purchase a Solar system my house's appraisal value goes up. What about a lease? I don't own the system, so I am guessing that it will not appreciate the value of my home like a pool installation would. Am I correct?
lease of solar in MD?
I own 2 homes - one with an owned 3k PV system, and one with a leased 5.5 k system. Both systems produce clean energy, but the leased system has these benefits: -No money down: the BIG difference! Solar PV used to be only for folks with a bunch of money, or those who could finance tens of thousands of dollars. -Any production incentives or annual excess electricity rebates go to you, not the leasing company. -Option to pay upfront for 15-20 years of clean electricity at a low, set rate. -No maintenance - a HUGE issue - not many folks can repair/replace solar components, or want to pay for it to be done. Solar PV systems are almost maintenance free, but stuff happens. -No insurance. -No rebate/incentive paperwork. The solar leasing company takes care of all this for you. -Empowers a clean energy company - If you own your panels, you can't take on the big, polluting utilites. When the solar leasing companies own enough megawatts of PVs, they'll have the clout that is needed to fight coal and other polluting utilities. This may be the most important reason of all to lease, not own, your solar PV system.
I am in Maryland and have a hone equity of $ 41,000 with 4.8%. I have proposal for a 5.8 kW Sharp panel installation. Should I go for lease or buy? Based on my installer if I buy I will have 17.8 % return of investment by using all intensives and SREC's. What do I miss?
We live in AZ and leased panels with Solar City 2 years ago. We have never regretted it for a moment. Didn't regret it when one of the parts malfunctioned over the summer and Solar City quickly had it replaced at no cost since leasing leaves them responsible for all maintenance, and certainly didn't regret it when our electric bills started showing up with a negative balance owed. I know some people are concerned about resale while the lease is still in effect, but that was the least of our concern. We really just wanted to do our part to help the Green Industry grow, and really....when you live in AZ there is no excuse not to have panels on your roof.
in regards to dp energy stoe... His math seems off in savings per month and he forgets about time-value of money, maintenance, replacement of electronics, panel output degradation and added insurance costs. Also the tax incentive is a TAX CREDIT and, if you are not in a high bracket, or don't have a lot of deductions, then you get no tax credit. any comments that take these things into the calcs??
HI, I'm from philippines and energy cost is quite expensive. It's good to know that this kind of technology is growing. However, here in my country doesn't seem too interested on this. I want to build or make one for my own. I need your ideas about this, and I reckon if you could help me on this one. http://build-home-solar-panel.com/ I saw this site and I need your inputs. I want to have at least one guide for now. Thanks in advance!
The only reason I'm leaning towards leaseing is the system upkeep is all on them (solar co.) for the term of the lease. Aslo the performance gaurentee will keep them on there toes because if the system is not at peak performance it cost them money. Lastly the 30% the FEDS give is a tax credit (not the same as cash back) and I'm fortunate to get money back each year so that wont help me. Guess I could file exempt for awhile
i too was concerned about the maintenance of the system. from the little reading i've done on this, it appears to me that there is very little upkeep (other than hosing off dusty panels) providing the system is installed correctly. i've gotten leasing estimates from a couple of big companies. i'm no expert but i'm definitely not impressed with those quotes so now i'm considering purchasing a system instead. my brother has a LLC. i'm not eligible for the 30% tax credit. i'm looking into whether he can purchase my system and take the write-off and then lease it to me?
Dear Sir/Ma, Kindly let me know if you have Solar Photovoltaic in stock for urgent installation. Solar Module 100WATT, 120WATT or 125WATT and above or any other Solar Photovoltaic model. Regard Anderson Moore Anderson & Sons Trading 4340 Jearoldstown Road Chuckey TN-37641
I have reviewed lease options from some of the companies discussed herein in some detail. Furthermore I have carefully listened to their sales' pitches. If they feel that they won't get their SRECs and a decent fixed PPA, and leasing cost, they will shunt you aside. Consequently, my wife and I are going to purchase our entire system for our home for about $33,000. Our system will result in a 30% tax rebate in 2012, so that's good. The money we intend to use is earning a paltry 0.75% in our checking account, which gets taxed (at our Tax Rate) further by the government at tax filing. So, with that in mind, my opportunity cost in NOT going solar would require us to accept what our savings earns at (0.75)(1 - TR), versus us NOT paying $100-$200/mo (plus esclating cost) in electricity for 20 years, and us NOT getting $600/SREC (current weighted sales price per MWh generated), and us NOT getting an expected profit of $15,000 when we sell this home. We expect the system to generate 6-8 SRECs per year. My ONLY concerns are the 10-year life of the inverter and our need for a respectable electrical contractor to provide routine electrical monitoring if needed. So my answer is we ARE going solar with a purchase, not a lease.
America is full of naysayers, One bleating on about only saving $15 month. Listen guys solar power leased or bought helps to save this world. I have wanted solar power for 30 years but no one did it it was easier to use oil. Now at 74 years of age leasing for us is an option. We can't afford to buy and we can't climb on a roof to fix things. We don't pay tax so thats no incentive to buy anyway and no doubt we won't live long enough for a 20 year scenario! The next thing we buy is a Hybrid no doubt the naysayers will have something to say about them. Totally off the grid guys no matter what you say.
As great a solar lease is, unfortunately it just doesn't give you the same return on investment you can get by owning a solar panel system. That's why Leo Sunergy just created an excellent alternative to the solar lease. Now you can go solar for $0 down and own your solar panel system in 7 years. You will have monthly payments, but after you offset the payments with incentives, most of the time you only pay around $50 a month for the system. It's really a great deal and a great way to go if you don't have a large down payment. You can get more information here: http://leosunergy.com/solar-panels-zero-down.php
Solar is now less expensive for most people who like their home and plan to be there for 5 years or more. The power company in our area (SCE) has been installing smart meters everywhere in order to change the rate structure and gouge customers who use electricity during the day. This rate structure makes the power you generate during the day via solar worth 2.5 times the power you consume at night. Visit www.rccsolar.com for more insightful info on Edison and leasing versus owning.
Every one is talking about lease or buy and the benifits or flaws in each, but dose anybody know how a leasing solar will effect you if you dont sell but want to refinance? does it become a second on the house? and if the new lender doesnt like your credit score now will you loose the option to refinance the house?
apparently nobody here understands economics or the concept of discounted cash flow (DCF). if you did, you would quickly realize that, assuming your savings are sufficient enough, that a zero down lease is a better economic decision versus forking over a lump sum of cash at time-zero. run a DCF is you dont believe me. but comments here and other boards look at the savings over time without regards to discounting those cash flows which is not how investments are analyzed.
Dr.Richie, if the best you can do with $33k is 0.75%, then yes, you should buy the system. but pick up a 20 year bond, even a municipality with exception from state taxes and you do better than 0.75%. Run a DCF. Excel spreadsheets have pre-set formulas that do all the work for you (except for taxes).
lastly, a) solar is not economical unless you run into the upper tiers of your utility company (assuming you are tiered), b) if you think solar will help w/ the resale value, you are kidding yourself. it certainly wont hurt, but i challenge you to find any quantitative data supporting a claim that a house with solar sells for more than a house w/o solar. again, it wont hurt but dont kid yourself if you think it will sell for a higher price because it has solar...that's just a nice benefit.
lastly, a) solar is not economical unless you run into the upper tiers of your utility company (assuming you are tiered), b) if you think solar will help w/ the resale value, you are kidding yourself. it certainly wont hurt, but i challenge you to find any quantitative data supporting a claim that a house with solar sells for more than a house w/o solar. again, it wont hurt but dont kid yourself if you think it will sell for a higher price because it has solar...that's just a nice benefit.
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