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A solar lease is similar to a PPA but involves fixed monthly payments instead of per-kWh pricing. The third-party lessor owns the system, and you pay a predictable monthly amount regardless of production. Operating leases can be off-balance-sheet under certain conditions.
A solar lease involves fixed monthly payments regardless of production, while a PPA charges per kWh generated. Leases provide more budget predictability, while PPAs align costs with actual production. Both are $0 down with third-party ownership.
Fixed monthly payment ($800-$4,000/mo for 100kW)
Based on a 100kW commercial system
Businesses wanting predictable monthly costs
Companies preferring operating lease treatment
Organizations that want solar without ownership complexity
Businesses with limited tax appetite
$0 upfront cost
Predictable fixed monthly payments
Operating lease = off-balance-sheet (under ASC 842 criteria)
No maintenance or insurance responsibility
Shorter terms available (10-15 years) vs. PPA
Simpler contract structure than PPA
No ownership or ITC/MACRS benefits
Fixed payments don't adjust for production variation
May pay more than a PPA in high-production months
Capital lease treatment under ASC 842 if criteria met
Early termination penalties
Lower total savings than direct ownership
$0 upfront
A Solar PPA is a contract where a third-party developer owns, installs, and maintains the solar system on your property. You purchase the electricity generated at a fixed rate, typically 10-30% below your current utility rate. No upfront cost, no maintenance responsibility.
$0 upfront
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) finances solar through a voluntary property tax assessment. The loan attaches to the property (not the owner), with repayment through property tax bills over 20-30 years. This unique structure enables 100% financing with no personal guarantee.
10-20% down payment typical upfront
A traditional term loan or SBA loan used to purchase a commercial solar system outright. The business owns the system from day one, claiming the full ITC, MACRS depreciation, and all energy production benefits. Multiple loan products are available including SBA 504/7(a) loans, commercial bank loans, and green bonds.
A solar lease involves fixed monthly payments regardless of production, while a PPA charges per kWh generated. Leases provide more budget predictability, while PPAs align costs with actual production. Both are $0 down with third-party ownership.
Site-specific pricing with exact incentive calculations. No obligation.