The only reasons I support solar leasing is that some people just won’t take the other route (sadly) — i try to always mention they lose out in the long run by not just installing themselves. And, for some people, it may actually be the only legitimate option.

Today you can buy or lease PV’s that will reduce your bill,. In a short time, you will be able to buy PV’s that may eliminate your electric bill entirely, at a reduced cost to todays systems.

Why lease from a company who is essentially getting a loan from a bank, to buy and install your system? Why not just obtain the loan yourself, and keep more of the savings for yourself? Yes there are some valid reasons for leasing, they provide the maintenance, and can obtain loans that some homeowners otherwise could not. Yes it is good to see the conversion to solar moving forward, but let’s call it like it is, Sungevity and banks stand to earn handsome profits, while homeowners realize some meager savings.

My beef is that Sungevity is not a publicly traded company. It continues the distribution process of wealth to those that already have plenty, while offering the homeowner a small savings. People would be better servied to start co-ops, that fund these projects for a whole neighborhood. The energy from the sun falling on one’s property is a valuable resource, one should not be so quick to squander it, for reduced electric bills.