Get My Options ↗Own it with a loan or choose a provider-owned lease or PPA. Compare the benefits, obligations and battery protection before you decide.
You buy the equipment.
You pay to use the equipment.
You pay for the energy it produces.
Availability and approval vary. A lease or PPA may include annual increases. A PPA can use levelized billing rather than a bill that changes with every month’s production. Solar does not automatically eliminate your utility bill.
| Question | Loan | Lease | PPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns the system? | You | Provider | Provider |
| What are payments for? | System purchase + financing | Use of the equipment | Solar energy |
| Who handles service? | Your manufacturer / installer warranties; you outside coverage | Provider, as contracted | Provider, as contracted |
| Selling your home? | Review payoff or approved assumption | Review transfer / buyout terms | Review transfer / buyout terms |
| What can change? | Payment resets or variable terms, if included | Annual escalator, if included | Rate escalator / billing, as agreed |
A 25-year payment plan does not automatically provide a 25-year battery warranty.
Manufacturer warranties cover eligible defects and performance. Installer labor coverage may be different. Once coverage ends, repair or replacement costs may be yours.
Provider service can extend beyond the manufacturer warranty. Verify the battery’s covered years, labor, replacement rules and exclusions in your specific agreement.
Solar-plus-storage plans and battery-only plans can have different terms, even with the same provider.
Compare years, capacity retention, cycle or throughput limits, labor, replacement rules and home-sale transfer. Coverage is not a promise that your battery will retain its original capacity forever.
BBB letter ratings checked October 22, 2026. Open each profile for current reviews, complaints and details.
Accredited · GoodLeap, LLC · Roseville headquarters
Compare ownership financing with provider-owned alternatives.
Compare cash and financed prices, APR, total payments and the actual service provider.
Battery coverage depends on the selected product and contract. Do not assume a universal 25-year battery term.
Accredited · EnFin · Irvine profile
A levelized PPA payment with monitoring and service described in the plan.
Review annual increases and ownership. After a PPA buyout, service responsibility shifts to you.
Confirm battery-specific coverage in writing. General system service language does not establish every battery replacement condition.
Accredited · Sunrun, Inc. · San Francisco headquarters
Advertises 25-year subscription equipment and service coverage.
Review payment increases, transfer/buyout rules and the exact equipment included.
The subscription agreement defines covered repairs, replacement and exclusions. Subscription protection does not automatically apply to a purchase or loan.
Not accredited · Palmetto Solar · Charlotte profile
The solar-plus-storage guide includes 25-year approved battery malfunction replacement, maintenance and labor.
Battery-only coverage is different. Match the promise to the exact plan you sign.
The separate Energy Backup battery-only program has 10- or 12-year terms and service for the signed term. Renewal can leave labor and equipment costs to the homeowner.
BBB ratings can change and are separate from customer review stars. Accreditation is not an endorsement or a guarantee of performance. Palmetto’s grade refers to the Palmetto Solar profile, not a separate rating for each LightReach contract entity. Check the entity named in your proposal.
LightReach battery-only terms ↗Ask for the total payment schedule, cash price, financed price, APR or PPA rate, fees and any annual increases. Compare the same system and assumptions across proposals.
Get the transfer, buyout, prepayment and buyer qualification rules in writing. A provider-owned system is not automatically included in a home sale without contractual steps.
Identify the installer, manufacturer, service provider and lender. A lender is not automatically your repair company. Ask who pays for diagnostic visits, labor and battery replacement.
If ownership matters most, compare loan and cash costs. If contracted service matters most, compare lease/PPA coverage and lifetime payments. We can review both without assuming one is best for every homeowner.
One home. One clear review of equipment, payments and coverage.
Illustrative comparisons, not a credit offer. Availability, credit approval, equipment and written contract terms determine your options. Any incentive eligibility must be checked for your situation.
“The installation team was fast and efficient. Everyone from Sales, Processing, Production to Installation was very professional and responsive.”
“The system has been flawless so far, and the two batteries proved their value immediately when we had an outage just a week after installation. Truly an outstanding experience.”
“Quick to get out to address my issue. Worked with me remotely since I was not able to be home at the time of service. Tech was knowledgeable and was willing to answer all my questions. Would hire again.”
“This is a simply excellent team of installers. They handled every aspect of this complex process in a highly professional manner.”
“The two technicians who replaced my old solar panels and converter were very professional and did a wonderful job. I would recommend the company for any of your solar needs.”
“Excellent price, great service, super responsive.”
“I had a quick response to the issue I was having with my solar system. They came out, diagnosed & ordered what I needed. When the replacement unit arrived, they came to install it. Professional care given to all. A pleasure to work with.”
“The responsiveness of the team was the one aspect I appreciated the most, answering questions or providing updates on the process. Even post installation the support team are always very responsive to follow up questions.”
Selected review excerpts. First names shown for privacy.
Installation examples. Equipment and layouts vary by home.