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The useful part, first
- Buying, leasing and a PPA are different arrangements.
- Ask about sale, transfer and roof repairs.
- Compare written assumptions, not promised savings.
Name the arrangement first
A solar proposal may describe a purchase, a financed purchase, a lease or a power purchase agreement. Those are different commitments. Under a lease or PPA, the provider generally owns the equipment. With a PPA you purchase the electricity it produces under the contract.
Before discussing the monthly number, ask the salesperson to write down which arrangement is being offered. Then identify every company involved: installer, equipment owner, financing provider and ongoing service contact. Keep those names with the actual contract rather than relying on a brochure.
Look at the years after installation
The FTC encourages consumers to examine payment increases, maintenance obligations, early termination and the effect on selling the home. Ask what happens if you move sooner than expected, need roof repairs or want to pay off an obligation. A verbal promise about an easy transfer is not the same as a written transfer provision.
Use a few ordinary scenarios when reviewing the agreement. Imagine a roof repair next year, a home sale in five years or a service provider that stops answering calls. Ask the company to point to the relevant contract section for each situation.
- Who pays to remove and reinstall panels for roof work?
- Does a buyer need approval to assume an agreement?
- What payment changes are allowed over time?
Separate production from the bill
Ask for the assumptions supporting the proposed bill comparison. What household usage did the estimate use? Which utility rate plan? Which charges remain? What happens if actual production differs from the estimate? Request an explanation that lets you reproduce the basic comparison.
Avoid treating future utility prices, tax benefits or a home value increase as guaranteed. Get current utility terms directly from the utility, and have a qualified tax professional address tax eligibility. If financing is involved, review the financing documents independently of the installation presentation.
Give yourself a usable decision file
Save several written proposals, a copy of the contract before signing, equipment specifications and the roof assessment. Highlight the few items that remain unanswered rather than trying to memorize every page. Ask for changes in writing and take time to review them.
If you are buying a home that already has solar, request the existing ownership and payment documents early. DOE also recommends asking for system history and warranty information. Solar may fit your plans well, but it should fit the way you expect to own and use the home. A clear agreement makes that decision easier to evaluate.
- Next step: write a one-page summary of ownership, payments, transfer and maintenance before signing.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked September 19, 2026. Requirements, schedules and availability can change. Check the linked source before acting.
General homeowner education. Follow equipment instructions and local requirements. A qualified professional can evaluate your property and circumstances.
