Solar
Best Solar Leases and Subscriptions
Not everyone wants to own panels, and renters cannot. These are the leases and community solar subscriptions we rank highest for cutting your electric bill without buying a system.
Top matches
#1 PickSunrun Solar
- ✓Largest residential solar installer in the US
- ✓Lease, loan, and cash options
- ✓Battery storage and monitoring
How we ranked these: We ranked every lease-tagged option in our database by our overall methodology score, which weighs contract terms, simplicity, and value.
Last updated June 2026
Questions, answered
How is a solar lease different from community solar?
A lease puts panels on your roof that the company owns. You pay a fixed monthly fee and use the power. Community solar needs no roof at all. You subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and receive bill credits from your utility. Renters can usually only do the latter.
What should I watch for in a lease contract?
The escalator clause, above all. Many leases raise the payment 2% to 3% every year for 25 years, which can erase the savings by year 15. Also check the buyout schedule, what happens when you sell the house, and who pays for roof work if the panels must come off.
How much does community solar actually save?
Typically 5% to 10% off your electric bill, set by your state's program rules. It will not zero out a bill the way rooftop ownership can, but with no upfront cost and easy cancellation, it is savings with almost nothing at risk.