Ownership, responsibility, upfront cost and long-term flexibility differ across these three paths. Here is the honest comparison.
Ownership and incentives
With cash or a loan you own the system and are the party eligible to claim applicable incentives, subject to your own tax situation. Under a PPA the third-party owner holds the equipment and the incentives.
Maintenance and risk
Owners are responsible for the system, backed by workmanship and manufacturer warranties. Under a PPA the provider maintains the equipment, which some customers value more than ownership.
Selling the home
An owned system typically transfers with the property. A loan is usually either paid off at closing or assumed. A PPA or lease requires the buyer to qualify and assume the agreement — plan for this if a move is likely.
Related services
Solar production, bill offset and payment comparisons vary by home, usage, roof, shading, utility rate schedule and financing terms. Nothing on this site is a guarantee of savings. Pricing comparisons depend on system size, equipment, financing structure and contract terms. Any comparison is only meaningful between comparable systems and comparable financing.