Florida's solar market looks different in 2026 than it did a year ago. The expiration of the federal residential solar tax credit has shifted the financial math for homeowners considering ownership, while leasing has grown more prominent as a result. Neither path is universally better — the right choice depends on your financial situation, how long you plan to stay in your home, and how much control you want over your system.
This guide breaks down how each option works, what you'll pay, and what to consider before deciding.
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Solar Leases: Low Barrier to Entry, Ongoing Relationship
How Solar Leasing Works
With a solar lease, the system is owned by Lunex Power or one of our financing partners rather than by you. You pay a fixed monthly rate — typically less than your current utility bill — for the electricity the system produces. Installation, monitoring, and maintenance are handled by the system owner throughout the lease term.
Because the lessor owns the system, they claim the available federal tax credit (Section 48E) and can reflect those savings in your monthly rate. That credit is currently scheduled through 2027 for qualifying projects, which is part of why lease pricing is competitive right now.
What Works Well
- Low or no upfront cost — most leases require $0–$500 to get started.
- Predictable monthly payments — typically lower than what you're currently paying in utility costs.
- Maintenance included — system performance is the lessor's responsibility, not yours.
- Transferable — lease agreements can generally be transferred if you sell your home.
What to Consider
- You don't own the system, which means no increase in home equity from the installation itself.
- Long-term contract — most leases run 20–25 years. Review escalator clauses carefully, as some agreements include annual rate increases.
- No direct access to federal incentives — the tax credit goes to the lessor, not to you, though it's reflected in your rate.
Solar Loans: Ownership, Equity, and Long-Term Savings
How Solar Loans Work
A solar loan lets you own your system outright while spreading the cost over time, typically 10–20 years at a fixed monthly payment. Once the loan is paid off, the electricity your system produces is essentially free — and most panels carry warranties of 25 years or more, so there's typically significant savings life left after payoff.
What Works Well
- You own the system — ownership adds to your home's resale value, typically in the range of 3–5%.
- Full control — you decide how the system is maintained, upgraded, or modified.
- Long-term savings — after payoff, your energy costs drop substantially.
- Eligibility for Florida's property and sales tax exemptions — solar equipment is exempt from sales tax, and the added system value won't increase your property tax assessment.
What to Consider
- The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) was eliminated for homeowner-purchased systems under the One Big Beautiful Bill, effective January 1, 2026, with no phase-down period. This previously offset roughly 30% of system costs and meaningfully shortened payback timelines.
- Higher upfront commitment — either a down payment or financing approval is required.
- Longer payback horizon — without the federal credit, most Florida homeowners financing a system should expect full payback somewhere between 10 and 13 years, depending on system size, energy usage, and utility rates.
- Maintenance is your responsibility unless you add a separate service agreement.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Solar Lease | Solar Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | System owned by Lunex or financing partner | You own the system |
| Upfront Cost | $0–$500 typical | Down payment or financed |
| Federal Incentive | Lessor claims 48E credit (through 2027); reflected in your rate | Section 25D expired Jan 1, 2026; not available to homeowners |
| Maintenance | Fully handled by lessor | Homeowner responsibility |
| Monthly Cost | Fixed rate, typically below current utility bill | Loan payment + any remaining utility cost |
| Home Equity Impact | No direct equity gain | Adds 3–5% to resale value |
| Contract Term | 20–25 years; transferable | 10–20 year loan; system owned outright at payoff |
| Best Fit | Homeowners prioritizing low monthly cost and simplicity | Homeowners prioritizing long-term ownership and equity |
Hybrid and Commercial Options
For commercial clients, nonprofits, and homeowners with more complex energy needs, Lunex Power also offers custom hybrid leasing and PPA structures that blend elements of both models. These can include battery storage and EV charging integration while keeping monthly costs predictable.
How Lunex Approaches the Decision
Lunex Power doesn't lead with one option over another. Our in-house modeling platform evaluates your roof conditions, shading, usage history, rate structure, and applicable incentives to build a side-by-side financial comparison across both paths — including total 25-year savings, payback timelines, and system value.
Whether you choose a lease or a loan, Lunex can also bundle battery storage and EV chargers into your installation, with both integrating into whichever financing structure makes sense for your home.
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Which Option Is Right for You?
There's no universal answer. Leasing tends to make more sense for homeowners who want to start saving immediately with minimal upfront cost and no maintenance responsibility — particularly while the 48E credit continues to give lessors pricing leverage. Ownership tends to make more sense for homeowners with a longer time horizon who want to build equity, avoid a long-term contract, and capture the full value of their system after payoff.
The best way to decide is to look at both options side by side with real numbers for your home. That's exactly what a Lunex consultation provides.