The biggest difference between buying and renting solar panels lies in the investment and ownership. If you decide to buy solar panels, you pay the full amount upfront and become the owner of the solar system. If you prefer not to make an upfront investment, you can choose to pay a monthly rental fee. This allows you to generate your own electricity, but the system remains the property of the supplier. However, in most cases, there is an option to purchase the system later.
Buying vs. Renting Solar Panels
| Buying solar panels | Renting solar panels |
| You pay the full amount upfront. | You pay a monthly rental fee. |
| You own the solar system. | The supplier owns the solar system, but you may have the option to purchase it later. |
| You save on your energy bill each month. | You save on your energy bill each month. |
| You are responsible for repairs and maintenance, though the installation is covered by various warranties. | The supplier is responsible for repairs and maintenance. |
Pros and Cons of Buying vs. Renting Solar Panels
Buying Solar Panels
The biggest advantage of buying solar panels is that you immediately become the owner. As the owner, you can reclaim 21% VAT on the purchase price, saving you a significant amount. Additionally, the savings are higher compared to renting since you won’t have monthly payments.
A downside is that you are responsible for any repairs, inverter replacement, and maintenance. However, solar systems require minimal maintenance, and multiple warranties apply. Some manufacturers even offer extended warranties, such as SunPower’s 25-year performance and product warranty.
Renting Solar Panels
The biggest advantage of renting solar panels is that you don’t need a large budget to start generating your own electricity. You pay a monthly fee, but in most cases, the savings on your energy bill are higher than the rental cost. Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about the system’s performance, maintenance, or repairs, as these are the responsibility of the supplier.
A disadvantage is that your return on investment is lower than if you owned the panels yourself, as part of your savings goes toward the rental fee. In the long run, renting is less cost-effective than buying.
Making the Right Choice
Whether you should buy or rent solar panels depends on your personal situation. Do you want to invest your savings wisely, or would you rather avoid a large upfront expense? Answering questions like these can help you make the right decision.
In the long run, buying solar panels is the most cost-effective option. However, if you prefer to rent, check out Huurdezon, an initiative by Zonnefabriek that helps people transition to solar energy without the upfront investment.
