Why buying solar is a better long-term investment than leasing solar

In New Zealand, solar energy has become more popular than ever, with more households making the switch to renewable power. While exploring your solar options, you may come across two main choices: buying a solar system outright or leasing one.

Both have their merits, but today, we’ll focus on why owning your solar system can be the more financially rewarding and secure choice.

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1. Financial independence & long-term savings

When you own a solar system, you’re investing in your OWN energy future. With a leasing model, you pay monthly fees (or "subscription") to a provider, which often results in limited or no ownership at the end of your 20 year lease. Buying your system may have a higher initial cost, but it pays off over time (typically 6-9 years) and now-a-days there are low or no interest bank loans that remove cost as a barrier.

With ownership of your own solar system, you can enjoy "free" power once your system is paid off, after which all energy savings go straight into your pocket + it adds value to your home vs being a liability when you try and sell it.

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2. Boost in property value

Through our research with Homes.co.nz, we found that a solar system can significantly increase your home’s value by an average of 4.4% or $35,000, especially if it’s fully owned.

When you sell your home, potential buyers will see added value in the energy savings they’ll inherit.

In contrast, a leased system may not add the same value since buyers might view it as an added monthly expense rather than a benefit, what's more, you will need to convince the buyer to take over the lease of the system which has been a sticking point for many house sales.

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3. Stable, transparent investment

One of the benefits of owning a solar system is the transparency and predictability of costs. When you lease, terms may include rising rates or added fees over time. With ownership, your costs are upfront, clear, and typically limited to maintenance costs, giving you a clear path to saving over the years.

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4. Have control over your own solar system

With a leased solar system, decisions about what type and quality of panels, the system's upkeep and lifespan are often in the leasing company’s hands.

Owning your solar panels gives you complete control. You can choose the brand of panels you know and trust, you can choose to upgrade, add battery storage, or make other adjustments that suit your lifestyle and future needs. This flexibility is increasingly valuable as solar technology continues to advance.

If you have a battery inside your lease, you often hand over control of your battery to the provider who can take the power out of the battery to sell back to the network - possibly leaving you without battery power in an outage.

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5. Peace of mind with Harrisons Solar service and support

Harrisons is a family owned and operated New Zealand business that has been around since 1962. We’re committed to providing not only top-tier solar systems but also ongoing support. As the winner of New Zealand's most trusted solar installer award for the last 3 years, we’re here to guide you through every step, from installation to any questions that arise years down the line. Our customers know they can rely on us for quality, transparency, and enduring support.

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6. Final thoughts: Choosing what's right for you

In the end, your choice between leasing and buying should reflect your goals and financial preferences. However, for those seeking a stable, value-enhancing investment that pays back over time, buying a solar system is the ideal choice. As solar power becomes a long-term asset for your home and wallet, Harrisons Solar is here to help you make the most of your investment.

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Let us know if you’d like more information about going solar and how it can work for you.

Reach out to our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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BONUS: New to solar? Learn how you can slash your power bill and save the planet with this quick video below:

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