What is Best, Buy or Lease Solar Panels?

Dustin Edwards • September 4, 2024

Choosing between buying or leasing solar panels can be a crucial decision for investors looking to make their properties stand out with renewable energy. This choice can impact the initial cost, as well as the long-term savings. While installing solar panels on your rental property requires a significant upfront investment there are substantial differences between leasing and buying solar panels. Understanding these factors is essential for making the correct decision for your financial goals. Keep in mind you may need additional work done to the roof in case it may require reinforcing in preparation for the additional weight. 


Today we’ll help to inform you on whether buying or leasing solar panels fits your investment strategy. 


Initial Costs

Naturally when looking at the initial costs, buying solar panels will require a much larger initial investment. This range can be varied however, it is typically between $10,000 to $30,000 for a 1000 sq ft single family home. While this is a high initial investment, owning the solar system outright allows you to have full control over the system and benefit from it long term

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Leasing solar panels on the other hand, requires little to no upfront investment, which may be more manageable for investors who are looking to avoid a large expense. Lease agreements generally have a $0 initial payment, though you’ll be committing to monthly payments for up to 25 years depending on your agreement. This can result in monthly payments of around $100 per month for a 5 kW system. While the yearly saving may not be as great when compared to buying the solar panels, they are still a great feature to emphasize when marketing your rental.


Short Term Benefits

Immediate ownership without an ongoing lease payment has the potential for substantial long-term savings for your tenant while not having to pay for the system every month. This investment can also enhance the property's value and appeal to environmentally friendly  prospective tenants looking for a renewable source of power.


Some of the benefits of leasing include the aforementioned lower initial costs. Though unlike buying them outright, lease agreements can oftentimes include maintenance and repairs as part of the agreement. Whereas when buying the solar panels you or your tenant will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the system.


Long Term Benefits

The high upfront cost may be a significant deterrent for some property investors, though financing options and tax incentives can help to reduce this burden. Buying solar panels outright can also help you pass the savings to your tenants which can lead to frequent lease renewals, and reduce vacancy and turnover rates.


On average the total cost over time for the lease term may exceed the cost of purchasing the solar panels. Additionally, due to the leasing company owning the panels, investors may not benefit from tax incentives and other potential long-term savings. Though if the goal is to attract more tenants or to make your rental property stand out, the lower barrier to entry can make leasing solar panels more attractive for many investors.


With more and more electricity being used as we head to the future, it's a good idea to be prepared. Having a solar system can help provide tenants with peace of mind knowing that even during black outs they’ll have power especially if you also install a
solar battery. If you need help deciding whether to buy or lease solar panels or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards June 6, 2025
With the real estate market as competitive as it is, many landlords are looking into building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Jr. ADU to improve their bottom line with additional monthly income. While this is a great way to earn more, you need to be sure you’re investing in the right upgrade to your property. Below are some of the key differences between ADUs and Jr. ADUs; this way, you can make the right decision for your property. Differences between Junior ADUs and ADUs On the surface, the primary difference between an ADU and a Jr. ADU is the square footage. However, there are many considerations for each type of ADU , significant differences include costs and build limitations. ADUs are generally seen as a larger and more versatile build when compared to a Jr. ADU. They can be built detached from the main home, converting an existing structure, most commonly the garage. In Long Beach, an ADU can be up to 800 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. For reference, an 800 sqft living space can be arranged as a 2-bedroom 1-bath home, though with creative use of the space, many investors have been able to fit 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms comfortably. If listing the ADU for rent is the goal, this can produce a higher yield, though at the cost of a higher initial investment. Jr. ADU, on the other hand, can only be a maximum of 500 sqft and must be built attached to the existing single-family home. While you can build an entire new addition to accommodate the Jr. ADU, it's not uncommon for homeowners whose homes are bigger than they need to convert a bedroom into a Jr. ADU in order to have additional income . A Jr. ADU does still require an efficient kitchen. Bathrooms can be shared with the main house, though this can deter some prospective tenants. Additionally, the utilities are oftentimes shared with the main house, which can simplify installation, though it can complicate utility costs with your tenant. When an ADU is Right Being able to build a full ADU provides an entirely separate and private living space, which is more desirable to prospecting tenants. This is the preferred choice for most investors, especially those who have unused space in their property. By being built apart from the main house, an ADU may cause less disturbance to those living in the main house, whether that be yourself or another tenant. In Long Beach, CA. ADUs can’t be listed as short-term rentals on apps like Airbnb; that being said, an ADU can command more in rent because of the aforementioned features. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, ADUs increase your property’s value while generating a consistent cash flow. Finally, if you ever plan on selling your rental property, the additional ADU can improve the appeal of your property to future buyers. When a Jr. ADU is Right While a Jr. ADU doesn’t have the same potential as a full-sized ADU, Jr. ADUs are far more budget-friendly. These are a great option for investors who have limited funds. Since Jr. ADUs generally require less work to be done in less time, allowing you to begin making a return sooner. Finally, if your property doesn’t qualify for a full-sized ADU permit due to the size of the property lot, a Jr. ADU can be built primarily through interior work, which may only require reconfiguring existing interior space. Whether you choose a full-sized ADU or a Jr. ADU, the decision depends on more than just the size of the structure, you’ll have to manage filling the vacancy and managing the new tenant. If you need help choosing which ADU is right for you or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards May 30, 2025
Summer is a great time of year where people enjoy a number of outdoor activities. Though for landlords, summer brings with it a list of maintenance items and preventative care for their properties. Below, we’ve gathered three of the most important maintenance items to do before summer starts. Service your HVAC System Southern California summers are getting hotter and hotter, if you want to maintain tenant satisfaction you’ll need to have the HVAC or any A/C or cooling system properly serviced . Filters should be cleaned or replaced, and the ductwork should be inspected. For rentals with window units or mini-split systems should also be thoroughly inspected as well for optimal cooling. Doing proactive maintenance can reduce the risk of the cooling system breaking down during peak usage while also improving the system’s efficiency. This can lower utility costs for your tenants while extending the lifespan of your cooling system, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, consider inspecting your window and door seals for leaks. If the seals are broken, it allows hot air into the living space, this increases the cost associated with cooling while adding more load to the HVAC or cooling system. While not directly a part of the HVAC system, ensuring there aren’t any breaks in the seals helps extend the lifespan of your cooling system which is beneficial to your bottom line. Inspect your Roof The condition of a roof is oftentimes ignored since they tend to last over twenty years, and some property owners may not even be sure when the roof was last replaced . A poorly conditioned roof is one of the primary ways for a rental property to drive up the costs of repairs and tenant complaints. A damaged roof can inefficiently insulate a home, making it harder to keep it cool. It can also lead to water leaks during rainfall, which can lead to water damage, stains, and mold growth. While summers tend to be dry, the coastal cities such as Long Beach may see unexpected shifts in weather, which can bring sudden rainstorms or increased humidity. Fixing a small roof leak is relatively inexpensive, however, leaving said leak to grow can result in an emergency repair can cost thousands especially if a tenant has already moved in. A thorough roof inspection is a great maintenance item to do during a vacancy period especially as this can result in a positive experience with new tenants. This can lead to a long term stay with many lease renewals. Check for Signs of Pests Pest infestations are one of the fastest ways to ruin a tenant’s stay while also damaging a landlord’s reputation. Pests such as ants, cockroaches, other bugs, and rodents are common in many beach cities, especially during the warmer seasons. Being in a city, you’ll likely never truly be rid of pests, though, even a single complaint about an excess of bugs or rodent droppings can lead to bad reviews online, service calls, and in severe cases, lease termination. These pests not only create an unwelcome environment for your tenants, but they can also cause real damage to your investment property. Cockroaches are known to damage small wiring in appliances, ants can ruin food and get in everything, while rodents can chew through walls, plumbing, and even electrical wiring. Landlords should schedule regular ppest inspectionsto check for early signs of pest activity before the hotter season begins. Much like everything in this article, preventative maintenance is significantly cheaper than an emergency call, in this case to an exterminator. If you want to keep your tenants happy and your property well taken care of, preventative maintenance is a must. If you’re unsure about the signs to look for when doing routine inspections or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards May 27, 2025
A Solar Battery is an important party of a solar panel system. However, is it valuable for a rental property? Read on to discover.
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