ApolloLeasing

Unlock Solar Savings: The Apollo Advantage - Leasing, Then Owning in Florida

Solar savings concept with house and financial chart
By Apollo Team
3/15/2025Solar Finance

Florida homeowners are increasingly turning to solar power, but the age-old question remains: lease or buy? At Apollo Leasing, we believe we've found the sweet spot – a unique approach that combines the best of both worlds. This post will break down the traditional leasing vs. buying dilemma, and then reveal how Apollo's 5-year lease with a strategic payoff option offers an unparalleled path to solar savings.

The Traditional Solar Showdown: Leasing vs. Buying

Traditionally, the choice between leasing and buying solar panels has involved trade-offs:

Buying:

  • Pros: Higher long-term savings, increased home value, eligibility for tax credits and incentives (like the 30% federal tax credit).
  • Cons: Significant upfront cost (potentially $10,300-$12,600 after the federal tax credit in Florida), responsibility for maintenance and repairs, longer payback period (typically 5-7 years).

    • Leasing:

  • Pros: Little to no upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, included maintenance and repairs.
  • Cons: Lower long-term savings compared to buying, no increase in home value, you don't receive the tax credits or incentives (the leasing company does), potential for escalating payments.

    • Many homeowners get stuck at this crossroads. Buying can feel out of reach, while traditional leasing sacrifices long-term gains for short-term convenience.

    The Apollo Advantage: A Hybrid Approach

    Apollo Leasing offers a different path: a 5-year solar lease designed with a highly competitive payoff option at the end of year 5. Here's how it works, and why it's a game-changer:

    1. Short-Term Lease, Immediate Savings: You enjoy the benefits of solar power with minimal upfront cost. Because Apollo (as the system owner) claims the federal tax credit and other incentives, we can pass those savings on to you in the form of a significantly lower monthly payment – often 20-30% less than your current utility bill.

    2. The Power of Year 6: After 5 years, you have the option to purchase the system at a pre-determined, highly affordable price. This price is structured to be very attractive, allowing for a smooth transition to ownership.

    3. Refinance and Lock in Savings: Most homeowners choose to refinance the purchase price with a solar loan. Even with current interest rates (consider a hypothetical 12% rate), your new monthly payment (loan payment + property taxes on the system) is designed to be lower than what your utility bill would have been at that point (year 6). You've effectively locked in a lower energy cost for the long term.

    4. Long-Term Ownership Benefits: Once you own the system, you reap all the rewards: increased home value, continued energy savings, and the peace of mind of owning a valuable asset. You're no longer subject to any lease escalators.

    Why This Approach is Superior

  • Lower Initial Barrier: The 5-year lease makes solar accessible without a large upfront investment.
  • Immediate Savings: Lower monthly payments from day one, thanks to Apollo leveraging the tax incentives.
  • Controlled Costs: The 2.99% annual escalator during the lease term is carefully calibrated. Our projections show that even with this escalator, your lease payment will consistently remain lower than what your corresponding utility bill would have been.
  • Path to Ownership: The affordable year-6 payoff price makes ownership a realistic and financially sound goal.
  • Long-Term Price Stability: Refinancing after the payoff allows you to lock in a predictable energy payment, shielding you from future utility rate hikes.

    • Addressing the "Just Renting" Misconception

    Traditional solar leases often get compared to renting an apartment – you pay monthly, but you never build equity. The Apollo model is fundamentally different. The 5-year lease is a stepping stone to ownership. It's a strategic financial pathway that allows you to:

    1. Benefit from solar immediately.

    2. Avoid a large upfront expense.

    3. Allow Apollo to leverage tax benefits to lower your initial costs.

    4. Transition to full ownership at an advantageous price.

    Conclusion

    For Florida homeowners seeking the optimal balance of affordability, savings, and long-term value, the Apollo Leasing model offers a compelling solution. It's not just leasing; it's a strategic plan for affordable solar ownership. We encourage you to contact us for a personalized quote and see how the Apollo Advantage can work for you.