Rent solar panels instead of buying them

Solar leasing companies have been ramping up their business in the past year or so, and, looking at Colorado, you can see how successful they've been. So far this year, more than half of home solar installations were leased systems; last year, it was only 40 percent. The solar leasing companies say it's because it makes solar affordable to a broader swath of people.

Solar leasing companies have been ramping up their business in the past year or so, and, looking at Colorado, you can see how successful they've been. So far this year, more than half of home solar installations were leased systems; last year, it was only 40 percent. The solar leasing companies say it's because it makes solar affordable to a broader swath of people.

"Leasing is the great equalizer," said Eric Wittenberg, regional director for SolarCity. "It makes solar available to everyone."

At the very least, people seem to like it. And it’s another way to make solar accessible for renters.

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