How Leasing Solar With Tesla Works
Leasing with Tesla is the most affordable way to get Tesla Solar Panels and Powerwall. You make a fixed monthly payment for a system that Tesla installs, owns and services.
Key benefits of the Tesla lease include:
- Lowest monthly payment option compared to loans: Tesla internalizes tax credits and incentives (as system owner) and passes the savings to you through lower upfront monthly payments.
- Buyout option after year five: Have the option to purchase your energy system and switch to ownership for greater long-term savings.
- Maintenance included: Tesla covers all maintenance, service and monitoring for the full lease term, including battery and inverter replacement.
- Predictable payments: Lease payments are fixed compared to rising utility bills.
Leasing provides the lowest upfront and monthly costs. Ownership, however, delivers greater lifetime financial benefit. The lease is designed for customers who want low upfront costs and predictable payments, limited service responsibility and the flexible choice to buy later.
How It Works
Place an order by simply entering your home address and average electric bill. View the estimated monthly lease pricing (excluding taxes).
Order
Place a $100 refundable deposit to order your energy system.
Design
Once your order is placed, submit your latest electricity bill and Tesla will provide design configurations. After you finalize your design preferences, a contract with specifics about your pricing and buyout price of the lease is provided.
Approvals
Make a $500 progress payment. Tesla submits for permits and utility approvals as needed in your area. Once approved, your installation date will be scheduled, which can be adjusted if needed.
Note: The progress payment is needed for solar-only systems or for systems with both solar and Powerwall.
Installation and Activation
Tesla installs your system. Lease payments begin once your system passes inspection and receives the permission to operate (PTO).
Enjoy Fixed Payments
Pay one predictable monthly fee all year long.
Monitor and Power Your Home
Generate energy from sunlight for you to use in your home. If you sell your home, you can either:
- Transfer the lease to the new homeowner with help from Tesla
- Pay off the lease early before the sale
Both options can be started easily through the Tesla app. Learn more about transferring ownership of your energy system.
Lease Terms
| Feature | Solar Panels Only, Solar + Powerwall | Powerwall Only |
|---|---|---|
| Lease Term | 25 years | 12 years |
| Annual Escalator | 3% | 3% |
| Upfront Cost 1 | $600 ($100 deposit + $500 progress payment) | $100 deposit |
| Payments Start | Permission to operate | Permission to operate |
| Buyout Available | After year five (price outlined in contract) | After year five (price outlined in contract) |
| End of Term Options |
1. Renew for five years at a new rate. 2. Buy out the system at fair market value. 3. Tesla removes your system (removal cost applies). |
1. Renew for five years at a new rate. 2. Buy out the system at fair market value. 3. Tesla removes your system (removal cost applies). |
| Availability Guarantee | 95% system availability throughout the term of your lease (calculated every two years) | 95% system availability throughout the term of your lease (calculated every two years) |