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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/solar-lease-maintenance

Under most solar lease agreements, who is generally responsible for system maintenance?

The leasing company, because it owns the system.

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  1. You, on your own
  2. The leasing company ✔
  3. Your utility

Why: With a lease, the company owns the equipment, so upkeep is generally its job. If you buy a system, maintenance is yours unless the contract covers it.

Huh, didn't know that: The FTC says that when a lease ends, the company must remove the system and put your roof back in its original condition.

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With a lease, maintenance is someone else's problem. It's the ultimate out-of-sight, out-of-sun-mind.
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References

Answer: The leasing company. With a lease, the company owns the equipment, so upkeep is generally its job. If you buy a system, maintenance is yours unless the contract covers it.

  1. Treasury consumer advisory: Before You Sign a Solar Lease home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Guide-Before-You-Sign-a-Solar-Lease-eng.pdf
    The leasing company owns the system and is generally responsible for system maintenance.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. FTC: Solar Power for Your Home consumer.ftc.gov/articles/solar-power-your-home
    The leasing company will probably be responsible for system maintenance.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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