A Homebuyer Says, 'Potential House Is Trapped In A Solar Lease Scam,' Wonders If It's Now A Toxic, Uninvestable Property

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A potential homebuyer shared on Reddit’s r/RealEstate subreddit recently that they found a house that “ticks most of the boxes” but comes with a major problem—a 20-year solar lease at $600 per month with 15 years left, and a $100,000 buyout.

Buyers Warn: ‘Walk Away’

The buyer said the solar system is about four kilowatts with a battery. The original lease agreement had no buyout clause, only an addendum letting the leasing company set one if asked. “I guess they can charge whatever they want,” the post read, calling it “a case of a scummy salesperson taking advantage of clueless homeowners.”

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Responses from homeowners, agents, and lenders poured in, with most saying they would not touch the deal unless the seller paid off the lease before closing.

“In your offer, demand they pay this off and the lien is removed as part of escrow,” one commenter advised. Another added, “Nobody wants to buy a house with a solar lease payment.”

Several people shared that they had walked away from homes in similar situations. “I walked away from the perfect house that was also trapped in a solar lease scam,” one person wrote, saying the sellers refused to pay off a $70,000 lease.

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Too Expensive For What It Is

Many were shocked at the $100,000 figure for just 10 panels. “High end of a new install today would be 15K for their current system,” the buyer said. Others pointed out they had purchased systems outright for $10,000 to $30,000 and paid them off within a few years.

Some noted the added financing burden. A lender commented that a $600 monthly payment could hurt a buyer’s debt-to-income ratio, making it harder to qualify for a mortgage.

Others shared horror stories about similar contracts: sellers owing $97,000 after six years, companies going out of business while owners still made payments, and panels producing far less electricity than promised. “Rent to own is never for the buyer’s benefit,” one person warned. Another added, “The economics of that lease are completely upside down. Even with top prices, a 4kW system won’t make up for $600 a month.”

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Some raised concerns about maintenance and removal. Roof warranties can be voided after installation, and panel removal can cause damage if not handled properly. While some contracts require repairs, the quality and timeliness of that work vary greatly.

Between the inflated costs, restrictive contracts, potential legal headaches, and risk of roof damage, buyers overwhelmingly advised against taking on someone else's long-term solar debt. “Never assume someone else’s debt,” one commenter summed up.

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This article A Homebuyer Says, 'Potential House Is Trapped In A Solar Lease Scam,' Wonders If It's Now A Toxic, Uninvestable Property originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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