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Adam Levy
4
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20
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Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) pro and con

Adam Levy
Posted

Hi all, 

I'm considering a Power Purchase Agreement on both my rental property and primary residence. This is where the solar company installs the panels for free and the owner gets a reduced rate on the energy (vs the utility co), but doesnt actually own the panels.
Everything I've googled says it makes a home harder to sell since you don't own the panels and its a 20 (or more) year contract. But to me this doesnt make a lot of sense - if I buy a house with the panels already installed and a reduced rate its better than no panels and regular rate. Of course owning them outright is even better but its weird to me that this would be a turn-off to buyers. Even if its a rental property, the tenants would appreciate the lower rates I would think.

Leaning towards doing it on my primary but hesitant on the rental in case I end up needing to sell it.

If anyone has an informed take for either property I'd love to hear it.  Both properties are in MA in case thats relevant.