There are two ways to go solar: buy the system (with cash or financing) or have someone else own it and sell you the power. Here's the honest difference — and how to tell which one fits you.
You buy the system — with cash or $0-down financing through Atmos — and it's yours.
A third party owns the system on your roof. With a PPA you pay for the power it produces; with a lease you pay a fixed monthly fee.
| Own (buy / finance) | PPA / Lease | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 down financing, or cash | $0 |
| Who owns the system | You | The provider |
| SRECs & net-metering credits | You keep them | Provider keeps them |
| State tax credits | Yours to claim | Provider's |
| Lifetime savings | Highest | Lower |
| Effect on home value | Increases | May complicate a sale |
| Maintenance | Covered by warranty | Provider handles it |
| Payment over time | Fixed, then $0 once paid off | Often rises with annual escalators |
| Best for | Most homeowners | Little/no tax appetite, or zero involvement |
When you own — especially with $0-down financing — you keep the incentives and the long-term savings, and the system becomes a real asset instead of another monthly bill.
A PPA or lease can still make sense in specific situations: if you have little tax appetite, or you simply want clean power with zero involvement. Either way, we'll model both options for your home and show you the real numbers — no pressure, no spin.
Get both options modeled — free
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through ownership, financing, and PPA options side by side for your exact situation.
