Buy vs Lease Solar: Which Pays Off Faster?

Buying outright wins on long-term math, but lease wins on cash flow. Cash purchase: pay 24,000 dollars for an 8 kW system, claim 7,200 dollars ITC, net 16,800 dollars. Save 1,800-2,400 dollars per year. Payback 7-9 years, lifetime savings ~50,000 dollars. Solar lease/PPA: pay zero upfront, save 10-20% on your bill (~250-500 dollars per year). Lifetime savings ~10,000 dollars. Lease wins if you can't afford upfront or have no tax appetite for the ITC. Buy wins if you can do either. Loans split the difference: 0 upfront, modest monthly payment, you keep the ITC and full savings.