Then, there’s a final puzzle piece for the company: the pro-solar policy that escaped the purge in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While incentives for individuals dry up Dec. 31, commercial entities can receive at least a 30% credit for investing in renewable energy through the end of 2027.
EnerWealth, then, can keep buying rooftop solar panels for another two-plus years, benefit from the credit, and then pass on some of the savings to its lessees. For now, the company doesn’t have to fear hitting the Duke solar leasing cap established in 2017. And customers who can cash in on the PowerPair battery incentive while it still lasts will see even more savings.
“One tool in the toolbox”
These federal and state incentives can come together to produce savings for North Carolinians, even in a tough time for rooftop solar.
Though Gilley might conceivably have borrowed money and installed his panels in time to use the expiring tax credit, he chose the EnerWealth lease model instead.
“I ran the numbers of ownership versus lease, and they were very similar,” he said. But what ultimately tipped the scales toward the latter was that it didn’t require a down payment or any ongoing costs. “I didn’t have to come up with any cash,” he said. “Also, I don’t have to worry about any maintenance or any problems for the next 25 years.”
PowerPair is still available in Gilley’s area, so he used the $9,000 rebate as a down payment on the battery and the solar system. He receives net-metering bill credits and still pays Duke for electricity — but about $210 less per month than before. Even with his $150 monthly payment to EnerWealth, Gilley is saving about $60 a month.
His rental payment for the equipment will step up 1.5% each year. “But electricity prices are going to escalate at a much higher pace than that,” he predicted. “So, my annual savings will only grow.”
When the residential tax credit expires in two months, homeowners who want to go solar will have an even easier choice to make: Finance their equipment over time at roughly 7% interest rates or rent it for about 25% less per year, thanks to passthrough savings from the tax credits.
“A lease is the only way to monetize the tax credit for residential systems,” EnerWealth’s Liechti said.
According to EnerWealth calculations, the lower lease payments on a $35,000 battery and solar array mean customers will save nearly $15,000 in overall electricity costs over 20 years. Even those who can pay for a system outright might choose a rental option, which spreads the costs out over time and produces monthly bill savings right away.
Meanwhile, in terms of customer experience, there’s little difference between renting and owning the panels and battery. Homeowners have a buyout option beginning in year seven. If they move, they can purchase the equipment and include the expense in the home’s sale price, or transfer the lease — and monthly bill savings — to the new owners.
While EnerWealth is breaking ground in the solar leasing market in North Carolina, other companies are sure to follow, said Scott Alexander, chief strategy officer for the company.
“We’re just one tool in the toolbox,” he said.
The EnerWealth model does have its limits. It’s only available in Duke territory, which covers most but not all of the state. It’s also much more attractive with the PowerPair rebate, which is soon to dry up and faces an uncertain future after that.
Most of all, the leasing economics will get a lot less appealing in two years, when the 30% tax credit runs out for commercial entities, too.
After that, Alexander said, “we have to innovate. We have to pivot. No business lasts forever. We’ve got two years.”
A correction was made on Nov. 6, 2025: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized the advantages of leasing rooftop solar and a battery versus purchasing a system at full price up front. The latter offers consumers more savings over the long term, according to EnerWealth’s calculations, while leasing provides the advantage of immediate net savings.
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Great Job Elizabeth Ouzts & the Team @ Canary Media Source link for sharing this story.
