Below, experts weigh in on typical costs, what you need to know about solar leases and how they compare to other financing options. Solar lease payments range from $150 to $200 monthly on average, with most homeowners saving 20% to 40% compared to their previous utility bills. Instead of buying the system, you pay a fixed monthly fee to use the energy it generates while a. Leasing solar panels makes the switch to solar energy more attainable for customers who may not have the cash reserves required for the upfront investment in solar panels. However, unlike buying solar panels, or using a payment plan toward the purchase of solar panels, leasing solar panels means. Buying solar panels requires an investment and more decision-making than leasing, but over the long term the benefits of owning your system are hard to beat. Buying your solar electric system outright is best.