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True, but being a tax credit you must also have adequate tax liability to realize it.  Just like leasing our cars, the solar leasing company should factor the tax credits and rebates into your lease price and it should be reduced accordingly.  My lowest quote to purchase a system was $17,000 with LADWP rebates.  My 20 year lease was $4,080, which factored in credits and rebates with the bonus that I didn't have to jump through any further hoops.  The life expectancy of most panels is about 25 years, so these costs are comparable.

My lease contract with SolarCity is pretty clear about that stuff.  I'm selling my house next year (didn't expect to do that at the time) and the remainder of the lease will transfer to the new owner.  Since I pre-paid the whole lease up front this means I can advertise the house as having solar panels just like a house where they were bought since the new owner won't have to pay anything.  I would even argue it's a better deal for the new owner since they will also benefit from the remaining 17 years of service SolarCity is obligated to provide.

I pre-paid my entire lease up front, so it is as much like a purchase as possible.  I wouldn't consider leasing panels with a monthly payment because then you do run into issues when you sell your house etc.

Here are some relevant pieces copied and pasted from my SolarCity contract...