Should You Buy or Lease Your Solar Panels?

The main practical distinction between buying and leasing a solar PV system is in ownership. If you buy a solar panel system, you own the system, either outright (if purchasing with cash) or after repaying your solar loan. If you lease the system or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA), a third party owns the solar panel system.

https://www.energysage.com/solar/financing/should-you-buy-or-lease-your-solar-panel-system