Lease your roof. Earn predictable income.
Community solar roof leases let you monetize your commercial rooftop without buying equipment, managing operations, or involving tenants. Just new NOI.
Get a Roof Lease EstimateHow community solar roof leases work
A community solar roof lease is a long-term agreement where a solar developer pays you rent to install panels on your commercial roof. The developer owns, operates, and maintains the system—selling electricity to nearby residential and commercial subscribers who can't install their own solar. You collect rent. They handle everything else.
New revenue without new complexity
Zero CapEx
No upfront investment. The developer funds everything.
Predictable income
Locked-in rent payments for 20+ years with built-in escalators.
No operational burden
Developer handles permitting, construction, maintenance, and repairs.
Tenant-neutral
Community solar serves off-site subscribers, so tenants aren't affected.
Roof protection
Solar installations can extend roof life by shielding from UV and weather.
ESG value
Demonstrate sustainability commitment without changing operations.
Roof lease rates by market
Community solar economics vary significantly by state, driven by local incentive programs, utility rates, and subscriber demand. Here's what we're seeing in active markets:
| State | Typical Annual Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $50,000 – $400,000+ | Strong ILSFA incentives; Environmental Justice Community bonuses |
| Maryland | $30,000 – $200,000+ | Mature program; steady demand |
| New Jersey | $40,000 – $250,000+ | Competitive market; SuSI program support |
| Massachusetts | $25,000 – $150,000+ | SMART program; varies by utility territory |
| DC | Varies | Smaller roofs; urban premium |
Rates depend on roof size, condition, utility interconnection, and competitive bidding. These ranges reflect recent market activity but are not guarantees.
The same roof can get very different offers
Solar developers price projects differently based on their pipeline, financing costs, and appetite for new deals. In our experience, the spread between highest and lowest bids on the same property averages 270%. That's the difference between a good deal and leaving significant money on the table.
Case Example: Industrial Park I (Illinois)
Highest bid
$160,000/year
Lowest bid
$45,000/year
Spread
$115,000/year
20-year difference
$2.3M
BID SPREAD VARIABILITY
270%
average spread between bids
Roof lease vs. PPA vs. owned solar
| Factor | Roof Lease | PPA | Owned System |
|---|---|---|---|
| You receive | Rental income | Energy savings | Energy savings + ownership |
| Upfront cost | $0 | $0 | Significant CapEx |
| Tenant involvement | None | May be required | May be required |
| Maintenance responsibility | Developer | Developer | You |
| Contract length | 20-25 years | 15-25 years | N/A |
| Best for | Income generation, tenant-neutral | On-site consumption, cost reduction | Long-term ownership, max control |
Not sure which structure is right? We model all options for every property so you can compare side by side.
From evaluation to signed lease
1. Evaluation
2-4 weeks
We assess your portfolio for community solar eligibility and estimate potential rent.
2. Bidding
4-6 weeks
Qualified developers submit competitive bids; we levelized and present offers.
3. Selection
2-4 weeks
You review bids, we help negotiate terms, you select a developer.
4. Contracting
4-8 weeks
Lease agreement finalized, due diligence completed.
5. Development
6-18 months
Developer handles permitting, interconnection, construction.
6. Operation
20+ years
You collect rent; developer manages the system.
Common questions about roof leases
What happens if I need to replace my roof?
+
Most lease agreements include provisions for roof work. Developers typically coordinate around necessary maintenance and may contribute to costs if repairs are needed under the panels. We negotiate these terms upfront.
What if I sell the property?
+
Roof leases transfer with the property. For buyers, an existing solar lease is typically neutral to positive—it's a locked-in income stream with no operational requirements.
Can I subscribe to the community solar project on my roof?
+
In most markets, yes. You can become a subscriber and receive credits on your utility bill while also collecting rent. Ask us about "host subscriber" options.
What are the risks?
+
Primary risks include developer default (mitigated by vetting financials upfront), roof damage during installation (covered by developer insurance), and regulatory changes (less common in established programs).
Find out what your roofs are worth
Get a free, no-obligation estimate of community solar potential across your portfolio. We'll identify eligible properties, estimate annual rent, and explain next steps.
Get Your Free Evaluation