Solar leasing was big in 2010–2018 under the FIT. The model nearly disappeared by 2022 and is barely viable in 2026 — for a clear reason.
Outright purchase wins on total lifetime cost in 2026 by a wide margin — typically £14,000–£22,000 over 25 years. Leasing made sense under the old Feed-in Tariff because the leasing firm captured a generous index-linked subsidy. Today's SEG rates don't support the leasing economics, and most legacy leases are being bought out by homeowners.