How to Cancel SunRun Solar Lease in 2026

Updated February 2026 • 9 min read

SunRun solar leases are 25-year contracts with annual price escalators of 1.5-2.9%. What starts at $100-150/month can reach $200+/month by year 20. Getting out is expensive but not impossible. Here are your options.

Option 1: Buy Out the Lease

SunRun allows you to purchase the system outright:

• Buyout price = fair market value of the system (determined by SunRun or independent appraisal)
• Typical buyout: $10,000-25,000 depending on system size, age, and condition
• After buying out, you own the panels — no more monthly payments
• The panels continue generating electricity and reducing your utility bill
• Contact SunRun at 1-855-478-6786 to get your buyout quote

Option 2: Transfer to New Homeowner

If you are selling your home, the solar lease can transfer to the buyer. SunRun requires the buyer to pass a credit check. Many buyers see solar as a benefit (lower utility bills). Some buyers may negotiate the transfer as part of the home sale. SunRun handles the transfer paperwork — contact them at least 30 days before closing.

Option 3: Pay Remaining Lease Balance

You can terminate by paying the total remaining lease payments. If you have 15 years left at $150/month (with escalators), this could be $30,000-40,000+. This is rarely the best option — buying out the system is almost always cheaper than paying remaining lease payments.

Option 4: Have Panels Removed

You can hire a company to remove the panels, but you still owe SunRun. Removal costs $3,000-7,000. Plus you still have to buy out or pay remaining lease. And your roof may need repairs after removal. This option only makes sense in specific situations (roof replacement needed, relocating, panels not performing).

The Escalator Problem

If utility rates do not increase at the same pace (and they often do not), you eventually pay MORE with solar than without it. This is the core problem with solar leases.

If You Are Considering Solar

Buy, do not lease. With the 30% federal tax credit, solar panel ownership costs have dropped dramatically. A purchased system pays for itself in 6-10 years and then generates free electricity for 15-20 more years. Leases benefit the solar company, not you.

The Bottom Line

SunRun solar leases are hard to escape. Your best options are buying out the system (if the math works) or transferring to a new homeowner when you sell. Call 1-855-478-6786 to get your specific buyout quote. The 25-year term and annual escalators make these contracts increasingly unfavorable over time.