For many businesses in Singapore, transitioning to solar energy through leasing seems like a smart and low-risk choice. A commercial solar lease offers the promise of clean energy without the upfront capital investment, which can be especially attractive for factories, office buildings, and industrial facilities.

But what often goes unexamined is the fine print. Are there hidden costs that companies should be aware of before signing a commercial solar lease? The short answer is: possibly, but they can be managed and mitigated with the right due diligence.

TL;DR | Key Takeaways

• Commercial solar leases offer zero upfront cost solutions, but not all costs are visible at first glance.
• Hidden fees may include maintenance add-ons, termination penalties, insurance obligations, or grid upgrade charges.
• Clear contract terms, transparent EPC providers, and understanding the total lifecycle cost are key to avoiding surprises.
• Eigen Energy provides full-scope turnkey solutions with transparent pricing, no hidden fees.

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How Commercial Solar Leasing Works

A commercial solar lease is an agreement where a solar provider (like Eigen Energy) installs a solar energy system on your property at little to no upfront cost. Your business pays a fixed monthly lease or power purchase rate for the electricity generated, usually at a lower rate than grid power.

Leasing helps businesses:

• Avoid large capital expenditures (CAPEX)
• Access expert maintenance and monitoring
• Immediately reduce operational expenses

But the structure and terms of the lease can vary significantly between providers. This is where hidden costs may creep in.

Potential Hidden Costs in Commercial Solar Leases

1. Maintenance and Monitoring Charges

While many leases include basic maintenance, some providers add on charges for annual servicing, system diagnostics, or smart monitoring platforms.

What to check:
Is maintenance included in your monthly lease, or billed separately? Does it cover both preventive and reactive maintenance?

2. Insurance Requirements

Some lease agreements require the property owner to insure the solar system. This may increase your building’s insurance premiums.

What to check:
Are you required to cover the system under your own policy? Or is insurance handled by the provider?

3. System Performance Guarantees

If the system underperforms, will your provider compensate you, or are you still on the hook for fixed payments?

What to check:
Look for clearly defined performance guarantees, uptime clauses, and reimbursement terms.

4. Early Termination or Buyout Fees

If your business relocates, sells the property, or wants to buy out the system early, hefty penalties may apply.

What to check:
What happens if you need to terminate the lease early? Are there flexible options?

5. Grid Upgrade Costs

In some cases, integrating a solar system with your building may require infrastructure upgrades (e.g., switchboards, transformers), especially in older buildings.

What to check:

Are any grid or electrical upgrades included in the lease, or are you expected to fund them separately?

6. Contract Escalation Clauses

Some leases include annual rate increases that may not be obvious at first glance. Over 20 years, these small increases add up.

What to check:
Is there an escalation rate on your lease payments? Is it fixed or indexed to inflation?

Navigating Solar Leasing with Confidence

Solar leasing isn’t a trap, it’s a valid and often beneficial financing option for businesses. However, it does require careful review of the contract and an understanding of your total cost of ownership over time.

The key is to work with a trusted, transparent EPC provider who can walk you through:

• Full system and installation cost breakdown
• Contractual obligations and optionality
• Local regulations (such as Singapore’s BCA and SCDF requirements)
• Asset ownership structures and long-term savings

Commercial solar leasing in Singapore offers a practical way for businesses to lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions without the financial strain of upfront investment. However, like any business decision, it pays to look closely at the fine print.

Understanding potential hidden costs, contract flexibility, and system performance guarantees will help you make the right decision for your business.

If you're exploring solar for your commercial property, contact Eigen Energy for a transparent consultation and no-obligation site assessment.

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FAQ

🔎 Are solar leases actually cheaper than buying?

In the short term, yes. Leases reduce upfront CAPEX. Over the long term, buying may offer better ROI if your company has the cash flow and wants full ownership.

🔎 What if I need to move my operations before the lease ends?

Good providers offer flexible options such as lease transfer, early buyout, or contract portability.

🔎 Will I still get green energy certificates or carbon credits?

This depends on the lease structure. Some leases transfer ownership of renewable energy credits (RECs) to the lessor. Always ask.

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