If you’ve ever come across the term “rent-to-own solar” and weren’t quite sure what it meant, you’re not alone. This guide explains what it is, how it works, and why more Singapore homeowners are choosing rent-to-own solar over traditional full-payment models.
What Is A Rent-To-Own Solar Plan?
Rent-to-own solar is a financing arrangement that allows you to install solar panels without buying the system upfront. Instead of paying a lump sum (which can cost S$18,000–S$25,000), you pay a fixed monthly fee over a chosen term — typically 10 to 25 years.
During the rental period, 1st Solution Group remains the system owner, handling maintenance, performance checks, and all technical support. At the end of the term, ownership transfers to you — so you fully own the system that’s already paid for itself through energy savings.
This model helps you reduce your SP electricity bill immediately while keeping your capital free for other investments.
Why Choose Rent-To-Own Over Fully Paid Solar Panel Installation?
Traditional solar ownership comes with a hefty upfront cost, uncertain ROI timelines, and long payback periods (usually 6–8 years). With RTO solar, you skip all that.
| Feature | Upfront Purchase | Rent-to-Own Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Solar Panel Installation Cost | S$18,000–S$25,000 | $0 |
| Monthly Payment | None | Fixed, predictable |
| Ownership | Immediate | Transfer at contract end |
| Maintenance | Homeowner pays | Included |
| Savings Start | After 6–8 years | Immediately |
💡 Example:
If your SP bill is S$300, your RTO plan might cost just S$210/month — giving you ~S$90 in monthly savings from day one.
Although this provides the highest long-term return, the high upfront investment and ongoing maintenance responsibilities make it less accessible for many.
Challenges with Full Ownership
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High Entry Barrier – Not every homeowner has access to S$20,000 in spare capital.
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Uncertain ROI – If the system underperforms, breakeven may take longer than expected.
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Maintenance Burden – Repairs and system upgrades can be costly.
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Cash Flow Issues – Capital is locked up in a fixed asset with no liquidity.
These barriers have made rent-to-own a practical alternative, particularly for younger families, retirees, or budget-conscious households.
Rent-to-Own Solar Plans in Singapore – $0 Upfront Cost, Instant Savings
Go solar with zero upfront payment. Our rent-to-own solar plans let you cut your SP bills immediately while building ownership of your own solar system over time.
1st Solution Group handles installation, maintenance, and monitoring—so you save every month with no hassle. Start saving today.
Get Your Free Solar Quote
Government Subsidies & Incentives
Singapore actively promotes solar adoption under initiatives led by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Sustainable Singapore Blueprint. Landed homeowners benefit from simplified installation approvals and tax-free savings on electricity exports via SP Group’s SolarNova and Enhanced Net Offset Scheme (ENOS).
Our team handles all paperwork with EMA and URA, so you can enjoy solar benefits without worrying about compliance or technical details.
Source: Energy Market Authority – Solar Deployment in Singapore
Benefits of Rent-To-Own Solar with 1st Solution Group
Our RTO solar programmes are designed for those who want hassle-free access to renewable energy with predictable monthly costs.
1. No Upfront Capital Required
You don’t need to spend S$20,000 upfront. With 1st Solution Group, you can start your solar journey for as little as S$240 per month.
✅ Enjoy immediate access to solar energy without compromising your savings or investment portfolio.
2. Immediate Monthly Savings
One of the key benefits of RTO is that your monthly payment is typically lower than your current electricity bill. That means you start saving money as soon as the system is activated.
Example:
| Monthly Usage (kWh) | Avg. SP Bill | 1st Solution Group RTO Fee | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300–350 | S$300 | S$210 | ~S$90 |
| 200–250 | S$200 | S$150 | ~S$50 |
You no longer have to wait 6–8 years to breakeven. With RTO, the savings begin immediately.
3. Zero Maintenance Worries
Under our RTO plans, all system maintenance is included. This means:
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Panel cleaning
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Inverter maintenance
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System checks
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Performance monitoring
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Fault repairs
You’ll never be surprised by unexpected maintenance costs. Our expert technicians ensure your system operates at peak performance year-round.
🛠️ Focus on your energy savings while we handle the technical side.
4. Free Up Cash for Other Investments
Instead of locking up capital in an owned system, you can keep your money liquid. For example:
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A S$20,000 investment in a fund with 5% annual return grows to S$32,578 in 10 years
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Meanwhile, your RTO solar system continues saving you money on utilities
Whether it’s emergency savings, education funds, or other investments, RTO gives you financial flexibility.
RTO VS Solar Leasing VS Power Purchase Agreement
What Is Solar Leasing
Solar leasing is a financing model where the homeowner rents a solar system from a provider but never owns it. The solar company installs the panels at no upfront cost and charges a fixed monthly fee for using the equipment and the energy it produces.
Under this arrangement, the provider retains ownership and is responsible for all maintenance, monitoring, and repairs. While homeowners can save on their electricity bills, the total savings are generally lower compared to rent-to-own plans since there is no asset ownership at the end of the term.
Example:
If a homeowner leases a 5 kWp system for $180 per month over 15 years, the system remains the property of the solar provider even after the contract ends. The homeowner only benefits from reduced utility bills during the lease period.
What Is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is another form of solar financing where the homeowner pays only for the electricity generated by the solar system, instead of a fixed lease fee. The provider owns, operates, and maintains the system, while the homeowner buys the generated power at a discounted rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
This model is similar to paying a monthly SP bill, but the rate per kWh is typically lower than the retail grid price. PPAs are often used by businesses or institutions with consistent daytime energy consumption, as the contracts usually last 15 to 25 years.
Example:
A PPA customer might agree to purchase solar electricity at $0.25 per kWh instead of the standard $0.35 per kWh from the grid, enjoying lower energy costs without investing upfront.
Here’s how it compares to other models:
| Feature | Rent-to-Own (RTO) | Solar Leasing | Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Ownership | Transfers to customer after term | Never | Never |
| Payment Type | Fixed monthly fee | Fixed monthly fee | Pay per kWh consumed |
| Maintenance | Included | Included | Included |
| Long-Term Benefit | Full ownership and lasting savings | Short-term savings only | Ongoing discounted rates |
| Ideal For | Homeowners seeking eventual ownership | Temporary occupants or short-term users | Businesses with steady daytime usage |
Solar leasing and PPA models allow property owners to enjoy renewable energy without upfront investment, but ownership remains with the provider. In contrast, a rent-to-own solar plan combines immediate savings with eventual system ownership, providing greater long-term financial and environmental benefits.
How Our Rent-To-Own Programme Works
At 1st Solution Group, we’ve made the solar journey as simple as possible.
Step 1: Request a Free Assessment
Submit your address and recent electricity bill, and we’ll provide a preliminary estimate.
Step 2: On-Site Inspection
Our engineers visit your property to evaluate roof suitability, sunlight exposure, and installation potential.
Step 3: Choose Your RTO Plan
Select a term that fits your goals—10, 15, or 20 years—with fixed monthly payments.
Step 4: Installation
We handle permits, SP Group applications, and system installation (typically 1–3 weeks).
Step 5: Start Saving
Once activated, you’ll see a reduction in your monthly electricity bill immediately.
Who Is Rent-To-Own Best For?
RTO solar is ideal for:
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New homeowners
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Middle-income families
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Landed property owners with large roof space
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Those prioritising low-risk, budget-friendly solar adoption
Why Choose 1st Solution Group?
At 1st Solution Group, we specialise in solar installations for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities across Singapore. With over a decade of experience, we’ve helped hundreds of clients switch to solar with confidence.
What You Get:
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✅ Tier-1 solar panels
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✅ Transparent pricing, no hidden costs
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✅ Real-time monitoring apps
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✅ EMA-Approved Solar PV Contractor
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✅ Fully managed maintenance
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✅ Local support team available 7 days a week
“We don’t just install panels—we build long-term energy solutions.”
Our Happy Clients
RTO vs Upfront Purchase: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Upfront Purchase | Rent-To-Own (1st Solution Group) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | S$18,000–S$25,000 | $0 |
| Ownership | Immediate | After contract period |
| Monthly Payments | None | Fixed monthly fee |
| Maintenance Responsibility | Homeowner | 1st Solution Group |
| Electricity Bill Savings | After 6–8 years | Immediate |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
Final Thoughts
The rent-to-own solar model is a game-changer for property owners in Singapore. It allows you to tap into renewable energy without the heavy financial burden of buying a system outright.
With 1st Solution Group, RTO is not only affordable—it’s completely managed and designed around your needs. Whether you’re looking to cut energy costs, improve your home’s sustainability rating, or simply avoid large upfront expenses, our RTO solar plans offer a smart, stress-free solution.
Get Started Today with 1st Solution Group
Ready to take control of your energy bills?
✅ Zero upfront cost
✅ Immediate monthly savings
✅ Professional maintenance included
✅ Flexible terms from 10 to 20 years
🔋 Contact 1st Solution Group now for a free solar consultation:
🌐 Visit www.firstsolution.com.sg
📞 Call 80608383
💬 Request your custom solar savings report online today
Power your home smarter. Start saving with 1st Solution Group’s rent-to-own solar programme.