7 Best Lease Choices: Power Your Home
In the Philippines, the dream of solar often dies at the "Cash Price" quotation.
When you see a ₱350,000 price tag for a 5kW system, it is easy to walk away. But the industry has evolved. In 2025, you don't necessarily need to buy the power plant to use it. You can lease it, subscribe to it, or finance it in a way that feels exactly like a monthly Netflix subscription—except this subscription lowers your Meralco bill.
"Leasing" in the Philippine context is a bit of a catch-all term. It covers true Rent-to-Own (RTO) models, Solar Mortgages, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
If you are looking for "Zero Down" or monthly payment options that replace your electricity bill, here are the 7 best choices available to Filipino homeowners right now.
1. Solviva (The Pure Rent-to-Own)
Solviva is arguably the most prominent player offering a true Rent-to-Own model specifically for residential markets in Metro Manila.
The Deal:
They install the system with zero down payment (subject to approval). You pay a fixed monthly fee—often around ₱7,800 to ₱10,000 for a 5kW system—for a set period (usually 3 to 5 years).
Why it works:
Ownership Transfer: unlike a commercial lease that might last 20 years, Solviva’s terms are shorter. After the term ends, you own the equipment 100%.
Maintenance: Since they own the panels during the lease, they are responsible for fixing them if they break.
The Catch:
You need to pass a credit check, and the total cost over 5 years will be higher than buying cash. But for cash-flow management, it is hard to beat.
2. Helios (The "Bill Swap" Solar Mortgage)
Helios isn't a traditional leasing company; they are a fintech integrator that partners with banks (like BPI) to create a Solar Mortgage.
The Deal:
They restructure your financing so that your monthly loan amortization + remaining electric bill is theoretically lower than your original electric bill alone.
Why it works:
Top-Up Model: If you already have a BPI housing loan, they can "top up" your mortgage to cover the solar system.
Zero Out-of-Pocket: The bank pays the installer directly. You just see a change in your monthly bank deduction.
The Catch:
It requires you to have a mortgageable asset or an existing relationship with their partner banks. It’s less "leasing" and more "smart debt restructuring."
3. Buskowitz Energy (The Hybrid Option)
Buskowitz is a giant in the commercial solar space, but they have options for homes via their Solar Home program.
The Deal:
They offer both Solar Lease (Zero Down, pay for power) and Solar Loan (Low down payment, pay for hardware) models.
Lease: You pay for the energy generated, usually at a rate cheaper than Meralco.
Loan: You take ownership faster but might need a 20–30% down payment.
Why it works:
They are an established Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firm, meaning you are dealing with a company that manages multi-megawatt solar farms. The build quality is industrial-grade.
4. GoSolar Philippines (The Long-Term Lease)
GoSolar Philippines has marketed a 10-Year Leasing Campaign designed to make payments incredibly low.
The Deal:
Instead of squeezing payments into 3 years, they stretch it to 10. This makes the monthly amortization much smaller—potentially smaller than your actual electricity savings from Day 1.
Why it works:
Cash Flow Positive: Because the term is so long, the monthly fee is low enough that you might be "earning" money immediately.
Maintenance: A 10-year lease usually implies 10 years of maintenance support included.
The Catch:
10 years is a long time. You are locked into a contract for a decade. Ensure you plan to stay in that house for the long haul.
5. IANsmart Energy (The Subscription Package)
IANsmart offers "Smart Power Packages" that are explicitly marketed as rent-to-own solutions for typical Filipino households.
The Deal:
They categorize systems by bill size (e.g., "For bills up to ₱5,000"). You pay a monthly fee starting around ₱5,900 for a basic system.
Why it works:
Simplified Choices: They don't confuse you with technical jargon. You pick the package that matches your current Meralco bill.
Hybrid-Ready: Many of their packages use hybrid-ready inverters, making it easier to add batteries later.
6. Meralco Spectrum (The Utility Partner)
If you are wary of independent startups, you can go directly to the source. MSpectrum is a subsidiary of Meralco.
The Deal:
While not a "lease" in the strictest sense, they offer flexible installment plans for Meralco customers.
Why it works:
Trust: It’s Meralco. They aren't going to run away with your deposit.
Grid Integration: They obviously know how to handle the Net Metering paperwork faster and more accurately than almost anyone else.
The Catch:
They are often priced at a premium compared to independent installers. You pay for the brand name and the certainty.
7. BPI "Green Solutions" (The Bank Lease)
For those who want ownership without the "Rent-to-Own" markup, the BPI Green Loan acts as a lease substitute.
The Deal:
You borrow the full amount at a preferential rate (often lower than personal loans) and pay it back over 5–7 years.
Why it works:
Lowest Cost of Capital: A bank loan at 7–8% interest is cheaper than a solar lease that effectively charges you 15% interest baked into the monthly fee.
Freedom: You can choose any accredited installer, not just the one the leasing company forces on you.
Before you sign any papers, make sure to check our comparison of solar loans and leases to see which math works best for your income.
Lease vs. Buy: A Quick Reality Check
Before jumping into a lease, ask yourself these three questions:
Do I own the roof? You generally cannot lease solar for a rented house. The lessor needs to know the panels won't disappear.
Is the "Total Lease Cost" reasonable? Multiply the monthly payment by the number of months. A ₱250,000 system might cost you ₱400,000 over 5 years in a lease. Is that convenience worth ₱150,000 to you?
Is the company legit? Leasing requires a long-term relationship. Read our guide on how to verify installer credentials to ensure they will still be around in Year 5.
Conclusion
The "Best" lease choice depends on your goal.
For lowest monthly payments: Look at GoSolar (10-year term).
For zero down payment: Look at Solviva or Helios.
For safety and stability: Look at Buskowitz or Spectrum.
Whatever you choose, the goal is the same: fire your utility company and hire a solar system instead.
For more details on what these systems should actually cost if you paid cash, read our breakdown of residential solar costs. If you want to run the numbers yourself, use our ROI guide to calculating your payback period. And if you prefer to swipe a card, check out our list of installers with in-house financing.