Read Before You Sign

PPA & Lease Contract Decoder

Select the clauses in your solar contract to reveal risk ratings, hidden costs, and plain-English explanations. Find out if your deal is fair — before you sign.

Contract Basics

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Contract Clause Checklist

Check each clause that appears in your contract. Uncheck items that are clearly absent or addressed in your favor.

High Risk Clauses (Red Flags)

Caution Clauses (Yellow Flags)

Positive Clauses (Green Flags)

Select your contract type and check the clauses in your agreement, then click Decode My Contract to see your risk assessment.

This tool provides general guidance based on common PPA, lease, and solar loan contract terms. It is not legal advice. Always have a qualified attorney review any solar contract before signing. Estimates are based on 2026 market data.

Written & reviewed by

Jeremy Wolfe — Senior Solar Energy Analyst

Jeremy Wolfe is a solar energy analyst specializing in residential photovoltaic economics, federal and state incentive policy, and return-on-investment modeling for homeowners. He leads EnergyTools' solar research program and methodology.

  • 10+ years analyzing residential solar economics and payback modeling
  • Lead researcher for EnergyTools' 50-state solar cost-per-watt database
  • Author of 100+ solar ROI, payback, and incentive analyses

Methodology & data sources:NREL PVWatts, EPA FuelEconomy.gov, state utility commissions— updated 2026.