Rather than purchasing and installing your own renewable energy project, you may choose to lease a portion of your property to a developer.

For example, you could lease your rooftop to a solar PV project developer. This means that the developer would install and own the solar panels located on your property, and you could receive payments from the developer for allowing the developer to use your property.

The project developer would be the holder of the microFIT contract and would receive payments for the electricity produced. The project developer should maintain responsibility for ongoing operations and maintenance costs associated with the microFIT project. The developer should also have insurance to cover problems that might arise.

If you choose this option, your responsibilities could include:

• negotiating a leasing agreement with the project developer. We recommend that you consult a lawyer for this.
• ensuring that the project developer obtains all necessary approvals (e.g., building permit, electrical safety inspection)
• maintaining an ongoing relationship with the project developer
• considering restrictions with respect to the resale of your home.

Some of the benefits of leasing your property could include:

• receiving steady income from your leasing agreement. Note that the payments to you may be taxable as business income, and we recommend that you consult the Canada Revenue Agency or a tax professional.
• no upfront capital investment.

Some of the risks of leasing your property could include:

• damage to your property if the project is poorly installed
• non-payment from the project developer
• penalties for termination of the lease agreement.