Consumers (including businesses and local governments) interested in using solar power generally have an option to purchase or lease the solar panels. To adequately address the questions below, you will have to first do some research on the Internet. Please remember to document the website (or another source) from which you obtain information related to this exercise.

Answer the following:

(1) In general, what are the relevant costs associated with the lease decision and the purchase decision in regard to the acquisition of solar panels?

(2) What are the primary non-financial considerations associated with both the decision to use solar energy and the choice to lease vs. purchase? Address this question from the standpoint of individual consumers, businesses, and society at large (i.e., the environment).