When you’re looking at solar reverse osmosis equipment for your resort or property, the choice between leasing and buying comes down to your financial situation, operational needs, and long-term water strategy. Buying gives you full ownership and control over your water production, while leasing offers lower upfront costs with predictable monthly payments. The right choice depends on factors like your cash flow, property ownership status, and how long you plan to operate at your current location.
What’s the real difference between leasing and buying solar reverse osmosis equipment? #
The main difference between leasing and buying solar reverse osmosis equipment lies in ownership, financial commitment, and operational control. When you buy, you own the equipment outright, giving you complete control over maintenance schedules, upgrades, and operational decisions. However, due to the relatively small project sizes in terms of project finance, lease arrangements are generally not available from Elemental Water Makers, though they may be explored by local partners or local entrepreneurs.
With ownership through purchase, you’re responsible for all maintenance and repairs after the warranty period, but you also benefit from the equipment’s full lifespan of 15-20 years. Your solar powered reverse osmosis system becomes a fixed asset that adds value to your property. You can modify or upgrade components as needed without seeking approval from a third party.
Elemental Water Makers offers a direct purchase option, and for larger projects, a spread payment facility may be available depending on the client’s financials. This means predictable costs and less worry about unexpected repairs through their remote support contracts that assist with troubleshooting.
From a cash flow perspective, buying requires significant capital upfront – typically between €40,000 to €450,000 depending on system size. For larger projects, spread payment facilities may help preserve your capital for other investments, though the primary option remains direct purchase.
How much does solar reverse osmosis equipment actually cost upfront? #
Solar reverse osmosis systems require an initial investment ranging from €40,000 for small installations to €450,000 for larger commercial systems. A small solar desalination solution generating 5 m³/day costs around €70,000, while a medium system producing 20 m³/day costs around €120,000 for a complete system. This includes the desalination unit, solar panels, installation, transport and commissioning.
The breakdown of upfront costs includes several components. The reverse osmosis equipment itself represents about 40-50% of the total investment. Solar panels and power systems account for another 30-35%, while installation, site preparation, transport and commissioning make up the remaining 15-25%. For a system producing 11 cubic meters daily using the Efficient Water Maker, expect equipment costs around €40,000.
Installation expenses vary based on your location and site conditions. Coastal properties with easy seawater access and suitable space for solar panels will have lower installation costs. Properties requiring extensive piping, electrical work, or special mounting structures for solar panels might see installation costs increase by 20-30%.
Since lease arrangements are generally not available due to relatively small project sizes, the upfront investment through direct purchase or spread payment facilities for larger projects represents the primary financing approach. This makes solar desalination accessible to properties through Elemental Water Makers’ flexible payment options for qualifying larger projects.
Which financing option makes more sense for your water needs? #
Choosing the right financing approach depends on your specific operational profile and financial situation. Properties with stable, year-round water demand and strong cash reserves often benefit from direct purchase. Properties with larger projects may qualify for spread payment facilities depending on their financials, making the investment more manageable.
Consider your water demand patterns carefully. If you need consistent daily water production year-round, purchasing makes economic sense because you’ll use the system continuously. The corresponding water rates after 15 years range from 3 €/m³ for small systems (5 m³/day) to 1 €/m³ for large systems (100 m³/day), offering significant savings when replacing expensive trucked water that can cost 10-20 €/m³. Properties with fluctuating seasonal demand still benefit from ownership due to the long-term cost advantages.
Your property ownership status plays a crucial role in this decision. If you own the property outright and plan to operate for at least 10 years, buying the solar reverse osmosis system adds value to your asset. The systems are designed for 15+ years of operation with proper maintenance, making them excellent long-term investments.
Budget constraints influence the optimal approach. Direct purchase offers the lowest long-term cost per cubic meter of water produced, with final water rates of 1-3 €/m³ including investment and 15 years of operational costs. For larger projects, spread payment facilities may be available to help manage cash flow while still achieving ownership and the associated long-term savings.
What are the hidden costs nobody tells you about? #
Purchasing solar reverse osmosis equipment comes with additional costs beyond the initial investment. Operational expenses include filter replacements, consumables, spare parts and periodic membrane replacement. For Elemental Water Makers systems, these costs are clearly defined: €1,500 annually for small-scale systems, €3,000 for medium-scale systems, and €12,500 for large-scale systems.
Insurance requirements add another layer of expense. Purchased equipment needs comprehensive coverage against damage, theft, and operational failures – typically costing 1-2% of equipment value yearly. However, the remote support contracts included in operational expenses help minimize unexpected repair costs through professional troubleshooting assistance.
Maintenance planning becomes crucial for owned equipment. The operational expenses quoted by Elemental Water Makers include remote support contracts that assist with troubleshooting, helping prevent major issues. Technology obsolescence is mitigated by the robust design and 15+ year operational lifespan of the systems.
Training costs are often included in the installation and commissioning process. Your staff needs proper training to operate and maintain the system effectively, which is typically provided during system setup. The consumables like filters and cleaning supplies are factored into the annual operational expenses, providing predictable budgeting for these necessary items.
How can Elemental Water Makers help you choose the right option? #
We understand that investing in solar desalination equipment is a significant decision for your property. With over 100 installations across 35 countries, we’ve helped resorts and villas find the right financing approach for their specific situations. Our experience shows that direct purchase with clear, predictable operational costs provides the best long-term value for most properties.
Our plug-and-play solar desalination systems are designed for direct purchase with transparent pricing. These containerised units can be operational within hours of arrival, making them ideal for properties needing immediate water solutions. The modular design means you can start with a smaller system and add capacity as your needs grow.
For properties with existing power infrastructure, our efficient desalination systems offer another option. These systems use only 3 kWh/m³ compared to 7-10 kWh/m³ for traditional systems, making ownership more attractive from a total cost perspective. We can help you calculate the financial implications based on your specific water needs and operational profile.
We provide comprehensive consultation services to help you make an informed decision. This includes site assessment, water demand analysis, and financial modelling showing how our systems deliver water at 1-3 €/m³ over 15 years compared to current spending of 5-10 €/m³ for resorts and villas, or 10-20 €/m³ for trucked water. For larger projects, we can explore spread payment facilities depending on your financials. With remote monitoring capabilities and long-term support options, we ensure your investment in sustainable water production delivers value through our proven direct purchase approach.
Frequently Asked Questions #
What happens if my water needs change significantly after I've already committed to a purchase?
If you've purchased equipment and need more capacity, you can add modular units to expand your system, though this requires additional capital investment. Elemental Water Makers' systems are designed with modularity in mind, giving you complete flexibility to modify capacity at any time. Since lease arrangements are generally not available due to relatively small project sizes, direct purchase with expansion capabilities offers the most practical approach for growing water needs.
How do I calculate the break-even point for my specific property?
Calculate your break-even point by comparing your current water costs against Elemental Water Makers' systems that deliver water at 1-3 €/m³ over 15 years. Factor in your current water costs (resorts typically spend 5-10 €/m³, while trucked water costs 10-20 €/m³), expected water production needs, and the system's 15+ year lifespan. Most properties see payback within 2-5 years when replacing expensive trucked water or unreliable municipal supplies.
What are the most common mistakes property owners make when choosing desalination systems?
The biggest mistake is underestimating long-term water needs and choosing a system that's too small. Another common error is focusing solely on upfront costs without calculating total lifecycle expenses including the operational costs of €1,500-€12,500 annually depending on system size. Property owners also often overlook the importance of water quality testing before committing, as poor source water may require additional pre-treatment equipment that significantly impacts costs.
Are there financing options available if I can't afford the full upfront cost?
Elemental Water Makers offers direct purchase as the primary option, with spread payment facilities available for larger projects depending on the client's financials. Due to relatively small project sizes in terms of project finance, traditional lease arrangements are generally not available, though they may be explored by local partners or local entrepreneurs. The focus is on direct ownership to achieve the best long-term value.
What specific maintenance tasks can I handle myself versus what requires professional service?
Daily tasks like checking system pressure, monitoring water quality, and basic filter cleaning can be handled by trained staff. Professional service is required for membrane replacement (every 3-5 years), major component repairs, and annual deep cleaning of the system. Elemental Water Makers includes remote support contracts in the operational expenses to assist with troubleshooting, helping you determine when professional service is needed while maintaining warranty coverage.
How do warranty terms work for purchased solar RO systems?
Purchased equipment from Elemental Water Makers typically comes with manufacturer warranties, and the operational expenses include remote support contracts that assist with troubleshooting throughout the system's 15+ year lifespan. You're responsible for the annual operational costs of €1,500-€12,500 depending on system size, which covers filter replacements, consumables, spare parts, periodic membrane replacement, and remote support to minimize unexpected repair costs.
What financing alternatives exist if I need more flexible payment options?
For larger projects, Elemental Water Makers may offer spread payment facilities depending on your financials. Consider joint ventures with neighboring properties to share costs, or green financing programs in many countries that provide low-interest loans specifically for renewable energy and water conservation equipment. While water-as-a-service contracts may be explored by local partners, the primary focus remains on direct purchase for the best long-term value with clear operational cost structures.