Tesla to offer solar-panel rental plans in Mass.

Tesla is trying to spark its solar-panel business by letting consumers rent rooftop systems rather than buy them.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk announced the offering in a series of tweets Sunday.

The company will allow residents of six states, including Massachusetts, to rent solar-power systems starting at $50 a month for a small set-up.

Besides Massachusetts, rentals will be offered in Arizona, Connecticut, New Jersey, California and New Mexico.

Musk says consumers can cancel anytime, although Tesla's website says there's a $1,500 charge to remove panels and restore the roof to its previous condition.

Electric car maker Tesla bought residential solar installer SolarCity for $2.6 billion in 2016 but installations have plunged in recent quarters. Tesla stopped selling systems in Home Depot stores.