Solar financing that fits your budget
Buy it, finance it or pay only for the power it makes. We quote every option side by side so you can compare 25-year costs honestly.
Your four options at a glance
Each path changes who owns the system, what you save and what happens if you sell your home.
- Highest lifetime savings
Cash purchase
Paying cash gives you the lowest total cost and the highest long-term return. You own the system outright, keep any incentives you qualify for and add value to your home.
Pros
- Lowest total cost
- Full ownership and home value
- No interest or escalators
Consider
- Largest upfront investment
- You manage tax documentation
- Own it with $0 down
Solar loan
A solar loan lets you own the system with little or nothing down. Many customers find their loan payment is close to or below their old utility bill from the first month. Sample terms run from 10 to 25 years.
Pros
- Ownership and home value
- Payment often replaces most of your bill
- Can include roofing or a battery
Consider
- Interest adds to total cost
- Credit approval required
- Fixed monthly payment
Solar lease
With a lease you pay a fixed monthly amount to use the system. The leasing company owns it, handles maintenance and monitoring, and may be eligible for business incentives that lower your payment.
Pros
- $0 down
- Maintenance and monitoring included
- Predictable payment
Consider
- You do not own the system
- Transfer needed if you sell
- Pay only for power produced
Power purchase agreement
With a PPA you buy the electricity the panels produce at a set rate per kWh, typically below your utility rate. The provider owns, insures and maintains the system.
Pros
- $0 down
- Pay only for what is produced
- Maintenance included
Consider
- Rate may escalate annually
- You do not own the system
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Cash purchase | Solar loan | Solar lease | Power purchase agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Full system cost | $0 or flexible | $0 | $0 |
| Who owns the system | You | You | Leasing company | PPA provider |
| Monthly payment | None | Fixed loan payment | Fixed lease payment | Per kWh produced |
| Lifetime savings | Highest | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Maintenance | You (warranties apply) | You (warranties apply) | Included | Included |
| Best for | Homeowners with savings who want the fastest payback | Homeowners who want ownership without a large upfront cost | Homeowners who want savings with maintenance handled | Homeowners and businesses who want to pay for production only |
Swipe to compare all four
Worked example
One 7.8 kW system, four ways to pay
A Fresno home with a $320 average PG&E bill. Same panels, same roof, very different 25-year outcomes.
Illustrative sample only. Assumes 3.5% annual utility increases, a sample 7.99% APR loan, lease and PPA escalators of 2.9%, and no tax credits.
Sample payments by package
Loan payments shown with $0 down on an illustrative 20-year term.
Financing FAQ
Figures on this page are samples, not a credit offer. Consult a tax professional about incentives.
Yes. Solar loans, leases and power purchase agreements can all start with $0 down, subject to credit approval. Each has different ownership and savings tradeoffs.
Federal credit rules changed significantly in 2025, and homeowner-owned systems are now treated differently from third-party-owned systems. Please consult a qualified tax professional; we provide the documentation they need.
California has excluded qualifying new solar energy systems from property tax reassessment. Confirm current rules with your county assessor.
Our lending partners typically use a soft credit check for prequalification, which does not affect your score. A hard check happens only if you choose to apply.
Most of the loan products we offer have no prepayment penalty. Your proposal will show the exact terms before you sign.