Ways to pay for solar
Buy, finance, lease, or PPA? Here's how to choose.
There's no single right answer. The best choice depends on your cash, your taxes, how long you'll stay in the home, and how much hassle you want.
| Cash | Solar loan | Lease | PPA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What you pay | Full price upfront | Monthly loan payment | Fixed monthly payment | Per-kWh price for power produced |
| Ownership | You own it | You own it | Provider owns it | Provider owns it |
| 25-year savings | Highest | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Federal credit | Ended after 2025 | Ended after 2025 | Provider may claim & pass through | Provider may claim & pass through |
| Payment escalator | None | None (fixed rate) | Often 0–3.9%/yr | Often 0–3.9%/yr |
| Selling your home | Adds value | Pay off or transfer | Buyer must assume | Buyer must assume |
| Repairs | Warranties | Warranties | Provider | Provider |
| Best for | Max return | Ownership with no big check | Predictable bill, no upfront | Pay only for what you get |
When buying makes sense
- You'll stay in the home 7+ years
- You have savings or qualify for a low-rate loan
- You want the highest lifetime return and added home value
- You don't want a contract with a third party on your roof
When a lease or PPA makes sense
- You want savings from month one with $0 down
- You'd rather have someone else handle repairs
- The provider passes through its tax credit as a lower rate
- You read the escalator and transfer terms carefully
Five questions to ask about any solar contract
- What's the total cost over the full term, including any annual escalator?
- What happens if I sell the house? Is there a transfer fee or credit check for the buyer?
- Is there a dealer fee hidden in the loan? (Ask for the cash price and compare.)
- Who handles roof leaks, inverter failures and monitoring, and for how long?
- What production is guaranteed, and what happens if the system falls short?
We'll answer all five in writing for every option we quote. More tips in How to compare solar quotes and Buy vs. lease: the real math.
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Send us your last electric bill. We'll design a system for your home, show you the real numbers with and without a battery, and give you a written quote you can compare against anyone else's.