Four ways to go solar.
Ownership, a loan, a lease or a prepaid lease, each with different upfront cost, monthly payment, incentives and long-term economics.
Request a consultation ↗There is no one best plan.
The right choice depends on your budget, tax situation, how long you plan to stay, and whether you want to own the system. We lay out all four honestly, then let you compare with our calculators.
Run the comparison ↗Understand each option.
Solar Purchase
- +Outright ownership of the system
- +Largest upfront cost, no monthly payments
- +Owner may access applicable incentives
- +Best long-term savings if you can fund it
- +You own maintenance and warranties
Solar Loan
- +Monthly financing with an interest rate and term
- +Little to no money down, depending on the loan
- +You own the system and may access incentives
- +Total cost includes interest over the term
- +Ownership of maintenance and warranties
Solar Lease or PPA
- +Third party owns the system
- +Fixed monthly payment or per-kWh rate
- +Often an annual escalator
- +Provider typically handles maintenance
- +May include a production guarantee
Prepaid Solar Lease
- +Upfront lease payment for the term
- +Third party owns the system
- +Little to no monthly payment
- +Provider handles maintenance
- +Buyout options depend on the program
The full comparison.
How the four plans differ across what matters most.
| Attribute | Purchase | Loan | Lease / PPA | Prepaid Lease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You | You | Provider | Provider |
| Upfront cost | Highest | Low to none | None | High (prepaid) |
| Monthly payment | None | Yes | Yes | Little to none |
| Maintenance | You | You | Provider | Provider |
| Incentives | You may qualify | You may qualify | Provider | Provider |
| Long-term savings | Highest | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Production guarantee | Via warranties | Via warranties | Often included | Often included |
| Buyout option | N/A | N/A | Per agreement | Per program |
Rates, escalators, incentives and buyout terms depend on the specific program and your eligibility. We will not promise particular terms unless backed by an available program. Use our calculators to model scenarios with your own assumptions.
Compare with real numbers.
Model cash, loan and lease side by side, or qualify in minutes for a proposal built around your home.
Let's build something that lasts.
Tell us what you have in mind. We'll help you understand the next step.