Financing · Lease / PPA
$0 down. Monthly savings from day one.
A solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you go solar with $0 down. A financing partner owns the system, and you pay either a fixed monthly lease or a per-kilowatt-hour rate for the power it produces — typically below what you pay the utility today.
Because the financing partner owns the system, they claim the tax credit and pass that value through as a lower rate to you. It is the most accessible way to start saving without an upfront check.
Lease vs. PPA
Both are third-party-owned, $0-down structures. The difference is what you pay for:
- Lease: a fixed monthly payment for the use of the system, regardless of exact production.
- PPA: you pay per kilowatt-hour for the energy the system actually produces, usually at a rate below your utility.
What you get — and what you don’t
With a lease or PPA you get immediate savings, no upfront cost, and typically system monitoring and maintenance handled by the owner. What you do not get is ownership — the system is not your asset, and the tax-credit value is captured by the owner and reflected in your rate rather than paid to you directly.
When $0-down makes sense
A lease or PPA fits homeowners who want to start saving now without spending cash up front, and who are comfortable not owning the equipment. If owning the system matters more to you, cash or a loan will fit better; if a lower upfront cost matters more, a prepaid lease may fit — and we will point you there.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a lease and a PPA?
A lease is a fixed monthly payment for the system; a PPA charges you per kilowatt-hour for the energy it produces. Both are $0-down and owned by a financing partner.
Do I get the tax credit with a lease or PPA?
Not directly — the financing partner owns the system and claims the credit, then passes that value through to you as a lower rate. If owning the system matters to you, ask about buying with cash or a loan; if a lower upfront cost matters, ask about a prepaid lease.
Can I buy the system later?
Many lease and PPA agreements include buyout options. Terms vary, so we will walk through what your specific agreement allows.
We are not tax professionals. Tax incentives are subject to change and depend on the financing partner’s eligibility. Consult a tax professional for advice about your personal situation.
Not sure which fits?
One quick question usually sorts it out. Tell us your goal and we’ll point you to the right path — honestly.
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