Financing · Prepaid Lease
A prepaid lease that lowers your upfront cost.
A prepaid lease is a way to go solar for a lower upfront cost. Because the system is owned by a financing partner, they can apply the federal commercial incentive as a reduction to your upfront payment, so you pay less than an equivalent cash system would cost.
There is no credit check and no lien on your home, you can see savings from day one, and if you sell your home the lease transfers easily. You also have the option to buy the system starting at year 6.
How the federal incentive lowers your cost
The system is owned by a financing partner, which lets them capture the federal commercial incentive and asset depreciation. They apply that value as an upfront reduction to your payment — that is how a lower price reaches you. You are not claiming a tax credit yourself; the incentive is built into a lower cost.
You still have a normal utility bill — reduced by the solar your system produces, just like any solar home. What you do not have is a monthly lease payment.
What you get
A prepaid lease keeps things simple while still putting solar on your roof:
- A lower upfront cost, with the federal commercial incentive applied
- No credit check and no FICO requirement
- No lien on your home
- Savings from day one
- More control of your energy use and system operation
- An easy transfer to the new owner if you sell your home
- The option to buy the system starting at year 6
Is a prepaid lease right for you?
A prepaid lease fits homeowners who want a lower upfront cost and a simpler path — no monthly lease payment and no credit check — with solar producing from day one. We will walk you through how it compares to buying with cash or a loan, or going $0-down with a monthly lease or PPA, so the choice is clear. Availability varies by market.
Frequently asked questions
How does the federal incentive lower my cost?
The system is owned by a financing partner, so they capture the federal commercial incentive and apply that value as an upfront reduction to your payment. You don’t claim a tax credit yourself — the savings are built into a lower price.
Do I still have a power bill?
Yes — you have a normal utility bill, reduced by the solar your system produces, just like any solar home. What you don’t have is a monthly lease payment.
Do I need good credit?
No. A prepaid lease has no credit check and no FICO requirement.
Can I use a loan for the upfront amount?
Yes. You can pay the prepayment from your own funds or finance it through a lender. That financing is separate from the lease, isn’t provided by ETW or the system owner, and isn’t tied to owning the system.
Are savings guaranteed?
No. Like any solar system, how much you produce and save depends on weather, your usage, and utility rates — a prepaid lease doesn’t guarantee a specific production or savings amount. What it does is lower your upfront cost.
Who insures the system?
As the site host, you’re responsible for insuring the system — typically covered under your homeowner’s policy.
How long is the lease?
The solar lease runs 25 years; battery coverage runs 10 years, matching its warranty. As with an owned system, replacing the battery after that window is your choice.
Can I own the system later?
You have a buyout option starting at the 6th anniversary (with 30–90 days’ notice) and again at the end of the term. The price is the system’s fair market value minus any offsetting value still owed to you — and never less than $0. At the end of the term you can also extend the agreement or have the system removed. It’s an option, not a promise.
What happens if I sell my home?
The lease transfers easily to the new owner, with no credit check or underwriting — just a simple transfer notice.
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.
See the comparison