Find the Best Way to Finance Your Solar

Buying, leasing, or financing — each option has different costs and benefits over time. Our calculators break down the numbers so you can choose what works for your budget and goals.

Your Three Main Options

Compare the three most common ways homeowners pay for solar installations.

Cash Purchase

Best Long-Term Value
  • Highest total savings over 25 years
  • No monthly payments or interest costs
  • Own the system outright from day one
  • Eligible for state tax credits where available
  • Large upfront cost ($18K–$25K typical)
  • Ties up capital that could be invested elsewhere

Solar Loan

Best for Most Homeowners
  • Own the system — eligible for state tax credits where available
  • Low or zero down payment options available
  • Monthly payment often lower than your current bill
  • Good savings once loan is paid off
  • Interest adds to total cost over time
  • Requires decent credit for best rates

Solar Lease or PPA

Lowest Upfront Cost
  • Little to no upfront cost
  • Maintenance typically covered by provider
  • Guaranteed energy production in some contracts
  • You do not own the system — provider claims federal credits, not you
  • Lower lifetime savings than owning
  • Can complicate home sale or refinancing
QUICK ESTIMATE

Quick Financing Comparison

Enter your system cost to compare cash, loan, and lease over 25 years.

Cash
—
25-yr net savings
Loan
—
est. at 7% / 10 yr
Lease
—
est. savings

Assumes 90% solar offset, 3%/yr rate escalation, no active federal ITC. Estimates only.

Full financing calculator →

FINANCING CALCULATORS

Free Solar Financing Calculators

Solar Financing Comparison Calculator
Compare cash, loan, lease, and PPA side-by-side over 25 years.
Popular
Solar Loan Calculator
Calculate monthly loan payments and total interest for solar financing.
Popular
Solar Lease vs Buy Calculator
Compare total costs of leasing versus purchasing your solar system.
Popular
Federal Solar Tax Credit Calculator
Calculate your federal solar tax credit value and carry-forward amount.
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Solar Installation Cost Calculator
Get a detailed cost estimate based on system size and location.
Solar PPA Calculator
Evaluate power purchase agreements and compare to buying outright.
Solar Lease Buyout Calculator
Decide if buying out your solar lease is financially worthwhile.
Solar Rebate vs Tax Credit Calculator
Compare the net value of upfront rebates versus tax credits.
Solar Depreciation Calculator
Calculate MACRS and bonus depreciation for business solar systems.
Solar Insurance Calculator
Estimate added homeowners insurance costs for solar panel systems.