Solar Financing Options Compared (2026)
Compare solar loans, leases, PPAs, PACE financing, and cash purchases. Find the right financing option for your budget, credit score, and savings goals.
Solar Financing Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of 12 solar financing providers and options.
| Provider | Type | APR | Terms | Min Credit | $0 Down | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrun | LEASE | N/A | 20, 25 yrs | 650+ | Yes | Yes |
| Tesla Solar | LOAN | 4.49% – 6.99% | 10, 20, 25 yrs | 650+ | Yes | Yes |
| SunPower | LOAN | 3.99% – 7.99% | 10, 15, 20, 25 yrs | 680+ | Yes | Yes |
| Mosaic | LOAN | 2.99% – 8.99% | 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 yrs | 640+ | Yes | Yes |
| GoodLeap | LOAN | 3.99% – 8.99% | 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 yrs | 600+ | Yes | Yes |
| Dividend Finance | LOAN | 3.49% – 8.49% | 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 yrs | 640+ | Yes | Yes |
| Sunlight Financial | LOAN | 3.49% – 7.99% | 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 yrs | 650+ | Yes | Yes |
| Sunnova | LEASE | N/A | 25 yrs | 600+ | Yes | Yes |
| PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) | PACE | 5% – 9% | 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 yrs | None | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Union Solar Loans | LOAN | 4.49% – 8.99% | 5, 10, 15, 20 yrs | 660+ | No | Yes |
| Home Equity Loan (HELOC) | HELOC | 6.5% – 10% | 5, 10, 15, 20 yrs | 680+ | Yes | Yes |
| Vivint Solar | PPA | N/A | 20, 25 yrs | 650+ | Yes | Yes |
Financing Types Explained
Cash
Pay the full cost upfront and own your system immediately. Maximizes total savings and qualifies for all tax credits.
Typical ROI: 100% of cash-purchase savings
Loan
Finance your solar purchase with a solar loan. You own the system, get tax credits, and pay over time.
Typical ROI: 85% of cash-purchase savings
- Tesla Solar: Own your system, Competitive rates
- SunPower: Highest efficiency panels, Strong warranty
- Mosaic: Low starting APR, Multiple term options
- GoodLeap: Low credit requirements, Many term options
- Dividend Finance: Competitive rates, Flexible terms
- Sunlight Financial: Good rates, Fast approval process
- Credit Union Solar Loans: Member benefits, Personalized service
Lease
Lease solar panels with no money down. The leasing company owns the system and you pay a monthly fee.
Typical ROI: 50% of cash-purchase savings
- Sunrun: No upfront cost, Includes maintenance
- Sunnova: Low credit requirement, No upfront cost
Ppa
Power Purchase Agreement where you pay for the electricity produced at a fixed rate, typically below utility rates.
Typical ROI: 45% of cash-purchase savings
- Vivint Solar: Pay per kWh produced, No upfront cost
Pace
Property Assessed Clean Energy financing is repaid through your property tax bill over 10-30 years.
Typical ROI: 70% of cash-purchase savings
- PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy): No credit score requirement, Tax-deductible interest
Heloc
Use your home equity to finance solar. Interest may be tax-deductible and rates can be competitive.
Typical ROI: 80% of cash-purchase savings
- Home Equity Loan (HELOC): Tax-deductible interest, Lower rates possible
Provider Details
Sunrun
Pros
- No upfront cost
- Includes maintenance
- Predictable payments
Cons
- Lower total savings
- Dont own system
- Escalator clauses possible
Terms: 20, 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Most states
Tesla Solar
Pros
- Own your system
- Competitive rates
- Includes Powerwall option
Cons
- Limited customization
- Longer wait times
- Tesla panels only
Terms: 10, 20, 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Most states
SunPower
Pros
- Highest efficiency panels
- Strong warranty
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Higher credit requirements
- May require deposit
Terms: 10, 15, 20, 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Most states
Mosaic
Pros
- Low starting APR
- Multiple term options
- Fast approval
Cons
- Rate depends on credit
- Dealer fees possible
- Longer terms cost more
Terms: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Most states
GoodLeap
Pros
- Low credit requirements
- Many term options
- Quick funding
Cons
- Higher rates for lower credit
- Dealer fees
- Some prepayment terms
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Most states
Dividend Finance
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Flexible terms
- No prepayment penalty
Cons
- Credit score dependent
- Not available everywhere
- Some dealer fees
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Most states
Sunlight Financial
Pros
- Good rates
- Fast approval process
- Includes storage
Cons
- Limited direct access
- Through dealers only
- Variable availability
Terms: 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Most states
Sunnova
Pros
- Low credit requirement
- No upfront cost
- Includes monitoring
Cons
- Lease only
- Long term commitment
- Escalator clauses
Terms: 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Most states
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy)
Pros
- No credit score requirement
- Tax-deductible interest
- Transfers with property
Cons
- Higher rates
- Property lien
- Limited availability
Terms: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Select states (CA, FL, MO)
Credit Union Solar Loans
Pros
- Member benefits
- Personalized service
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Membership required
- May require down payment
- Slower process
Terms: 5, 10, 15, 20 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: No
Availability: Varies by credit union
Home Equity Loan (HELOC)
Pros
- Tax-deductible interest
- Lower rates possible
- Flexible use
Cons
- Home as collateral
- Variable rates possible
- Appraisal required
Terms: 5, 10, 15, 20 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: All states
Vivint Solar
Pros
- Pay per kWh produced
- No upfront cost
- Maintenance included
Cons
- Lower savings than ownership
- Long contract
- Rate escalators
Terms: 20, 25 years
Battery Financing: Yes
$0 Down: Yes
Availability: Select states
Which Financing Option Is Right for You?
Best for Maximum Savings: Cash Purchase
If you can pay upfront, cash provides the highest total savings. You own the system immediately, claim the full 30% federal tax credit, and start saving from day one with no interest payments.
Best for Homeowners Who Want to Own: Solar Loan
Solar loans let you own your system and claim tax credits while spreading payments over 10-25 years. Many lenders offer $0 down with competitive rates starting around 3.99% APR.
Best for $0 Down with No Hassle: Lease or PPA
If you want immediate savings with no upfront cost and no maintenance responsibility, a solar lease or PPA can reduce your electric bill from day one. Total savings are lower than ownership options.
Best for Low Credit: PACE Financing
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing has no credit score requirement and is repaid through your property tax bill. It is available in select states and the financing transfers with the property if you sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
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