Category Archives: Solar Financing

Articles about the ways to finance a solar installation.

Solar leases

Solar leases: what you need to know

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

If you’re looking to lower your electricity bill without any upfront costs, there’s a good chance you’re considering a solar lease. Under the right circumstances, solar leases can be an attractive option, offering cheaper electricity with very little hassle on your end. However, there are also instances in which a solar lease could cause trouble down the line, so it’s important to do your research before signing any contract. In this article, we’ll cover the basics about solar leases–from what they are to why you may or may not want to enter one. 

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Q&A with Sustainable Capital Finance

Q&A with Sustainable Capital Finance

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

There are many reasons why commercial and industrial (C&I) solar installations are gaining attention: from saving money, to creating sustainable brand images, to supporting local economies, the benefits are numerous. Even still, with prices ranging from about $100,000 for small businesses to up to $1 million+ for larger businesses, the cost of a C&I system can certainly seem daunting initially. By working with a reputable financier, you can start saving money for your business on day one with a C&I solar system. With that in mind, we conducted a Q&A with Sustainable Capital Finance (SCF) to learn more about their company and their financial offerings. 

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federal solar tax credit

The solar tax credit: a federal energy tax credit for going solar

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

The investment tax credit (ITC), also known as the federal solar tax credit, allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. The ITC applies to both residential and commercial systems, and there is no cap on its value. The average EnergySage Solar Marketplace shopper saves nearly $9,000 on the cost of going solar as a result of the ITC.

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solar loans

Solar loans: what you need to know

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Want to finance your solar panel installation? Cash purchases and solar leases (or PPAs) aren’t your only options. If you don’t have–or aren’t willing to spend–the capital for a cash purchase but want to maximize the financial benefits of a solar energy system, the solar loan offers the best of both worlds.

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Solar loans vs. solar leases

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

So you know you want to finance your solar panel system, but one big question remains: should you lease your system from a company, or own your system and finance it with a solar loan? The answer here depends on a few factors, including your preferences, needs, and financial goals. 

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buy or lease solar panels

Should you buy or lease your solar panels?

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Whether you buy a system or lease it, going solar is one of the best ways to save on electricity bills. That said, the financing option you choose influences a number of factors, including  the costs, maintenance responsibilities, terms, savings, and the return on investment (ROI) of your solar panel system. 

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New Homeowners

First-time homebuyer? Why solar should be your next big investment

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Reading Time: 7 minutes

If you just purchased your first home, first of all, congratulations! Buying a home is no small feat and immediately planning your home’s upgrades may feel overwhelming–but we’re here to help! When it comes to solar, we think it’s a great upgrade for first-time homebuyers because solar saves you money in the long run and increases your home value. We’ve laid out some key questions to answer when making the decision to go solar as a first-time homebuyer.

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tesla solar renting

Tesla’s solar renting program: what you need to know

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Tesla solar is back. After quarter over quarter of declining solar installations, Elon Musk launched (via tweet, of course) a new product for residential solar: the Tesla solar rental program. The program is a return to Tesla’s SolarCity roots, with a unique twist on the product that made SolarCity the leading national installer of solar prior to its acquisition by Tesla. 

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Tesla solar renting vs leasing and loans

Tesla solar renting vs. leasing vs. buying solar panels

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

Tesla’s recently announced solar rental program was met with high hopes, as a program with the potential to make solar more accessible to more homeowners. With a sense of how the program works, the question becomes: how do the savings from renting solar panels form Tesla compare to the savings from owning or leasing solar panels? 

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