Four honest ways to pay for solar.
Purchase, financing, lease, or PPA. Here's how each actually works, trade-offs included.
Get a Free QuoteHow do cash, a loan, a lease, and a PPA compare?
The main difference is ownership. With cash or a loan you own the system and look after it with equipment warranties. With a lease or a PPA, a solar company owns it and typically handles maintenance.
| Purchase | Financing | Lease | PPA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns the system | You | You | The solar company | The solar company |
| Upfront cost | Full price | Often none | Little or none | Little or none |
| What you pay monthly | Nothing | Loan payment | Fixed lease payment | A set rate per kWh produced |
| Who handles maintenance | You, with equipment warranties | You, with equipment warranties | Typically the owner | Typically the owner |
Is there a federal solar tax credit in 2026?
Not for a homeowner who buys. The federal residential clean energy credit ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. A separate federal credit still exists for the companies that own leased and PPA systems.
Can I still get the 30% federal solar credit?
The federal residential clean energy credit ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. If you buy a system in 2026, with cash or a loan, it does not qualify. Anyone telling you otherwise is selling you last year's pitch.
Do leases and PPAs still get a federal credit?
A federal credit still exists for the companies that own leased and PPA systems, currently through 2027. That credit goes to the owner, not to you, but it's part of why lease and PPA rates can be competitive.
This is general information as of mid-2026, not tax advice. Eligibility depends on your situation, and the rules can change. Talk to a tax professional before counting on any credit.
What else do people ask about paying for solar?
Which option is right for me?
It depends on your budget, your tax situation, and how long you plan to stay in the home. There's no universal answer, and we won't pretend there is. We'll lay out the real numbers for each option side by side and let you decide.
Is "zero down" real?
Nobody gives away solar. Zero down means no upfront payment, not no cost. With a lease or PPA you pay monthly for the system or its power instead of paying upfront, and the terms of that monthly payment are what deserve your attention.
Do I need good credit?
Financing, leases, and PPAs are all subject to credit approval, and requirements vary by provider. If one path doesn't fit, another might. We'll tell you what's realistic before you commit to anything.
What happens if I sell my home?
A system you own typically transfers with the house. With a lease or PPA, the agreement usually transfers to the buyer or gets bought out, and the exact process depends on the contract terms. We go through those terms with you before you sign, not after.