Guides

Rooftop Solar Financing 101

September 14, 2023

Solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills. However, the upfront cost of installing solar panels can be a barrier for many homeowners and businesses. Fortunately, there are several financing options available that can help make solar energy more accessible.

There are several different financing options available for solar panels, including:

  • Credit cards: This is a convenient option for those who have a good credit score and can pay off the balance quickly. However, credit cards typically have high interest rates, which can make them an expensive option in the long run.
  • Personal loans: This is a good option for those who want to finance their solar panels over a longer period of time. Personal loans typically have lower interest rates than credit cards, but they may require collateral or a good credit score.
  • Mortgages: This is a good option for those who are planning to purchase a home or refinance their existing mortgage. Mortgages typically have lower interest rates than personal loans, but they may require a down payment and can take longer to process.

When choosing a financing option for solar panels, it's important to consider the following factors:

  • Interest rates: This is the amount of money you'll pay in addition to the principal amount borrowed. Lower interest rates can save you money in the long run.
  • Loan terms: This is the length of time you'll have to repay the loan. Longer loan terms can result in lower monthly payments, but may result in higher overall costs.
  • Collateral: This is an asset that you pledge as security for the loan. Collateral can help you qualify for a loan, but it also puts your asset at risk if you're unable to repay the loan.


Here's a quick guide to the pros and cons of different financing options.

Credit cards

Pros:

  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Can earn rewards points or cash back
  • Can be paid off quickly

Cons:

  • High interest rates
  • Can result in high overall costs
  • May not be a good option for those with poor credit

Personal loans

Pros:

  • Lower interest rates than credit cards
  • Longer loan terms
  • May not require collateral

Cons:

  • May require a good credit score
  • May result in higher overall costs than mortgages
  • May not be a good option for those with poor credit

Mortgages

Pros:

  • Lower interest rates than personal loans
  • Longer loan terms
  • May result in lower overall costs

Cons:

  • May require a down payment
  • Can take longer to process than personal loans
  • May put your home at risk if you're unable to repay the loan

Financing solar panels can be a smart investment, but it's important to choose the financing option that's right for your needs. By understanding the pros and cons of different financing options, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of solar energy for years to come. Speak to our Sol experts on financing options available.

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