Jay Verma
Which Solar Finance Option is Best for me: According to recent data, over 2.5 million homeowners in the United States have installed solar systems in their residences. Apart from increasing their property value, these solar installations save homeowners thousands of dollars on electricity expenses over time.
On average, a solar panel system can last for more than 25 years and has the potential to offset a significant portion, if not all, of a homeowner’s monthly electricity bill. This translates into substantial long-term savings.
For instance, if you currently spend around $150 every month on electricity, you could end up paying over $65,000 on power bills over the next 25 years. By investing in solar energy, you can avoid these future expenses. Prior to making the decision to install solar panels, it is important to evaluate the various financing options available and select the one that best suits your needs.
Table of Contents
Which Solar Finance Option is Best for me?
There are three main methods for financing a home solar system: upfront cash payment, solar loans, and lease/power purchase agreements (PPAs).
If paying for the system outright isn’t feasible for you, solar financing options like loans and leases can provide the opportunity to spread out the cost over time. On average, a solar panel system costs approximately $25,000 (excluding installation expenses).
Among the most cost-effective financing options are cash purchases and solar loans. With a cash purchase, you instantly own the system without the need for any future payments. On the other hand, a solar loan allows you to make fixed monthly payments over a period of five to 25 years, similar to a car loan or mortgage.
The third option, leasing or entering into a PPA, involves an agreement where you don’t own the system but pay a monthly fee for the electricity it produces. However, despite paying thousands of dollars over the term of the agreement, you won’t own the system at the end.
Solar Loans and Cash Purchases
When it comes to maximizing savings and benefits, paying with cash is the ideal choice. By owning the system outright, you protect yourself from future increases in electricity rates, become eligible for financial incentives and rebates, and potentially increase the value of your home. It’s important to note that cash purchases require a considerable upfront investment, typically ranging between $20,000 and $30,000, excluding installation costs.
The alternative financing option is a solar loan, which allows homeowners to adopt solar energy without a down payment. With a solar loan, you will ultimately own the system once the loan is paid off. However, it’s essential to consider the interest rates and total costs associated with borrowing money. Secured loans tend to have lower interest rates but may require some form of collateral such as your home.
Regardless of the financing method, borrowing only what is necessary is advisable to minimize interest payments. Reading the loan terms and conditions carefully is vital to avoid any unexpected fees.
Should you be interested in a solar loan, Solar Panel Company offers a platform where you can explore financing partners such as available service in your area.
Solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) were more popular in the early days of the solar industry but have seen declining popularity recently due to their limited financial benefits. With a lease or PPA, a company installs solar panels on your property and sells you the electricity at a predetermined rate.
Although there may be an initial lower rate for electricity, the annual rate increases and the fact that you don’t own the system make it a less financially favorable choice. Additionally, you won’t be eligible for financial incentives or rebates associated with solar installations. Leased systems may not increase the value of your home as potential buyers may be reluctant to assume additional monthly payments.
It’s worth noting that third-party ownership options like leases and PPAs are not available in all states. You can refer to DSIRE’s map to check if they are available in your state.
Tax Benefits and Rebates
There are various rebates and incentives available to help reduce the cost of solar panels. The most valuable one is the federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 30% of the total system cost from your federal income taxes. Additionally, depending on your location, there may be state and local incentives available.
States such as New York, Rhode Island, Iowa, Connecticut, and Maryland offer favorable solar tax incentives.
Comparing Financing Options
Choosing the right financing option is crucial. Cash purchases make sense if you have the upfront funds, want to maximize financial benefits, and take advantage of tax incentives. This would enable you to own the system outright.
Solar loans are a good option if you don’t have enough savings upfront but still want to maximize savings and qualify for tax incentives. With a loan, you will eventually own the system.
Leases and PPAs are suitable for those who are not focused on maximizing return on investment, are not eligible for tax incentives, and do not mind not owning the system at the end of the agreement.
To compare the advantages and disadvantages of different financing options, you can use the Solar Calculator or register for a free account to receive customized solar quotes from local companies, including various financing options.
By carefully assessing your financing options and understanding the available incentives, you can make an informed decision on how to finance your solar panel system.