Ways to pay
Own it, finance it, or lease it
After the federal homeowner credit ended for installs completed after December 31, 2025, how you pay matters more than ever. Here are the real options we offer — with real terms.
Cash
Lowest lifetime cost and the fastest payback — you keep all the savings.
- Upfront
- Full system price
- Best for
- Long-term owners
Colorado RENU loan (Westerra Credit Union)
No money down; you own the system from day one.
- APR
- 7.74–8.99%
- Term
- up to 20 years
- On $21,000
- ≈ $172/mo
Concert Finance
No money down; you own the system from day one.
- APR
- 8.99%
- Term
- up to 25 years
- On $21,000
- ≈ $176/mo
Lease / PPA
A third-party owner claims the surviving federal credit and passes value to you as a lower rate.
- Typical rate
- 20–30% below retail
- Payments
- $125–$240/mo
- Escalator
- 0–3%/yr
Loan payments are illustrations, not offers; approval, APR and terms are set by the lender. Lease/PPA terms vary by project and credit.
Compare them
Run all four side by side
FAQ
Questions we hear
Which is best after the 30% credit ended?
It depends on your taxes and horizon. Owned systems (cash or loan) no longer get a federal homeowner credit, so leases and PPAs — where the owner can still use the commercial §48E credit through systems placed in service by the end of 2027 — often start with lower payments. Owners usually come out ahead over 25 years. We model both honestly.
What’s an escalator, and why does it matter?
It’s the yearly increase in a lease or PPA payment. At 0–3% per year it can stay below utility price growth — or overtake it in the later years. Compare the escalator to what you expect your utility rates to do.
Does a solar loan use my home as collateral?
Terms depend on the lender and product. Ask the lender for the full disclosure before signing.
Can I finance a battery or roof with the system?
Often, yes — batteries and roofing done as part of the project can typically be included. We’ll confirm with the lender.
Get honest numbers for your roof
Our Colorado crew looks up your utility’s current rules, models your roof, and tells you straight — including when solar or a battery won’t pay off.