Ways to buy
Make the money part easy.
Same scrutiny on each path. If fees are buried, it fails the review.
Own it outright
Cash Purchase
Pay for the system up front and keep every kilowatt of savings. Best lifetime value if you have the cash available.
Best for: Homeowners who want maximum long-term savings and full ownership from day one.
Why people choose it
- You own the system and the production
- No interest and no monthly solar loan
- Strongest lifetime ROI for many households
- Easiest path if you may sell the home later
What we double-check
- Largest one-time out-of-pocket cost
- Make sure the design and warranty package are rock-solid before you write the check
Finance the system with a solar loan. You still own it, while spreading cost over time — we compare lenders so the payment makes sense.
Best for: Homeowners who want ownership without writing a large check today.
Why people choose it
- You own the system
- Predictable monthly payment options
- We compare programs — not one lender script
- Can still pencil strong monthly savings vs your bill
What we double-check
- Interest and term length change the true cost
- Read dealer fees and buy-down language carefully — we help you spot them
A third party owns the system on your roof. You pay a monthly lease (or PPA-style payment) for the power — often with little money down.
Best for: Homeowners focused on lower monthly cost and simpler onboarding.
Why people choose it
- Often $0 or low upfront
- Maintenance commonly handled by the system owner
- Can unlock savings without a large cash outlay
- Useful when ownership financing isn’t the right fit
What we double-check
- You typically don’t own the equipment or production incentives
- Home sale can require transferring the agreement
- Escalators and contract length matter — we walk them line by line
Prepurchase + lease term
Pre-Paid
You prepurchase at a discounted rate, then a third party holds the system for a short lease term (often ~6–10 years) so tax rules work. That early window usually has real cost — cash upfront or a payment while the term runs — then ownership can transfer and the monthly solar piece drops.
Best for: Homeowners who want ownership on a shorter clock than a 25-year loan, and can handle early-term cost.
Why people choose it
- Discounted prepurchase vs full cash price
- Lease/hold term early (often ~6–10 years) — not free from day one
- Path to ownership after the term
- We model the early years and the post-transfer years separately
What we double-check
- Expect cost in the first 6–10 years (prepurchase and/or financing that prepurchase)
- Transfer / buyout language matters — we walk it line by line
- Not the same as a $0/mo lease pitch
