Saving on monthly energy bills and achieving energy independence are the two main reasons homeowners purchase solar panels. You can also save on the initial solar investment due to special government incentives and rebates.
There are basically two ways you can acquire affordable solar panels and become energy-independent: purchase or lease. The most important element to understand about each option is that when you lease your solar panels, the leasing company owns your system and is therefore able to collect any available tax incentives. When you purchase solar panels, you get to keep the tax incentives for yourself.
To help you get started we've outlined a the most popular options below. If you still have questions or would like to discuss further, our solar experts are always standing by to help.
Today, it's possible to finance part or all of a solar system purchase. There are a variety of secured and unsecured options available with terms of 12 to 20 years. Sun Valley Solar Solutions recommends financing only the necessary portion of the net cost after incentives in order to get the best payback.
In addition to a loan, a buyer can also acquire short-term financing of the credits and incentives to keep initial out of pocket expense low without long-term financing.
An added benefit to purchasing or financing your solar electric system is the net increase in your home’s real property value. According to estimates by the National Bureau of Economic Research, solar panels added a $20,194 value premium to the sales price of a home (houses in the study were in the mid-$500,000 range).
Since the average return on an all-cash solar power system is 4-9 years, many buyers choose a cash purchase. We structure our cash payments into three easy steps:
Standard and special mortgages are available to homeowners who want to finance portions of their solar investment. In one case an energy efficiency mortgage credits a home’s energy efficiency in the mortgage itself. Some options are targeted to new home construction, while others may apply to existing home improvements. Our solar integrators can help you determine the best fit for you.
This is a great option if you don’t want to commit an initial down payment. Common to most capital leases, there are options for no money
Leasing does require good credit, but it’s a viable option for those who who wish to avoid the initial investment or cannot take full advantage of available solar tax incentives. Unlike full cash purchases, loans or mortgages, leasing does not equate to immediate ownership, and as such, the lessor retains the tax benefit.
Solar leasing functions the same as any capital lease would in that down payment options determine monthly payments. Solar, more specifically, offers different ancillary options:
Leasing your solar panels lacks a few of the benefits of a solar purchase: