How to Get a Solar Loan

Although installing solar panels can require a sizable upfront cost, there may be long-term savings. Your electricity costs will go down as you produce more energy, and you might be able to sell any extra power you have or get credits for it.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the cost of installing solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, falling by more than 75% since 2010.

Furthermore, you can now choose to apply for a solar loan, which may have monthly payments that are less expensive than regular energy bills.

How to Get Solar Panel Financing

A 5-kilowatt system will set you back between $10,000 and $15,000 for solar panels for your house, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy. Factors like the system's complexity, installation difficulty, and tax incentives for energy-efficient projects all affect how much it will cost.

If you are unable to pay for solar panels upfront, you may finance them through solar contractors, government grants, home equity financing options (such as HELOCs), or personal loans. Here's how to review these choices and apply for a solar loan step-by-step.

Examine your financial situation to determine whether you truly need a loan and how much you would have to borrow before applying for one. You can reduce the amount of money you have to pay back each month if you can cover a portion of the expenses out of pocket.

• Perform a benefit-cost analysis: There are several long-term advantages to solar panels. However, take into account if you have the resources to repay the loans. To make sure you will get your money back, balance the investment costs against the long-term gains.

• Verify your credit score: When deciding whether to grant you a loan, lenders consider your credit score. Your credit score has an impact on your interest rate as well. Check your credit reports before applying for loans because you might only be eligible for some options if your credit history is good.

• Select the appropriate kind of solar loan: Some financing options may be better than others depending on your credit history, financial situation, and ability to repay loans. When choosing a choice, take into account interest rates, repayment schedules, extra costs, and other aspects.

• Obtain quotes from several lenders: Before choosing a provider, carefully consider your options and obtain quotes from several lenders. Getting quotes from multiple sources may allow you to find better terms at the same or lower rate.

• Make a loan application: You can apply in person or online for a solar loan once you've determined which is the best choice given your current financial circumstances. Usually, this step entails sending the required paperwork so the lender can confirm your financial details.

When Is It a Good Idea to Get a Solar Loan?

Even though it could be simple to apply for and be approved for a loan, taking on debt if you are unable to make the required payments on time is only sometimes the best course of action. The lender will probably report nonpayment to credit agencies and put your account in collections if you don't make your payments.

Here are some situations when it may be a good idea to get a solar loan.

• Your credit history is good: Those who have higher credit scores are offered better terms on loans. Therefore, before you apply for a loan, it could be worthwhile to take action to raise your credit score, such as paying off debt, if you have a bad credit history.

• You don't owe any additional money: Obtaining a solar loan may not be the best course of action if you already have other debts, such as credit card debt, personal loans, or school loans. Paying off high-interest loans first might make sense if you want to reduce your monthly payment obligations.

• You live in the ideal house for solar panels: Before applying for a loan, make sure your property has the structural integrity necessary to support solar panels. Solar panels cannot be installed on every type of building.

What You Need to Get a Solar Loan

The requirements of the lender and the kind of loan you're getting will determine what you need to get a solar loan. A few of the documents listed below might be required of you:

• Verification of identity: Any loan application will require identity verification documents. Documents such as your passport, Social Security card, and driver's license may fall under this category.

• Ownership proof (property documents): You might be required to submit evidence of property ownership when applying for contractor loans, HELOCs, government grants or loans for solar energy, and home equity loans.

• Proof of income or employment: Bank statements, tax returns, employer verification documents, or other forms of income verification may be required to demonstrate your ability to repay.

Choosing a Solar Loan

Selecting the appropriate loan type from a reputable lender is one of the most important decisions made during the solar financing process. Here are some points to think about:

• Interest rates: The cost of the loan over time is influenced by interest rates. The total amount of money you pay will increase with your interest rate. Thus, interest rates are frequently the most important factor. To get the best deal, compare various lenders and loan options. For instance, compared to personal loans, some government initiatives or home equity products may have cheaper interest rates.

• Charges: Dealer fees, origination fees, and early repayment fees are a few examples of payments. They raise the loan's overall cost.

• Loan terms: Shorter loan terms result in lower interest rates and a quicker loan payback period, but they also come with higher monthly payment amounts. Extended loan durations result in reduced monthly installments; however, the total interest paid will increase.

• Credit score requirements: To lower the risk to the lender, some loan types, like home equity loans, depend more heavily on collateral than others, like personal loans, which demand a high credit score.

• Approval time: Personal loans can be approved fast, so they might be a good choice if you need the money right away. Certain loan kinds, such as home equity loans, might need more documentation and take longer to get approved.

Alternatives to a Solar Loan

Consider solar leases and power purchase agreements as alternatives to solar loans if you decide against taking out a loan.

• Solar leases: Similar to renting a car, a solar lease enables you to use the electricity generated in exchange for a set monthly payment, rather than having to pay for the solar panels and installation. Although you can pay to use it for a predetermined amount of time, you do not own it.

• Purchase agreements for solar power (SPPA): Under a power purchase agreement, you pay a fixed price per kilowatt-hour of energy you use, and someone else pays for the installation and upkeep of the solar panels. Your present energy bills function pretty much the same way as this, but PPAs are typically less expensive.

Bottom Line

Installing solar panels could be a possibility for you if you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle and lower your energy costs. Although the high upfront cost may seem like a barrier, there are numerous solar financing options available, so you're sure to find something that works for you.

There are many different financing options available, so we advise you to do your homework and carefully review the loan terms before deciding.

How Long Is a Solar Loan?

The terms you work out with your lender will determine how long your loan for solar panels will last. Depending on the lender and terms you select, the loan repayment period usually lasts between two and twenty-five years. Remember that although you will save money on interest, shorter repayment terms require larger monthly payment amounts.

What Expenses Does Solar Financing Cover?

Solar panel installation and acquisition are usually covered by solar financing. In certain instances, it might also pay for ongoing maintenance, other associated costs, and construction work necessary to support the panels.

What Is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

With the help of a tax credit provided by the U.S. government, you can reduce your income tax liability by up to 30% of the cost of solar panels. You might receive up to $3,000 in tax credits, for instance, if you install solar panels for $10,000.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Panel Financing?

You can cut your energy costs, sell extra energy, and benefit from tax credits with solar panel financing. Solar loans can assist in offsetting the substantial initial outlay necessary for solar installation, which can lower your energy costs over time and result in significant long-term savings for you.