Ways to go solar without paying it all upfront
There is more than one way to go solar if you do not want to pay the full cost upfront. We explain the main options in plain language, so you can compare them and find vetted local providers with confidence.
Start with the four main options
Most homeowners look at four common paths: a **solar lease**, a **power purchase agreement (PPA)**, a **solar loan**, or paying **cash**. Each option can work well for the right home and budget, but the trade-offs are different.
How lease, PPA, loan, and cash are different
With a [solar lease](/solutions/solar-lease/), you usually pay a fixed monthly amount to use the system. With a [power purchase agreement](/solutions/power-purchase-agreement/), you usually pay for the solar electricity the system produces, often at a per-kWh rate. In both cases, the provider usually owns the equipment, handles much of the maintenance, and typically claims the federal tax credit if available.
Solar leasing: how it works and what it really costs
What a solar lease is, how the monthly payment works, who owns the panels, and the honest pros and cons. Savings vary by home, utility, and state.
Read the guide →Solar PPAs: paying for the power, not the panels
A power purchase agreement lets you pay a set rate per kWh for the solar power your roof produces. How PPA rates, escalators, and contracts work — explained plainly.
Read the guide →Solar loans: financing a system you own
A solar loan lets you finance a system you own, so you keep the tax credit and the long-term value. How rates, terms, and dealer fees work.
Read the guide →Lease or buy solar — how to decide
Leasing means low upfront cost and no maintenance worries; buying means more long-term savings and the tax credit. How to weigh the two for your situation.
Read the guide →Is your home a good fit for solar?
Roof age, shade, direction, your utility bill, and credit can all affect whether solar leasing makes sense. A plain-language eligibility walkthrough.
Read the guide →Thinking about going solar?
Compare a lease, a PPA, and a loan first — then get matched, free, with vetted providers near you. You compare and choose who to hire, and you confirm every number before you sign.