Home›
Learn›
What Credit Score Do I Need for a Solar Loan?
Solar Financing
What Credit Score Do I Need for a Solar Loan?
Last updated: May 2026 · MySolarLoanCompanion.com/learn/
Most solar lenders require a minimum FICO credit score of 620 to 640. Mosaic and GoodLeap each start at 640; LightStream requires 660; credit unions often approve at 620. Scores of 720+ unlock the lowest available APRs and largest loan amounts.
Credit Score Requirements by Lender
| Lender | Minimum FICO | Max Loan | Best APR Available |
|---|
| Mosaic | 640 | $100,000 | Varies by dealer fee structure |
| GoodLeap | 640 (600 for limited programs) | $100,000 (700+ score) | ~5%–9% effective APR |
| LightStream (Truist) | 660 | $100,000 | 6.49%–24.89% (2026) |
| Sunlight Financial | 640 | $150,000 | Varies by installer |
| Dividend Finance | 640 | $150,000 | Varies by term |
| Credit Unions (avg.) | 620 | $50,000–$100,000 | 5.94%–9.19% APR |
| PACE Financing | None — equity-based | Up to 100% of system | 7%–9.5% APR typical |
Sources: SolarReviews lender database 2026; LightStream rate table May 2026; GoodLeap published loan tiers; NuWatt Energy lender comparison March 2026
Key Details
- 640 is the effective industry floor — Mosaic, GoodLeap, and Sunlight Financial all use 640 as their standard minimum. Below 640, approval rates drop sharply and loan amounts are capped.
- GoodLeap tiers loan size by score — 600–649: up to $45,000. 650–699: up to $50,000. 700+: up to $100,000. These tiers are published and consistent.
- LightStream is the strictest major lender — Minimum 660 with a strong overall credit profile. In exchange: no origination fees, no dealer fees, rates from 6.49% APR — among the lowest available without a dealer fee markup.
- Credit unions offer the best rates at lower scores — Many approve at 620–640 with APRs of 5.94%–9.19%, outperforming national solar lenders by 1–3 percentage points. Eligibility is membership-based.
- PACE financing bypasses credit score entirely — Property Assessed Clean Energy loans use home equity as collateral. Repayment is added to your property tax bill. Available in 38 states. Requires no missed mortgage payments and sufficient equity.
- Moving from 640 to 720 saves $5,000–$8,000 — On a $30,000 solar loan over 15 years, a 3–4 point APR reduction from improved credit eliminates $5,000–$8,000 in total interest.
Ready to compare real solar loan offers in your area? Takes under 2 minutes. No credit check. No obligation.
See My Solar Options →