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Can I Get Solar Panels With No Money Down?
Solar Financing
Can I Get Solar Panels With No Money Down?
Last updated: May 2026 · MySolarLoanCompanion.com/learn/
Yes. Most solar loans require $0 down — the full system cost is financed. Leases and PPAs are $0 down by design. PACE financing requires no down payment and no credit score. The $0-down loan option typically results in higher total interest paid than a cash purchase, and often includes dealer fees that inflate the loan balance before interest is charged.
$0 Down Solar Options Compared
| Option | Down Payment | Own the System? | Monthly Payment (7kW typical) | Credit Required |
|---|
| Solar Loan (standard) | $0 | Yes — after payoff | $150–$350 | 640+ FICO |
| Lease | $0 | No | $80–$180 fixed | 640+ FICO typical |
| PPA | $0 | No | Per-kWh rate; varies monthly | 640+ FICO typical |
| PACE Loan | $0 | Yes — after payoff | Added to property tax bill | None — equity-based |
| Prepaid Lease | ~30% upfront | No — until contract end | $0 monthly after prepay | 640+ FICO typical |
Sources: SolarReviews lender database 2026; NuWatt Energy financing comparison 2026; Jamar Power PACE guide 2026; Boston Solar financing guide 2026
Key Details
- All major solar lenders offer $0 down — Mosaic, GoodLeap, Sunlight Financial, Dividend Finance, and LightStream all offer $0 down financing. No upfront payment is required at loan origination. First payment is due 30–60 days after installation, depending on the lender.
- Leases and PPAs are inherently $0 down — The third-party owner funds 100% of the system cost. In 2026, lease and PPA providers pass through the commercial Section 48E credit, reducing your effective rate below what a loan buyer achieves in states without strong state-level incentives.
- PACE is the only $0 down option with no credit score requirement — Property Assessed Clean Energy loans use home equity as collateral. Available in 38 states. Repayment is added to your property tax bill and stays with the property if you sell. Approval requires no missed mortgage payments and sufficient equity. APRs typically range 7%–9.5%.
- $0 down increases total cost vs. cash purchase — On a $30,000 solar loan at 8% APR over 15 years, total interest paid is ~$20,000, making total cost ~$50,000 vs. $30,000 for cash. The $0 down option makes financial sense when you compare it to the alternative: continuing to pay your utility bill for 25 years with nothing to show for it.
- Dealer fee inflation applies specifically to $0 down solar loans — Solar-specific $0 down loans (Mosaic, GoodLeap, Sunlight) typically include dealer fees of 15%–30% built into the loan balance. A $26,000 system with a 22% dealer fee becomes a $31,720 loan before interest. Always ask your installer explicitly: what is the cash price for this system?
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