Some solar installers offer third-party ownership models, including leases and Power Purchase Agreements, that allow you to pay a fixed monthly fee to access solar panels that are installed on your roof but owned and maintained by a solar developer.  If you would like to purchase and own your solar installation, the following financing options can help reduce the upfront cost of an investment in solar.

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Financing

C-PACE is a low-cost, long-term financing option for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects on commercial buildings. C-PACE financing allows commercial buildings to finance building improvements through the placement of a tax assessment on the property. Benefits of C-PACE include:

• No money down
• A lien term up to 30 years that is secured by the real property (if the current owner sells, the lien is transferred with the property)
• No debt on the business’ balance sheet

Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)

These tax credit qualified bonds (which can be issued by local, state, and tribal governments) are for use in funding energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The types of energy projects that fall under this program is broad, ranging from mass transit programs to community outreach programs, to building retrofits. 

USDA REAP Loan Guarantee

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) gives agricultural producers and small businesses grants and loan guarantees for energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy projects, and energy audits. The program also provides renewable energy development assistance.