Ways to Pay for Solar
with Solar Solution
Solar Solution offers ways to own your system or go solar with no upfront investment. You can buy your solar system with cash,
apply for a solar loan through one of Solar Solution’s lending partners, or go solar with $0 down through a power purchase agreement (PPA).
Last Updated November 2026 Reviewed by JD Elkurd, Chief Executive Officer
Trusted by 9,000+
homes and businesses
Serving DC and
Maryland since 2008
We’ve installed more
than 40% of DC’s solar
Your Solar Financing Options at a Glance
| Cash purchase | Solar loan | PPA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Deposit at signing, balance after installation | Varies by lender | $0 |
| You own the system | Yes | Yes | No |
| You keep the SRECs | Yes | Yes | No |
| Maryland Solar Access Program grant | Eligible if income-qualified | Eligible if income-qualified | Not eligible |
| Credit check | No | Set by lender | No |
| Repairs | You; backed by a 25-year warranty and our 10-year labor protection plan for warranty replacements | You; backed by a 25-year warranty and our 10-year labor protection plan for warranty replacements | Covered by the system owner |
| Term | None | Varies by lender | 20 years (DC) or 25 years (MD) |
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Buy Your System Outright
When you purchase, you own the system, get all the savings from lower utility costs, and get any additional financial incentives, like solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). You pay a deposit when you sign your contract and the rest after installation. The split is 30/70 or 50/50.
What you get
- Lowest total cost over the system’s life
- Every incentive you qualify for, including SRECs
- A home upgrade that can add value
What to know
- Full price needed upfront
- You handle the system after install, backed by warranties and our 10-year labor plan
Best for: homeowners with savings who want the biggest long-term return.
Buy Your System Outright
When you purchase, you own the system, get all the savings from lower utility costs, and get any additional financial incentives, like solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). You pay a deposit when you sign your contract and the rest after installation. The split is 30/70 or 50/50.
What you get
- Lowest total cost over the system’s life
- Every incentive you qualify for, including SRECs
- A home upgrade that can add value
What to know
- Full price needed upfront
- You handle the system after install, backed by warranties and our 10-year labor plan
Best for: homeowners with savings who want the biggest long-term return.
Finance Your System with a
Solar Loan
A solar loan lets you pay for your system over time while owning it. Solar Solution partners with lenders, but all loan applications, approvals, and financing are handled directly by the lender you choose.
How the Loan Process Works
Your Solar Solution sales rep shares information about lending partners alongside your solar quote.
You apply directly with the lender you choose.
The lender reviews your application, determines eligibility, and provides the loan terms for your review.
If you accept an approved loan, your financing and repayments
are handled directly with the lender. Solar Solution handles your
installation.
What you get
- Ownership and every incentive you qualify for
- Little or no money down
- A repayment schedule you know upfront
What to know
- Lenders will check your credit
- Interest raises lifetime cost
Best for: homeowners who want to own the system and its incentives without a large upfront payment.
Go Solar with $0 Down
Through a PPA
With our PPA program, we install solar on your roof with no upfront investment. You pay only for the electricity your panels produce, at an agreed rate, typically a significant discount from the traditional utility rate. The system owner keeps the SRECs and handles all maintenance and repair costs. More than 2,000 DC customers have gone solar this way.
What you get
- $0 upfront and no credit check
- A rate that’s locked in for the full term
- No maintenance or repair costs
What to know
- No SRECs or incentives
- Payments may rise each year, so see the full schedule
Best for: homeowners who want savings without the upfront cost or repair
responsibility.
How To Get Started
Get your free quote
We design a system for your home and break down its cost and expected output.
Choose your option
Your sales rep helps you compare. If solar isn’t a good fit for your home, we’ll tell you.
Sign and get approved
If you’re financing with a partner loan, you apply directly with your lender. We handle permits and utility approvals.
Install
Most residential installations are completed in a single day.
Go live
Residential installs take 3 to 5 months from start to finish. You can track every step in the Solar Solution app.
Why Homeowners Choose Solar Solution
A local team
We’re locally owned and operated, and most of our team is in-house and based in the DC area.
Fast service
Our average maintenance response time is under 48 hours for systems we own or service.
Here for the long haul
Going solar is a long commitment, and we’ve focused on building a stable, enduring business since 2008.
Transparent pricing
We break down every number before you sign, with no pressure.
See what customers say in our 500+ Google reviews.
