Commercial Financing Programs
An investment in a commercial solar power system is one of the better investments available for your business today. Commercial systems routinely provide annual rates of return of 15% to 30% over their 1st 25 years of operation. The operating cost reductions, tax benefits, and property value appreciation are virtually unparalleled in comparison to other cost saving investments available to your business.
Questions and Options to Consider
Which is the best method to make our solar investment – cash or finance?
Each method has its own unique benefits. In addition to tailoring a solar system designed to maximize your savings, we also provide you with an analysis of how cash or financing options cash flow over time. Our goal is to assist you and to help identify the best options.
If we do not want to pay cash, what are the options for financing a solar system?
Through our lending network, we offer options with 5 to 20-year purchase plans, and lease-to-own options that can save thousands in ownership costs. In many instances, we can provide you with a cash flow positive result from day one with minimal to zero up-front costs.
Can solar tax incentives be used to help finance a solar system for my business?
Yes, sometimes paying cash for a solar system may not fit your cash flow or investment objectives. Given this, our lender pool offers programs that provide you ways to monetize portions of the tax incentives upfront in return for instant utility savings.
In the table below we’ve outlined the key program points available through our lender network.
Program Type | Cash Purchase | SBA or Conventional Loan | Lease-To-Own | Pre-Paid Lease via Property Tax Assessment (Hybrid PPA) | Loan via Property Tax Assessment |
Advantages | Immediate operating cost reductions, fastest ROI and best IRR, full tax benefits | Reduces initial capital commitment, retains full tax benefits, fixed payments provide ability to predict cash flows | Monetizes tax benefits to provide lease payments typically lower than a loan, keeps liability off balance sheet, payments tax deductible, 7/yr program to solar ownership | Monetizes tax benefits to provide fixed annual lease payments assessed to property tax bill, provides reductions to utility operating costs, keeps liability off balance sheet, payments tax deductible | Eliminates initial capital commitment, retains full tax benefits, fixed annual payments assessed to property tax bill provide ability to predict cash flows, may be transferable to new owner |
Eligibility | Everyone | Some occupancy requirements, credit based | For-Profits only, credit based | Finance up to 20% of the market value of the property, Current on mortgage and taxes, No bankruptcies in the past 7 year, 10% equity in the building | Finance up to 20% of the market value of the property, Current on mortgage and taxes, No bankruptcies in the past 7 year, 10% equity in the building |
Who Owns the System | You | You | Lender/1st 7 Years | System lender/operator | You |
Who Keeps the Tax Incentives | You | You | Lender | System lender/operator | You |
Down Payment | System cost | $0 to little down | 1.50% | $0 down | $0 down |
Monthly Solar Payments | None | To Lender | To Lender | Annual Payments To System lender/operator | Annual Payments To System lender |
Loan/Lease Terms | None | 5 to 10/yr terms | 7/yr | 5 to 20/yr terms | 5 to 20/yr terms |
Payment Increase | None | No | 15% buyout yr/7 | No | No |
Power Cost Increase | No | No | No | No | No |
Workmanship Warranty | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Product Warranty | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
System Service | 1st year included | 1st year included | 1st year included | 1st year included | 1st year included |