Solar Financing & Leasing in Southern California
Thanks to advancements in technology and manufacturing as well as a rapidly expanding market and a wealth of incentives from governments (both local and federal), solar costs have dropped tremendously. Today, clean and carbon-free solar energy is more affordable than ever. And thanks to a number of financing and leasing agreements, it’s easier than ever to switch your home to solar on your terms and at a price that maximizes your savings without breaking the bank.
California Solar Incentives in 2023
The state of California offers rebates and property tax incentives to qualifying homeowners who install solar panels. Since these incentives may not be available in every area and may be conditional upon household income, speak with our team today to see which options may be available to you.
As of 2023, statewide California solar incentives include:
- Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion, which defers the increase in property taxes after installing your solar energy system until the end of the 2024 fiscal year.
- Self-Generation Incentive Program, which offers rebates for installing energy storage technology at both residential and non-residential facilities. Further rebates of $850-$1,000 per kWh may apply to those who meet additional criteria, such as living in a high fire risk area or in a low-income household.
- DAC-SASH Program, which provides $8.5 million in incentives annually to help homeowners in disadvantaged communities switch to solar power.
In addition to statewide solar incentives in California, the federal government also offers enticing incentives to make it more affordable to go solar. Currently, the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) stands at 30% in 2023. This rate won't last forever, so act soon and consult with Sun Energy today!
Contact Sun Energy today to learn more about solar purchase and lease agreements.
“Sun Energy held up to its promise and far exceeded our expectations! My husband and I highly recommend Sun Energy for their Solar Panels.” - Amanda A.
Solar Purchase Agreements & Financing
Purchase agreements are a standard way to purchase a solar energy system through an upfront loan repaid by a series of installments. Financing terms can vary from project to project, including interest rates, loan lengths, special financing, and more.
These types of agreements are contracts for the purchase of a complete solar energy system, as well as any installation costs and other expenses included in the overall price of the system. Once your loan has matured, you will have full ownership over the system and be able to utilize it for as long as you please. However, this generally is a much greater expense than most leasing options would be. For those who are looking for a low- to no-cost way of installing solar, a purchase agreement may not be ideal option.
Solar Leasing Agreements
Leasing agreements are a popular way of switching your home over to solar without completely buying a solar energy system outright (and the huge cost that can come with that type of commitment). Instead, a solar lease agreement allows a solar constructor to place panels on your home, often for little to no upfront cost to you. In exchange for doing so, you agree to purchase the power that those panels create at a rate that is typically below average market rates for power in your area.
The major benefit to this type of an agreement is that, in many cases, you can switch your home to solar for zero upfront cost. Once you sign the contract, your solar company will schedule your installation and your project will be completed quickly, so long as there are no delays with permitting or HOA approvals. The other benefit is that this can dramatically reduce your energy expenditures for the majority or even all of the power your property uses. Because the power these panels produce is sold directly to you at a rate below the current market in your area, you’ll pay less than you were for the energy you were using before switching.
However, it’s important to note that lease agreements are not fixed rate agreements, and that means your energy prices can fluctuate. As energy costs increase, the price on your power can go up. Likewise, there are typically extra costs associated with terminating one of these lease agreements early—something you may need to consider should you ever plan on moving and you can’t find buyers willing to inherit the lease from you.
For information about our purchase or lease agreement options, contact us today!
Our FAQs LEARN MORE
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What is the cost of solar panel maintenance?Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. You will have warranties for all of your equipment if something isn't working correctly.
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Do I need to replace my roof before going solar?If your roof needs maintenance in the near term, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation. We will be able to tell you whether or not to replace your roof before going solar.
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What are the financial benefits of solar energy?When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.