Solar Financing Education Center
Know Your Solar Financing Options
Traditional loans. No-dealer-fee loans. Leases. Three very different paths — with very different financial outcomes. Solar Artisans believes every Georgia homeowner deserves to understand the real differences before signing anything. This is your guide.
Our Philosophy
Informed Homeowners Make Better Decisions
The solar industry has a transparency problem. Low advertised interest rates often hide large dealer fees that inflate your loan balance by 10 to 30%. Zero down lease options sound appealing until you realize you will never own the system or claim the federal tax credit.
Solar Artisans is different. During every free 360 Assessment, we sit down with you, run the real numbers, and show you a side-by-side comparison of every financing path available to you. No surprises. No pressure. Just clarity.
Education First
We explain every option before you commit to anything.
Full Transparency
No hidden fees, no fine print surprises.
Real Savings
We compare total cost of ownership — not just monthly payments.
Your Advisor
A dedicated energy advisor guides you the entire way.
The Three Paths
Understanding Your Solar Financing Options
Every option has a right homeowner. Here is what you need to know about each before making a decision.
Traditional Solar Financing
The Gold Standard — Own Your System Outright
Traditional solar loans are the most straightforward path to ownership. You borrow money from a bank or specialized solar lender, install the system, and pay back the loan monthly — just like a home improvement loan.
Because you OWN the system outright, you capture the full financial benefit of every kilowatt-hour your panels produce. Your investment builds real equity and adds measurable value to your property.
Once the loan is paid off, your electricity is essentially free. Typical return on investment periods in Georgia range from 6 to 10 years, with loan payback terms of 25 to 30 years and systems lasting just as long. The math is compelling.
Best for: Homeowners who qualify for strong credit rates and want maximum long-term savings.
Advantages
You own the system — full equity and asset value
Monthly payment often less than your current electric bill
Fixed payments — no utility rate increase surprises
Increases home resale value by an average of 4%
Competitive APRs for qualified borrowers
Full ownership from day one — no landlord, no lease transfer
Considerations
Requires credit qualification
Dealer fees may be built into some loan products
You are responsible for system maintenance (covered by our 3-yr plan)
No Banker / Low Banker Fee Loans
Maximum Savings — No Hidden Dealer Costs
Here is a secret the solar industry does not always advertise: many low interest rate solar loans come with a hidden dealer fee — sometimes 10 to 30% of the system cost — that gets quietly rolled into your loan balance. You end up paying more than you think.
Solar Artisans offers No Banker Fee or Low Banker Fee loan options where the rate you see is the rate you get. These products typically carry a slightly higher APR than dealer-fee loans, but your total loan amount is lower — meaning your out-of-pocket cost over the life of the loan can be significantly less.
We walk every customer through a side-by-side comparison of dealer-fee vs. no-fee loans during the 360 Assessment, so you can make a fully informed decision with real numbers.
Best for: Homeowners who want the lowest total cost over the life of the loan.
Advantages
Lower total loan balance — no hidden dealer markup
Transparent pricing — what you see is what you owe
Full system ownership with no hidden markup
Own the system with full equity
Great for financially savvy buyers who run the numbers
Shorter payback period due to lower total cost
Considerations
Slightly higher APR than dealer-fee loan products
Less common — not every lender offers this structure
Solar Lease Options
Go Solar with Zero Upfront Cost or Ownership Complexity
A solar lease lets you use the solar energy generated by a system installed on your home — without owning it. You pay a fixed monthly lease payment to the provider in exchange for using the power the panels produce.
Because you do not own the system, you do not claim the federal tax credit — the leasing company does. However, leases are ideal for homeowners who have little or no federal tax liability (retirees, fixed-income households) and simply want to lower their electric bill without the complexity of ownership.
Solar Artisans will be transparent: for most homeowners who can qualify for a loan, buying is financially superior long-term. But leases serve an important role, and we will help you understand exactly which path makes sense for your specific financial picture.
Best for: Homeowners on fixed income, low tax liability, or those who prefer predictable monthly costs.
Advantages
$0 down — start saving immediately
No ownership responsibility or maintenance worry
Predictable fixed monthly payments
Great for those with low or no federal tax liability
Works well for HOA-restricted communities
Immediate savings on monthly electric bills
Considerations
You do NOT own the system — no equity
You do not own the system — no tax or equity benefits
Long-term savings are less than ownership
Can complicate home sale (lease must transfer to buyer)
At a Glance
Compare All Three Options
| Feature | Traditional Loan | No Dealer Fee Loan | Lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Hidden Dealer Fees | ⚠️ Possible | ✅ None | N/A |
| Monthly Payment | Fixed loan payment | Fixed loan payment | Fixed lease payment |
| Long-Term Savings | 💰💰💰 Best | 💰💰💰 Best | 💰💰 Good |
| Credit Required | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 🟡 Varies |
| Home Value Increase | ✅ ~4% avg | ✅ ~4% avg | ⚠️ May complicate sale |
| Best For | Strong credit, max return | Cost-conscious buyers | Fixed income, low tax liability |
Not sure which is right for you? Our free 360 Assessment includes a personalized financing comparison based on your actual utility bills, credit profile, and energy goals. No pressure — just clarity.
Our Lending Partners
Trusted Lenders for Georgia Homeowners
Partner Lender 01
Acorn Finance
Acorn Finance connects you to a network of multiple lenders with a single soft-pull application — giving you the best rate you qualify for without damaging your credit score. An excellent option for credit-challenged homeowners or anyone who wants to compare offers side-by-side.
Works for: Traditional loans, unsecured home improvement loans, and credit-rebuilding scenarios.
What Acorn Finance Offers
Loan amounts: $500 to $100,000
Terms: 2, 5, 7, and 12 years
APR starting as low as 6.99%
Instant pre-approval — soft credit pull only
No hidden fees — fully transparent terms
No home equity or appraisal required
Unsecured — no collateral needed
Funds deposited in 1 to 2 business days
What HFS Financial Offers
Loan amounts: $1,000 to $500,000
Terms: 5, 10, and 15 years
Competitive APR — no hidden fees
Instant pre-approval — soft credit pull only
Ideal for larger whole-home energy projects
No equity or appraisal required
Unsecured loans — no collateral needed
Funds in as little as 1 to 2 business days
Especially Great For:
Windows and doors efficiency upgrades
HVAC system replacements
Roofing and insulation improvements
Partner Lender 02
HFS Financial
HFS Financial specializes in home improvement loans with longer terms and higher loan amounts — making large-scale projects genuinely affordable. Up to 15-year terms mean significantly lower monthly payments on bigger whole-home energy projects.
Works for: Solar and battery bundles, whole-home efficiency upgrades, larger projects needing lower monthly payments.
Financing FAQ