12 Best Credit Union Solar Loans

A credit union solar loan is a form of financing that you get to help purchase and install solar equipment. Most credit unions have special rates for a solar power loan that is lower than other types of loans, such as personal loans.

These loans are also about promoting social and environmental sustainability. So, on closer inspection, you will realize that the interest rates are lower than the average market prices. If you are interested in green loans for solar panels, the energy loan network is a good resource.

Instead of getting a personal loan for solar installation, make sure that you apply for a solar loan with your credit union!

Finding the Best Credit Union Solar Loan

When looking for a credit union solar loan, make sure that you look at the interest rates. You can use our credit calculator to determine how much you are going to pay and see if the project is worth it. It is also advisable to look for other incentives offered by your credit union.

Your credit score might be an important factor when applying for a loan depending on the credit union that you are using. Therefore, improving that credit score first is crucial. It might have a big impact on your credit approval.

12 Best Credit Union Solar Loans

Here are some of the top credit unions to help you acquire a loan for your solar upgrades.

1. Eagle Community Credit Union

Eagle Community Credit Union was founded in 1937 and currently has 6 locations in orange county, California. The solar loan credit union is known for low-interest rates, personalized service, and a long-standing reputation. Apart from offering solar panel loans, they offer full energy upgrades for homeowners.

If you want solar financing, or you simply want to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency, consider getting their energy loan. The loan will cover the funding of solar roofs, panels, and any other equipment you might need when switching to solar energy.

The loan has flexible terms with repayment of 3 to 15 years. They will finance all the solar and energy equipment one loan at a time.

The only downside is that currently, they are only serving residents of Orange County in California. Therefore, it might not be helpful to other states in the United States, save for research.

2. Alternatives Federal Credit Union

If you are looking for solar energy efficiency, Alternatives Federal Credit Union is a good option. They use your home equity as collateral to give you a loan to make your home energy efficient. The union believes that helping the environment means helping yourself. Consequently, they are committed to assisting homeowners in switching to green energy.

They give homeowners loans of up to $25,000 with a repayment of 15 years to finance their energy efficiency projects. But, before getting a loan, you need to get a receipt or invoice for the job. 

Additionally, they have special rates for solar and other energy efficiency projects, pretty lower than the market price for other loans. Therefore, if you are looking for affordable financing, this is where to find it!

Alternatives Federal Credit Union covers solar installation, insulation, window replacement, and heating and cooling upgrades.

See Related: Best Ethical Credit Cards

3. Educational Employees Credit Union

Educational Employees Credit Union is the best loan option for educational employees in Califonia counties. This credit union will finance all your solar panels, smart products, and energy efficiency equipment.

With Educational Employees Credit Union, you can borrow as little as $100 or as high as $40,000. And the good news is that you do not need to have home equity as collateral for the loan approval.

When buying solar or home energy efficiency equipment, you need to ensure that they meet EECU Energy Efficiency –Standards. The credit union covers a variety of products and services. Some of the products covered include; swimming pool covers, high-efficiency toilets, deck installation, solar installation, and energy star appliances.

These loans are known for their low-interest rates. And you do not need to pay any application fees, making them quite attractive.

Unfortunately, this solar credit union is also only limited to Califonia residents. It currently serves close to 200,000 people in 10 California counties.

4. First New York Federal Credit Union

First New York Federal Credit Union was initially started as a teachers union. And they have been in the business for around 80 years.

Over time, they started financing solar projects to help people reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. However, you must be a member to get this type of loan.

They are committed to helping their members reduce their negative effects on the environment by financing their clean energy projects. So, if you want to adopt renewable energy in your home, they will undoubtedly help you make the switch.

First New York Federal Credit Union stands out from the rest by offering low-interest rates, zero down payments, and no application fee. Also, they do not charge any penalties when you make late payments. And to crown it all, they have a flexible loan repayment, starting from 5 to 20 years.

See Related: Solar PACE Program: Is it a Legit Financing Source?

5. Franklin First Federal Credit Union

Franklin First Federal Credit Union has a “Mass Save” loan product that offers members 0% home energy financing. You can use the loan to finance insulation of the basement, attic, walls, and basement.

The loan is also ideal for modern high-efficiency appliances such as hot water systems, thermostats, and energy-efficient windows. But before you get that credit approval, you will get a free energy assessment to determine your home needs. And the loan can be as low as $3000 or as high as $60,000 with a repayment period of 15 years.

Franklin First Federal Credit Union has one of the simplest financing processes. The first step is to get a quote from the solar installer. After the quote, you get the contract and complete the loan application process.

However, to get the loan, you must be a Massachusetts resident, and your system must be connected to the distribution grid. They also do not allow third-party leasing or purchasing of solar systems.

6. Green Sky Credit

Green Sky Credit is known for facilitating home improvement projects for up to $65,000. This includes solar energy financing. It is currently available in all 50 states, so you can get a loan no matter where you live in the country!

The most attractive aspect of this lender is that it doesn’t require a minimum credit score. But, if you have a credit score of above 650, then the approval process is easy.

If you want to get a solar loan with Green Sky, you need to work with one of the merchant partners. The first step is to visit one of the merchants and spot the solar product you are interested in.

Once you spot the item, they will apply for the Green Sky solar loan. After the application is approved, you will get a shopping pass to get the product you want.

This is one of the top credit unions for solar improvement loans on our list – check them out!

See Related: How Solar Leases Work: Everything You Need to Know

7. Naveo Credit Union

Naveo Credit Union was founded 88 years ago to help the residents of Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts. Since it is a not-for-profit credit union, its mission is to build its neighborhoods. And as such, it created a loan product to help members of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to purchase solar panel systems for their homes.

However, one has to be a member of the union to access these loans. From here, all you need is to open a savings account with only $5, and you can apply.

The union boasts competitive loan products with as low as 4.5% to 6.0% interest rates. Their repayment period is from 3 to 20 years, depending on your credit score and other factors. This makes it one of the lenders with the longest repayment periods.

When applying for the loan, the first step is to submit your application with the project’s technical information. The loan is disbursed in two phases.

In the first phase, you are given 35% of the money. Once the system is installed and operational, you can get the rest. It is advisable to complete the project in 12 months.

See Related: How to Finance Solar Panels: Loans & Other Options

8. Provident Credit Union

Provident Credit Union is only available to residents of California. That said, they are a solid choice.

As part of the application process, you will also be required to pay a processing fee of $150. The loan amount and interest rate you pay will depend on your credit score.

The Credit Union offers fixed-rate credit loans to help homeowners with the purchase and installation of solar equipment. The best thing is that you can get a loan of up to $50,000, payable in 20 years. Their loan interest is also low, and you can pay from 5.75% APR.

Getting a loan with Provident Credit Union is one of the best ways to enjoy federal tax credits. As they say, the goal of their loans is to help you save money in the long run.

See related: Tips for Buying a House with Solar Panels

9. Redwood Credit Union

Redwood Credit Union is committed to helping you switch to eco-friendly living on a budget. It is currently serving 200,000 members in the Bay Area alone. Unlike other credit unions, they offer fixed-rate loans at 5.99% – you need never worry about loans increasing without notice!

With solar loans from RCU, you do not have to incur hidden charges such as annual fees. Their loan periods are also relatively long, ranging from 60 months to 240 months, depending on your budget.

Applying for a loan is very simple and starts with the loan application. After the loan application, you wait to be approved, and later, you receive funds in your account to start the project.

10. Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union

Puget Sound started as a credit union for Power & Light Employees. Over the years, it has grown to be a respected not-for-profit financial institution. They have committed to causes involving sustainability, job security, and financial security.

Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union have an energy-smart loan meant for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint. With this loan, you not only get solar financing but also get energy efficiency financing.

Some of the loans can be as high as $50,000, meaning that you can accomplish quite much. Currently, the loan program has served 2,300 Washington state residents.

This credit union helps with financing all the loan equipment, such as loading panels, inverters, and storage products. It also covers the upfront costs required for the projects.

See Related: Best Solar Hybrid Systems

11. Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union

Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union has two solar loan programs based on your needs. The first one is The Mass Solar Loan program, which is the most common product and is available to all homeowners no matter the income level. This program offers low-interest rates of only 3%.

The second one is the Income-Based Loan Support, available to households with a combined income below $80,241. Here, they calculate the interest rate and eligibility depending on your income.

To be eligible for the loan, you must first be a Massachusetts resident. Also, you must agree to be connected to the electricity distribution grid. A residential energy audit must be conducted before getting approved, or you must have done it once in the last five years.

The loans by Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union have a standard 10-year repayment period. When applying for the loan, you are eligible for other incentives depending on factors like your credit score or income bracket.

12. ezSolarLoan by Community 1st Credit Union

ezSolarLoan by Community 1st Credit Union has an online lending platform where homeowners can get home improvement loans. They have been financing homes with solar energy loans since 2012, and have amassed a vast experience since.

The credit union boasts some of the most competitive interest rates. And they also do not have any dealer fees or origination fees, which makes their rates quite affordable.

The nonprofit credit union offers loans nationwide, so you can access loan products no matter your location. Their main aim is to keep the transaction as minimal as possible while offering reasonable terms and conditions.

Since homeowners and installers can access these loans, you can easily get the right type of loan for your needs.

See Related: Best Energy Credit Software Programs

Are Credit Union Solar Loans Worth It?

Credit union solar loans are the best for homeowners who want to get a green energy loan. These loans come at a competitive rate, and they also have a longer loan payment period.

The best thing is that you can use your home equity to finance the loan without worrying about your credit score. Switching to green energy might look like a big financial commitment initially, but you will end up saving a lot of money in the long run.

Related Resources

• Solar Loan Calculator: Determine the Cost of Financing
• How to Store Solar Energy for Later Use
• Solar Leasing vs PPA: What’s Better?

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