Compare 2025's best solar financing options. $0 down available, instant approvals, and structure your loan to maximize the 30% federal tax credit.
We've analyzed 20+ lenders to bring you the best rates and terms for solar financing. All lenders below are vetted for reliability and customer satisfaction.
Best Overall for Good Credit
Best for Solar-Specific Features
Best for Zero-Interest Options
Best for Member Benefits
Solar loans allow you to own your system immediately while spreading the cost over 5-25 years. Most loans are structured to accommodate the 30% federal tax credit, letting you make a large payment within 18 months without penalties.
Many "low-rate" solar loans include dealer fees of 15-30% built into the principal. Always compare the cash price vs. financed price to understand the true cost.
*Always ask for both cash and financed pricing
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Your credit score determines your rate. Scores above 720 get the best rates (under 4% APR), while 640-719 typically see 5-8% APR.
Look beyond APR. Factor in dealer fees, origination fees, and prepayment penalties. A 3% loan with 20% dealer fee costs more than a 6% loan without fees.
Structure your loan to handle the 30% tax credit. Many loans offer 18-month "same-as-cash" periods to pay down principal with your tax refund.
Use your home equity for potentially lower rates (3-6% APR). Interest may be tax-deductible.
Property-assessed clean energy loans repaid via property taxes. Available in CA, FL, and MO.
The best solar loan rates in 2025 range from 2.99% to 5.99% APR for qualified borrowers. LightStream offers rates from 3.99% to 16.99%, Mosaic starts at 2.98% APR, and Sunlight Financial offers zero-interest options for 12-year terms. Your actual rate depends on credit score, loan term, and whether dealer fees are included.
Credit score requirements vary by lender: LightStream requires 660+, Mosaic accepts scores as low as 640, and Sunlight Financial requires 650+. LendingClub has the lowest requirement, accepting some borrowers with scores below 600. The best rates (under 4% APR) typically require scores above 720.
The federal solar tax credit allows you to claim 30% of your solar system cost as a tax credit through 2032. Many solar loans are structured to let you pay down 30% of the loan within 18 months using your tax credit refund. Some lenders now offer 'same-as-cash' periods to accommodate this without penalties.
Dealer fees are charges added by solar installers to cover the cost of offering low-interest financing, typically ranging from 15% to 30% of the system cost. These fees are built into your loan principal, so a $20,000 system might actually cost $24,000-$26,000 with financing. Always ask for cash vs. financed pricing to understand the true cost.
Most solar-specific loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is required but rates may be higher (4-8% APR). Secured options like home equity loans or HELOCs offer lower rates (3-6% APR) but put your home at risk. Unsecured loans are faster to process and don't require home equity, making them popular for solar financing.
Yes, several lenders offer solar loans for fair or bad credit. LendingClub accepts lower credit scores, some credit unions offer secured solar loans regardless of credit, and PACE financing (available in CA, FL, MO) doesn't require credit checks but is repaid through property taxes. Expect higher rates (10-20% APR) with poor credit.
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