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🌟 Updated for 2025 Tax Credits

Solar Loans from 2.99% APR

Compare 2025's best solar financing options. $0 down available, instant approvals, and structure your loan to maximize the 30% federal tax credit.

2.99%
Lowest APR
$0
Down Payment
30%
Tax Credit
25yr
Max Terms
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50,000+
Solar Loans Funded
4.8/5 Average
Lender Rating
🔒
Bank-Level
Security
Same Day
Funding Available

2025's Top Solar Loan Lenders

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.

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LightStream

Best Overall for Good Credit

4.8 (15,420 reviews)
APR Range
3.99% - 16.99%
Get 0.50% off with autopay

Key Terms

Loan Amount:$5,000 - $100,000
Terms:2-20 years
Min. Credit:660+

Key Features

  • No fees whatsoever
  • Same-day funding available
  • Rate Beat Program (0.10% discount)
  • Unsecured loans up to $100k

Pros & Cons

View detailed analysis
Pros
  • Excellent customer service (96% satisfaction)
  • No home equity required
  • Autopay discount available
  • Funds directly to you, not installer
Cons
  • Requires good to excellent credit
  • No prequalification available
  • May require proof of income
Get Your Rate
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Mosaic

Best for Solar-Specific Features

4.6 (8,930 reviews)
APR Range
2.98% - 8.99%
18-month same-as-cash for tax credit

Key Terms

Loan Amount:$5,000 - $100,000
Terms:5-25 years
Min. Credit:640+

Key Features

  • Smart solar loans with embedded insurance
  • PowerSwitch - easy installer switching
  • Dedicated solar expertise
  • EverGreen loan for battery add-ons

Pros & Cons

View detailed analysis
Pros
  • Specialized in solar financing
  • Lower credit requirements
  • 20-year performance guarantee available
  • Works with 2,000+ installers
Cons
  • Dealer fees may apply (15-30%)
  • Requires installer partnership
  • Limited to solar projects only
Get Your Rate
☀️

Sunlight Financial

Best for Zero-Interest Options

4.5 (6,750 reviews)
APR Range
0% - 9.99%
Qualify for 0% APR financing

Key Terms

Loan Amount:$10,000 - $100,000
Terms:10-25 years
Min. Credit:650+

Key Features

  • 0% APR for 12-year terms
  • 0.99% APR for 15-year terms
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Orange Button Data certified

Pros & Cons

View detailed analysis
Pros
  • True zero-interest options available
  • Instant credit decisions
  • Battery storage financing included
  • Fixed rates, never variable
Cons
  • Must use approved installer
  • Dealer fees built into pricing
  • Strict 18-month reamortization
Get Your Rate
🏦

SoFi

Best for Member Benefits

4.7 (12,340 reviews)
APR Range
7.99% - 25.81%
Get up to 0.50% rate discount

Key Terms

Loan Amount:$5,000 - $100,000
Terms:2-7 years
Min. Credit:680+

Key Features

  • 0.25% autopay discount
  • 0.25% direct deposit discount
  • No fees ever
  • Unemployment protection

Pros & Cons

View detailed analysis
Pros
  • Member benefits and career coaching
  • Soft credit check for prequalification
  • Flexible payment dates
  • Excellent mobile app
Cons
  • Higher APRs than solar-specific lenders
  • Shorter maximum terms
  • Requires membership
Get Your Rate

Understanding Solar Loan Financing

How Solar Loans Work

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.

  • Ownership: You own the system and receive all incentives
  • Fixed Payments: Predictable monthly payments that never increase
  • Home Value: Solar ownership increases property value by ~4%

Dealer Fees Explained

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.

Example: $20,000 System

Cash Price:$20,000
Dealer Fee (20%):$4,000
Financed Amount:$24,000

*Always ask for both cash and financed pricing

Solar Loan Calculator

Get accurate solar loan calculations with our comprehensive calculator

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Interactive Solar Loan Calculator

Calculate monthly payments, total interest, ROI, and payback period for your solar installation

Launch Solar Calculator

The calculator includes support for the 30% federal tax credit, various loan terms, and personalized savings estimates.

How to Choose the Right Solar Loan

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1. Check Your Credit

Your credit score determines your rate. Scores above 720 get the best rates (under 4% APR), while 640-719 typically see 5-8% APR.

Pro Tip: Check your credit free at annualcreditreport.com before applying
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2. Compare Total Costs

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.

Pro Tip: Always ask for the "cash price" vs "financed price"
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3. Plan for Tax Credit

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.

Pro Tip: Set aside your tax credit money to avoid reamortization

Alternative Solar Financing Options

Home Equity Loans/HELOC

Use your home equity for potentially lower rates (3-6% APR). Interest may be tax-deductible.

✓ Lower rates✗ Uses home as collateral

PACE Financing

Property-assessed clean energy loans repaid via property taxes. Available in CA, FL, and MO.

✓ No credit check✗ Stays with property

Solar Loan FAQs

What are the best solar loan rates in 2025?

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.

What credit score do I need for a solar loan?

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.

How does the 30% federal solar tax credit work with loans?

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.

What are dealer fees in solar loans?

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.

Should I choose a secured or unsecured solar loan?

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.

Can I get a solar loan with bad credit?

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.

Ready to Go Solar?

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