Power is something that you should never lose in a home. It’s not some abstract concept of control but rather the kind that keeps the lights on. After all, energy is necessary to maintain the quality of life, and electricity can achieve this. However, more and more alternative energy sources have appeared in recent years, and a perfect example of this is solar energy.
There is only one way to harness solar energy in a home, and it’s through solar panels. However, they can be quite an investment because they don’t come cheap. The good news is that financing options are always available, such as zero down solar. Not many people are aware of this fact, so we’ll discuss its details in this article. Read on below to get started.
How Zero Down Solar Works
In the simplest terms, a zero-down solar system is financed through a home equity line of credit or a home equity loan. The lender will then lend a certain amount of money to the homeowner, and this amount will go towards the purchase of a brand new solar panel system. Since solar panel systems generally last up to 20 to 30 years, this is a relatively cheaper option. Furthermore, you can also start receiving estimates and help with the financing process right away.
Additionally, zero-down solar financing also has the potential to help you save money. For example, if you were to say that you have solar panels installed on your house, your utility bill will be reduced to a great degree. This is a result of the ‘net metering program, which measures the amount of energy you get from solar panels and the energy you get from the utility company. In short, your usage will be offset, and you will save money.
The Benefits of Zero Down Solar Financing
If you decide to go with zero down solar financing, you’ll reap the following benefits:
- There are zero upfront costs, which means you can save thousands of dollars in the long run. No cash will be necessary to complete the purchase, and you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy almost right away.
- Solar panel systems have third-party ownership, such as being under leases and PPAs. Since you don’t own the system, your provider will take care of any maintenance and repair work.
The Drawbacks of Zero Down Solar Financing
While there are valuable benefits with zero down solar financing, there are also significant drawbacks. These include:
- You don’t become eligible for the federal tax credit if your solar panel system is under a lease or PPA. You’ll be paying the total price for it instead.
- Interest rates and lease fees will make your system more expensive in the long run. As such, you’ll permanently save more with a cash purchase.
Is Zero Down Solar Financing for You?
If you’re interested in zero down solar financing, you should first determine if you can afford it. As mentioned earlier, solar panels are costly and will cost you significant money. Since you’ll be paying for it for a long time, you should ask yourself if you can afford to buy a solar panel system at this time.
At the same time, you should also consider whether your home is a good fit for solar energy. If your home has a large roof that can take the weight of solar panels, then it’s a good candidate for solar energy. At the very least, you should have a solar energy expert review your home and see if it’s suitable for solar panels.
Lastly, you should also consider whether you have enough equity, or not, in your home. If you do, you should be good to go with zero down solar financing. However, if you don’t, you’ll have to consider the alternative.
Conclusion
Zero down solar financing has become a popular option in recent years, and it’s because people are starting to realize the importance of solar energy. If you’re already a solar energy believer, then zero down solar financing might be the best option. You can have your solar energy system without needing to shell out any cash, and you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy almost immediately.
If you’re looking for solar contractors in Florida, West Bay Energy has got your back! Our solar technicians will ensure that you get quality solar panels to give your home an alternative energy source, all for an affordable price. Reach out today at 727-758-2358 or via info@westbayenergy.com to learn more!
