California Solar Financing
Take Control of Your Energy Future When You Finance Solar in California
So you’re thinking of going solar in California. It’s no surprise that blackouts in the face of extreme weather are a growing reality.1 Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) from PG&E, SCE and SDG&E offer imperfect solutions to unpredictable wildfires.2 In addition, electric bills continue to rise to pay for an aging grid.3 The list goes on, but one thing is clear: solar power and battery storage just makes sense for Californians like you.
Thanks to its abundant sunshine and state policies promoting clean energy, California leads the U.S. in the number of solar installations4—and it’s just getting started. More and more households are including batteries with their solar panels, storing up backup power for when the electric grid is down.5
Paying for solar panels and batteries can make sense for you, too. Solar leasing and financing options in California help households reap the benefits of solar and backup power without the high upfront cost. Whether you opt for the flexibility of a solar lease/power purchase agreement (PPA) or full ownership with a solar purchase or a solar loan, we have various financing options to help you go solar. Get your free quote today.
Solar Leasing/PPA for as Little as $0 Down
We want households across the country to have access to energy security and independence. Solar installations cost between $16,200 to $21,400 on average6 and at least $150 per year to maintain.7 That’s why Sunrun pioneered residential solar financing to give households the chance to go solar without the high system cost. With a solar lease/PPA, you pay as little as $0 up front and $0 for maintenance.
What is a solar lease and PPA?
Solar leasing and PPAs are the most popular options for households. A third-party solar financing company like Sunrun buys and takes care of the solar panels and battery. You simply lock in a low monthly rate for your electricity or equipment while skipping the upfront cost and maintenance.
What’s the difference between a solar lease and PPA?
You’ll likely have seen the terms “solar lease” and “PPA” used interchangeably, and that’s because their functions and benefits are similar.8 The main difference between the two is what you’re paying for—a solar lease allows you to rent the solar system itself for a fixed monthly rate, while a solar PPA involves purchasing the solar power the solar system produces at a set per kilowatt hour price. This price is usually less than your local utility rate.9
Ultimately, the benefits to both solar leases and PPAs are the same—you’ll have the option to enjoy clean solar power at low rates without paying for and maintaining a solar system. See our Sunrun Guarantee.
Solar Leasing/PPA Options
At Sunrun, we offer two solar leasing/PPA plans:
BrightSave Monthly: For as little as $0 down, you can lock in low rates for 25 years with one simple monthly payment.
BrightSave Prepaid: To secure the best value, BrightSave Prepaid allows you to pay your full lease amount upfront.
What happens if I move?
We know life happens. That’s why we have a service transfer team standing by to make sure your contract is seamlessly passed on from you to the new homeowners. Learn more.
Own a System with a Solar Loan
We also offer options to buy your system outright or with a solar panel and storage loan in California. While owning a solar system means solar incentives like state and federal tax credits, property tax exemptions and local rebates will go directly to you, we highly recommend reviewing the full cost of solar.
BrightAdvantage: Finance a solar system and battery for as little as $0 down with a competitive solar loan rate from one of our trusted partners.
BrightBuy: Get full control of your system and enjoy best-in-class panels and battery backed by industry-leading warranties.
Will solar energy increase my home’s value?
A solar system is more than just clean, renewable energy. It may also boost the value of your home. Solar systems have been shown to increase a home’s value by 4.1% on average.10 That’s an extra $20,500 added to a $500,000 home.
Should I lease or finance in California?
Solar leasing or solar financing in California will depend on every individual household. But one thing is clear—with the West Coast facing extreme weather events, prolonged preemptive power outages, possibly for the next 10 years11 and high electricity rates, households need a renewable, reliable and affordable solution. All signs point to solar and batteries.
Talk to one of our experienced solar advisors to find the plan that best meets your financial and energy needs. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Get connected with a Sunrun solar advisor today.
Choose And Control Your Home Energy. See if you qualify for solar
Sources
1. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-23/california-braces-fo...
2. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/10/24/us/24reuters-california-wildf...
3. https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/PG-E-wants-to-gradually-add...
4. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-22/california-prepares-f...
5. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/after-pg-e-blackouts-california-homeowners-...
6. https://www.solar-estimate.org/news/how-has-the-price-and-efficiency-of-...
7. https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/cleaning-services/solar-panel-maintenance/
8. https://www.energysage.com/solar/financing/solar-leases-and-solar-ppas/
9. https://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-power-purchase-agreements
10. http://money.com/money/5642057/home-value-solar-panels/
11. https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster...