Rising electricity costs—and a growing reliance on electric power in the home—are changing how homeowners think about energy. From large HVACs and heat pumps to smart home devices and EVs, today’s homes are using more electricity than ever before.
Installing solar panels can help offset rising energy costs—but the expiration of the residential 30% ITC tax credit is changing the way homeowners think about the investment.
The good news? Solar is more accessible than ever and there are still ways to benefit from the 30%* federal tax credit in 2026.
There are a range of solar panel financing options designed to fit different budgets and goals whether you’re looking for no upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, or the ability to bundle solar with backup power solutions like solar battery storage or a home backup generator, there’s an option that can work for you.
For homeowners looking to balance upfront savings, long-term value, and future flexibility, a prepaid lease can be a compelling middle ground between owning and leasing a system.
Today’s home energy decisions are about more than just saving on utility bills—they’re about building a more resilient, flexible home energy system.
As the grid faces increasing strain from aging infrastructure, severe weather, and rising demand, outages in many areas are becoming more frequent and longer-lasting. That reality is prompting more homeowners to rethink how they power their homes—not just for savings, but for greater control and peace of mind.
Instead of evaluating solar, battery storage, or backup generators in isolation, more homeowners are considering how these technologies work together as part of an integrated home energy system.
And importantly, how you pay for that system plays a key role in what’s possible. Your payment approach can influence:
In other words, financing isn’t just about affordability—it can shape the flexibility, resilience, and long-term value of your home energy system.
Rather than ranking payment options from “best” to “worst,” it’s more helpful to think about your long-term goals and what you value most:
Every home, budget, and energy goal is different. The best payment option is the one that aligns with how you want to use energy in your home—today and in the future.
Have questions? We’ve answered some of the most common ones. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, your local dealer can help with answers specific to your home, or visit our Support Center for more details.
Homeowners typically have several ways to pay for solar panels and related home energy solutions, including: cash purchase, loan, lease, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), and prepaid lease. Each option offers a different combination of upfront cost, monthly payments, ownership, and long-term value.
There’s no single “best” financing option—it depends on what matters most to you. The best option for you will be one that aligns with your financial capabilities and goals, how long you plan to stay in your home, and whether you’re looking to build a more comprehensive home energy system over time.
The main difference comes down to ownership.
With a solar loan, you borrow money to purchase the system and own it from day one. This allows you to benefit directly from energy savings and system ownership over time.
With a solar lease, a third-party provider owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it over a set term. Because a third-party provider owns the system, leased systems are also eligible for the 30% solar tax credit.
Solar financing allows homeowners to install solar panels without paying the full cost upfront. The goal is to make solar more accessible by spreading out costs over time or reducing upfront investment.
Depending on the option you choose, you may:
Some options also allow you to bundle additional components, like battery storage or a backup generator, into a single financing structure.
For many homeowners, solar financing makes going solar more accessible by removing the need for a large upfront investment. That means you can begin capturing savings on your energy bills sooner, with overall value depending on your financing terms, energy usage, local utility rates, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Yes—some financing providers offer packages to finance solar panels and battery storage as part of the same payment plan.
Bundling solar and storage can:
Yes, as the home energy market evolves, more lenders and providers now offer bundled financing options that can include solar, battery storage, and backup generators. This approach allows homeowners to combine savings from solar with reliable backup power, often with low or no upfront cost.
Generac has been a leader in home backup power for decades. With a range of flexible home energy solutions including solar power, battery storage, backup generators, and smart energy management—our products are designed to work together seamlessly, providing homeowners with:
Your local Generac dealer can assess your home’s energy needs and recommend the right home energy solution, and payment plan, for your home.
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