California solar financing
Three ways to finance solar.
TPO is the option we most often recommend: zero down, a monthly payment below their utility bill, and the federal credit taken by the lessor and passed through in the rate. Loans and cash purchases still fit some homeowners.
How the three compare.
Same proposal, three financing paths. We quote whichever you ask for and tell you which one fits.
TPO Lease
Zero down. Lower monthly payment than your current bill. The 30% federal credit goes to the lessor and is built into your rate, so you get it without filing for it.
Best for
Most California homeowners
- $0 down, $0 deposit
- 20–25 year term, fully transferable
- All maintenance + monitoring included
- Cancel inside 30 days
Avg bill $295 → CaliVolt TPO $189/mo → Save $1,272 yr 1
Example only. Your figures depend on system size, usage, and tax situation.
30% credit captured for you under Section 48E through 2032.
Solar Loan
You own the system day one. Finance like a car. Lower lifetime cost than a lease if you can use the tax credit.
Best for
Owners with taxable income who want to maximize lifetime savings
- $0–10% down options
- 10–25 year terms
- Fixed rates
- Eligible for the 30% credit if you owe federal taxes
Avg bill $295 → CaliVolt loan $215/mo (year 1) → Owns system
Example only. Your figures depend on system size, usage, and tax situation.
You claim the 30% credit on your tax return (Section 48E).
Cash
Lowest total cost. Best long-term ROI. Highest upfront.
Best for
Homeowners with the cash on hand and a 5+ year horizon
- Lowest lifetime cost
- Fastest payback period (5–8 years)
- No financing paperwork
- Maximize the federal credit yourself
$28,500 system → ~$8,500 federal credit → ~5 yr payback
Example only. Your figures depend on system size, usage, and tax situation.
You claim the 30% Section 48E credit directly.
Why TPO is now the recommendation.
Before Dec 2025, cash and loan customers received the 30% residential credit (Section 25D). That window closed under OBBBA. The same 30% credit lives on for TPO leases and PPAs under Section 48E. The lessor takes it and passes it through your monthly rate.
For most California homeowners, TPO now produces a lower monthly payment than a loan or cash purchase did six months ago, with zero upfront. We'll quote both and let you compare.