Free Solar Panels - The Complete Guide
Going solar comes with a hefty price tag for most American households, averaging $15,000 to $20,000 before incentives. So it's not surprising that when we see ads promising “free solar panels,” they catch our eye.
But could these popular offers truly bring residential solar within reach, costing little to nothing? Or is free solar too good to be true? As you'll discover, the reality lies somewhere in the middle.
In this straightforward guide, we unravel everything homeowners should know. While some providers make installations totally free under certain conditions, eligibility factors, fine print, and future responsibilities should not be overlooked before signing.
We will examine in-depth solar leases, power purchase agreements, and the role of solar companies and government incentives in making solar energy accessible to a broader audience. We'll also walk you through the must-ask questions to avoid surprises. Let's get started.
Let us help you get the best deal on solar panels
Make the switch and save up to 40% on energy with solar!
Please enter a zip code
Get Started
Understanding What "Free" Solar Really Means
When advertisements boast of free solar panels, it pays to question exactly what's behind this enticing offer. More often than not, the phrase ties to financing models like solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs) - arrangements where the cost of solar panels is seemingly non-existent at the outset.
But we can't take "free" at face value. These aren't outright giveaways. The reality behind these deals is more complex. Opting to get free solar panels typically involves entering into a long-term financial commitment with a solar provider. This makes once-prohibitively expensive solar systems more attainable but also has implications regarding ownership and financial benefits like solar incentives.
It should be pointed out that these offers, in the majority of cases, aren't scams but rather creative marketing strategies designed to capture attention and used by reputable solar companies. So, while the term 'free' might not mean zero-cost solar, in the traditional sense, these offers do break initial cost barriers, allowing more households to feasibly adopt solar.
While popular financing models like solar leases and PPAs capture headlines, there are alternative options available, too. For example, government incentives often subsidize direct solar installations - lowering costs to more manageable levels through tax credits and rebates. Specific programs even exist for low-income households. We'll cover these incentive avenues later on, but it pays to recognize other options.
Other Locations
Solar Leases
A solar lease is a financial arrangement whereby homeowners get the opportunity to install rooftop solar panels with little to no upfront costs. Rather than purchasing a solar system, they'll rent or lease the equipment from a solar company.
How Do Solar Leases Work?
If you sign up for a solar lease agreement, the solar company handles the entire installation process for a rooftop solar energy system. A fixed monthly lease payment is made to the solar company to use the panels they install. A typical lease term spans 15-25 years.
The monthly solar lease payments are especially structured to be lower than a home's average monthly electricity bill. The users, therefore, get to realize immediate savings on their energy bills each month by switching to cheaper solar power.
Solar Lease Pros and Cons
The primary benefit of a solar lease is eliminating the high upfront purchase and installation costs of buying solar panels outright. For those wanting to adopt solar, with no upfront cost, the arrangement makes financed solar systems extremely affordable.
Another advantage is under a solar lease agreement; the solar company remains responsible for monitoring, operating, maintaining, and repairing the rooftop system over the entire lease period. Tasks like system performance optimizations and cleaning are handled at no extra cost to the customer.
Though getting free solar panels installed is certainly advantageous for many, there are considerations to acknowledge that might impact your decision on opting for a solar lease or not.
First is the understanding that the solar company retains ownership of the solar panel system for the term of the lease. They'll receive and claim potential state solar incentives, federal tax credits, solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), or other financial incentives - not the customer leasing the panels.
As customers don't own the panels on their homes, it can limit control and financial upside over time. There are also property transfer limitations to think about. If you decide at some point to sell your home with an active solar lease, it will require transferring the agreement to the new home buyer, which can complicate the sale.
In short, a lease is going to be the most beneficial if you wish to reduce monthly electricity bills in the near term without a large upfront investment in purchasing solar panels. The loss of tax incentives does mean leased systems may not yield longer-term savings compared to owning panels outright.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
Similar to a solar lease, a Solar Power Purchase Agreement allows the customer to adopt rooftop solar energy with no money down by contracting with a solar installation company typically over 20+ years. However, the core difference lies in how they pay and use electricity generated by their system.
How Do Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) Work?
Rather than fixed lease payments, a PPA ties pricing directly to solar energy production. Homeowners pay only for the actual power generated as needed instead of renting equipment. The rate per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced gets established upfront at a discount to regular electric utility pricing.
As with solar leases, under a PPA, the solar company handles system installation, owns the equipment, and conducts any necessary maintenance and repairs. Ownership also means the solar panel companies capture applicable financial incentives like federal tax credits.
At the end of the PPA term, the customer can choose to extend the agreement, purchase the system at fair market value, or have the system removed.
Power Purchase Agreement Pros and Cons
The benefits and drawbacks pretty much parallel those of solar leases. However, the usage-based payment model can appeal to irregular energy consumers. Only paying for what's used each month gives the user more direct control over solar costs and energy savings.
Comparison between Solar Lease and Power Purchase Agreement
Below, we show the main differences and similarities between the two in a simple table format.
| Feature | Solar Lease | Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | None or Low | None |
| Monthly Payments | Fixed (may increase annually) | Based on energy usage (rate per kWh) |
| Eligibility for Tax Credits/Incentives | No (Benefits go to the system owner) | No (Benefits go to the system owner) |
| Long-Term Savings | Fixed costs make budgeting easier | Savings vary with energy production |
| Payment Structure | Regular, predictable payments regardless of energy production | Payments vary based on the amount of solar energy produced |
| Maintenance and Repairs | Handled by the solar company | Handled by the solar company |
| End of Contract Options | Option to renew, purchase the system, or have it removed | Option to renew, purchase the system, or have it removed |
Key Differences:
Monthly Payments: Solar leases usually have a fixed monthly payment, which might increase over time due to an escalator clause. PPAs charge based on the actual amount of electricity generated so that payments can fluctuate from month to month.
Payment Structure: Solar leases offer more predictability in payments, while PPAs align costs directly with the system's performance.
Long-Term Savings: Savings with a solar lease are generally consistent but may be less compared to a PPA, where homeowners benefit more directly from the system's productivity.
How to Get Free Solar Panels From The Government
The term "free solar panels from the government" might be a bit of a misnomer. There are indeed several programs and incentives that can drastically reduce the cost of going solar, but outright free panels typically aren't available - the exception being for low-income households in certain states.
While the majority of these programs and incentives aren't 'free solar panels' in the literal sense, they aim to maximize affordability and accessibility to renewable energy by lowering costs through subsidies, rebates, and assistance for those eligible.
Solar Programs for Low-Income Families
For low-income families, the upfront cost of solar installations just isn't even an option. However, several states in the U.S. have developed programs specifically to make solar energy accessible to these households.
These programs install solar panels at reduced costs or even free of charge, considerably lowering or eliminating the initial financial hurdle. Most programs target families with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates are a lucrative incentive for installing solar panels in certain states. SRECs generate revenue by earning tradeable credits based on the amount of solar energy one's system produces over time.
For every megawatt-hour (MWh) generated by a home solar panel, the owner is awarded one SREC. These credits can then be sold on open markets to utilities, brokers, or other buyers. Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics, but income from recurring SREC sales serves to offset the original solar system costs.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
Previously known as the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, with this incentive, you can claim a percentage of your solar installation costs as a credit on your federal income taxes. As of 2023, this credit stands at 30% of the installation costs for systems installed between 2022 and 2032.
State-Specific Incentives
States like California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts offer various tax credits and incentives. When combined with the Residental Clean Energy Credit, you can make a substantial reduction in the costs of your solar installation.
Alternative Solar Financing Options
Cash Purchase
The obvious place to start is with self-financing. If you pay for the full system upfront, it's going to lead to the greatest long-term savings. You also get to keep the solar incentives that we mentioned earlier in the article.
Solar Loans
Rather than paying completely in cash, with a solar loan, you can finance a solar panel system over years. While adding interest charges, loans make adopting solar more affordable through structured repayments. Owners still benefit from incentives and ownership.
Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit (HELOC)
Homeowners with sufficient existing home equity can leverage it through lines of credit or cash-out refinancing to fund solar installations. These options provide very competitive interest rates and potential tax deductions.
Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (RPACE) Financing
Community Solar
Group Purchasing or Solarize Programs
A few states offer PACE programs that cover solar through increased property taxes rather than loans. The loan is attached to the property, not to an individual, so repayment stays with the house over very long terms. However, not all mortgage lenders allow participation, and RPACE financing isn't always as competitive as other types of loans.
Without installing panels themselves, homeowners can subscribe to a shared solar farm. Their monthly bills then get credited proportionally based on the community system's production. This approach suits those unable to place panels on their own property.
Some neighborhoods have leveraged joint bargaining power to negotiate discounted solar pricing from installers. While organizing proves challenging, reduced bulk rates make adopting solar more feasible for entire communities.
Get Your Free Quote Today!
Watch Out for Free Solar Scams
Unfortunately, some disreputable companies take advantage of the popularity of free and discounted solar offers by making false claims and using high-pressure sales tactics. Homeowners eager to save money can easily fall victim to empty promises.
Signs of potential solar scams:
- Claims that sound too good to be true, like guarantees to slash your electricity bill by 80% or more (from our findings, the average savings are around 50%)
- High-pressure sales tactics demanding you sign a contract on the spot
- Vague on details, unable to provide substantiating evidence for claims
- Requests large upfront payments before work begins
- Door-to-door salespeople with no company vehicle or uniform
Protect yourself by vetting any solar provider thoroughly first. Confirm they have a physical office and positive customer reviews. Be wary of online solar lead generation companies that sell your contact information without permission.
Choose a Trusted Provider Like EcoGen America
In contrast to sketchy free solar offers, choose a reputable company like EcoGen America - we're fully transparent about all costs, savings, and responsibilities upfront. We Work with top-rated installers in your area to guarantee that every installation is handled by professionals with local expertise.
Truly Cost-Effective Solar Begins Here
While "free solar" promotions grab attention, reputable solar companies play on these offers not as gimmicks but as a doorway to start genuine conversations around attaining affordable, clean energy. Securing reliably lower electricity bills over the long haul remains the priority.
As we've covered, programs like solar leases and power purchase agreements do eliminate steep upfront expenditures for households and smooth out payments over decades.
When considering the switch to solar, the question arises: Are Solar Panels Worth It?
This is why we encourage carefully weighing the pros and cons and speaking to trusted solar experts who can provide personalized advice.