Solar and battery financing: look beyond the payment.

Why is the financed price higher than the cash price?

Request both prices for the same panels, battery and installation. Ask for any difference to be explained. The CFPB’s 2024 solar-financing report identified dealer-fee markups added to some loan balances. A low advertised interest rate alone does not establish the cheapest overall offer. CFPB: Solar financing risks (2024 report).

Will your solar loan payment jump later?

Ask for the payment schedule with and without any expected early principal payment. The CFPB identified solar loans with payment increases when borrowers did not make an anticipated lump-sum payment. A projected incentive is not money already in your account. CFPB: Solar financing risks (2024 report).

The 2024 report describes historical tax-credit assumptions, not current eligibility. Check current Oregon solar and storage program information and confirm any tax treatment for your project with a qualified tax professional. Do not copy an old tax-credit percentage into your financing plan.

Are you buying equipment, leasing it or buying its power?

These are different agreements. Ask who owns the equipment, who maintains it, how payments can increase and what happens if you sell the home. The FTC explains the distinction between ownership, leases and power purchase agreements. FTC: Solar power for your home.

For a battery, ask which loads the design will support, how much usable storage is included and whether an incentive requires utility participation. Keep battery program obligations separate from the financing sales pitch.

Compare the loan payment and the remaining utility bill.

Solar does not necessarily remove utility charges. Ask the installer to show the production, usage and utility-rate assumptions behind the savings estimate. The FTC notes that homeowners may continue buying utility electricity and paying fixed charges. FTC: Solar power for your home.

Ask what your budget looks like if savings are lower or installation takes longer than expected. Get the loan payment-start date from the lender. Compare the solar and battery bids and use our financing checklist before signing either agreement.

You do not have to sort through the offer alone.

Read the fine print yourself, or bring the offer to us. As part of an agreed Full Advocacy scope, we can help you read through project-related financing terms, flag unclear costs and prepare questions for the contractor or lender.

Free bid coordination brings you written proposals. Optional Full Advocacy is $499 for comparison and negotiation support within its stated limits. We are not a lender and do not arrange credit, promise approval or replace legal, tax or financial advice. The lender must confirm the loan terms.