Solar Loan Calculator: Easy to Estimate Monthly Payments

Our solar loan calculator is a financial planning tool that can help you determine the monthly loan payments for installing solar panels. This easy-to-use tool helps homeowners and businesses effectively budget for going solar.

See How Much You Will Pay Monthly On Your Solar Loan

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Years

Result

Monthly Payment

$

Payable Interest The loan interest payable is how much interest you will pay to the lender for the loan tenure.

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Total Amount The total payment is how much you will owe in loan payments which includes principal and interest.

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How to Use this Solar Loan Calculator

Using our loan calculator is easy and involves entering inputs to obtain more information on your solar energy loan. Making an informed decision can help ensure your loan payments are affordable and fit your household budget. Let’s examine the solar loan calculator inputs and results.

Parameters Required To Calculate:

Simply input the required values for our solar loan calculator, including:

  • Loan Amount

    Loan Amount

    The loan amount is how much you plan to borrow to finance your solar panel system. This value is usually equal to or less than the total cost of the solar panel system.

  • Interest Rate

    Interest Rate

    The interest rate is expressed as a percentage, and the lending institution or solar company sets the interest rate.

  • Loan Tenure

    Loan Tenure

    The loan tenure is the length of time for repaying the debt using regular, fixed payments and relates to the loan term.

Loan Amount

Loan Amount

The loan amount is how much you plan to borrow to finance your solar panel system. This value is usually equal to or less than the total cost of the solar panel system.

Interest Rate

Interest Rate

The interest rate is expressed as a percentage, and the lending institution or solar company sets the interest rate.

Loan Tenure

Loan Tenure

The loan tenure is the length of time for repaying the debt using regular, fixed payments and relates to the loan term.

Factors Displayed In The Result:

After inputting the required values, our loan calculator will display the following information:

  • Monthly Payment

    Monthly Payment

    The monthly payment is the fixed amount you will pay each month for your solar loan.

  • Payable Interest

    Payable Interest

    The loan interest payable is how much interest you will pay to the lender for the loan tenure.

  • Total Payment

    Total Payment

    The total payment is how much you will owe in loan payments which includes principal and interest.

Monthly Payment

Monthly Payment

The monthly payment is the fixed amount you will pay each month for your solar loan.

Payable Interest

Payable Interest

The loan interest payable is how much interest you will pay to the lender for the loan tenure.

Total Payment

Total Payment

The total payment is how much you will owe in loan payments which includes principal and interest.

What You Should Know About Solar Financing

What You Should Know About Solar Financing

Many solar companies offer solar loans when purchasing a solar system, but the rates and terms may vary. You might also be able to take out a home equity line of credit or personal loan through a bank or credit union.

It is critical to find a loan that fits your budget. Some homeowners can find solar loans where the monthly payments equal the solar energy savings. Thus, buying solar panels has no impact on their monthly cash flow. This is most common with loans with longer terms because the payments are spread out over a more extended period.

What to Consider When Applying for a Solar Loan

Here are some practical tips for making an informed decision when applying for a solar loan:

  • Determine your solar energy goals and needs: Before applying for a solar loan, assess your energy consumption and how much solar power you need. The cost of your solar system will significantly impact your loan amount, so get solar quotes from a few of the best solar companies to find the best one. However, the lowest price isn’t necessarily the best deal because the quality of the solar equipment, size of the solar system, and warranties may vary among solar installers.
  • Research different loan options: Compare various solar loan companies' interest rates, loan terms, and repayment options from various solar loan companies to find loans that best fit your financial situation and goals. Many leading solar installers offer $0 down solar financing options, but home equity loans and PACE financing (where available) may offer lower interest rates and better terms.
  • Review eligibility criteria: Understand the lender's credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio requirements to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Consider down payment options: Some solar loans require a down payment while others don’t, so consider your ability to make a down payment and determine how it will affect your overall financial situation.
  • Evaluate monthly payments: Determine whether a longer loan term with lower monthly payments or a shorter term with higher payments is more suitable for your budget.
  • Understand the total cost of the loan: Calculate the total cost, including interest payments and fees, to determine the overall financial impact of borrowing money.
  • Investigate solar incentives and rebates: Research available solar incentives and rebates, such as federal tax credits or state-level incentives, which can help offset the loan cost. Speak with a tax expert to ensure you qualify for the federal tax credit, which can reduce your total system cost by 30%.
  • Read the loan agreement carefully: Review all the terms and conditions before signing loan documents carefully to understand any fees and potential penalties. If you have a secured solar loan, there is collateral for the loan, usually your home. Thus, the lender can put a lien on your property if you default on your loan payments.
  • Consider a solar lease: Another way to finance a residential or commercial solar panel system is with a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). Many solar installation companies offer this ownership model with zero-down options, but you won’t be eligible to claim the federal solar tax credit.

How Much Can You Save With Solar Panels?

How Much Can You Save With Solar Panels?

Installing solar panels can virtually eliminate your monthly electricity bills. But your exact savings depend on your electricity usage, electricity rates, the capacity of your solar system, and whether your utility company offers net metering.

Solar homeowners can save almost $1,500 annually with a 6-kilowatt (kW) solar panel array. As electricity prices increase, so will the savings from your rooftop solar system.

The payback period of most rooftop solar energy systems is around 8 to 10 years across much of the United States if you can take advantage of the solar tax credit. The shorter the solar payback period, the higher the solar's return on investment (ROI).

In addition, a solar installation can increase your home value significantly. According to a Zillow study, solar panels can increase your home value by 4.1 percent!

Our solar savings calculator is a tool that accurately estimates how much money you can save on your utility bills by going solar. Enter your details to find out how much you can save.

How Much Can You Save With Solar Panels?

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Many solar shoppers question solar loans. Let’s explore some topics you may be wondering about, such as interest rates, solar system costs, qualifying for financing, and more.

Is It Better to Finance or Lease Solar Panels?

Both ownership models have advantages and disadvantages, and the best option depends on your financial situation, preferences, and long-term goals. Financing your solar system means you can take advantage of the tax credits, but you are responsible for solar system maintenance.

With a solar lease, the company that owns the solar panels is responsible for system maintenance. Still, you aren’t eligible for the tax credits, which can complicate future selling your home.

Are solar panels a good investment?

Solar panels can be a good investment for most homes and businesses with sunny roofs because they generate renewable energy for 25 to 30 years. Installing solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills, and the savings usually far outweigh the initial investment.

Also, solar panels can boost the resale value of your home and make it more appealing to home shoppers. If you finance your solar system, look for low solar loan rates so you don’t pay as much interest.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

The average cost of a residential solar energy system without batteries is $2.95 per watt, before solar incentives, according to EnergySage. That means a 6 kW solar system costs about $17,700 and is eligible for a $5,310 tax credit.

Therefore, the total cost after incentives is about $12,400 or less if local solar incentives are available. Refer to our solar savings calculator to estimate how much money you will save on your electricity bill from installing solar panels.

What is the typical interest rate on a solar loan?

The interest rates on solar loans can range from 4% to as much as 36% in 2023. Typically, secured solar loans have lower interest rates than unsecured loans because they are backed by your home, similar to a mortgage. However, interest rates on loans change over time as market conditions shift.

What is the average length of a solar loan?

Secured loans, such as home equity loans, commonly have a term between five and 20 years, sometimes 30 years. Unsecured loans commonly have shorter terms, between one and seven years.

How long does it take to pay off a solar loan?

The time needed to pay off a solar panel loan depends on several factors, including the loan amount, interest rate, and payment terms. Most solar loans have repayment periods ranging from two to 20 years, but between about five and ten years is the most common.

What credit score is needed for a solar loan?

It’s best to have a credit score of 600 or more to secure a solar loan, but you may qualify for a home equity loan or personal loan with a lower credit score. Exact credit score requirements can vary by the lender or solar company.