Choose how you go solar
Three clear paths — Solar as a Service, Prepaid PPA, or Immediate Ownership. Pick the structure that fits your budget and goals.
Solar as a Service
Get solar installed with no large upfront investment. With Solar as a Service, a third party owns the solar system while you pay for the clean energy it produces.
No equipment purchase. Predictable solar payments. Long term protection.
How It Works
- 1
Get Your Solar Quote
Receive a customized system design, production estimate, solar rate, and projected monthly payment.
- 2
Get Solar With No Upfront Cost
Qualified homeowners can have solar installed without purchasing the equipment or taking out a traditional solar loan.
- 3
Pay for the Energy
You pay for the electricity produced by the system at the rate stated in your agreement. Some programs offer a fixed rate with a 0% annual escalator.
- 4
Service and Protection Are Included
The provider owns, monitors, and maintains the system during the agreement term.
25 Years of Protection
Your Solar as a Service plan may include:
- 25 year equipment warranty
- 25 year solar production guarantee
- System monitoring and maintenance
- Repairs covered according to the agreement
- Transfer options if you sell your home
Transfer of Ownership
Ownership and purchase options are explained in your solar agreement. Depending on the program, you may have the option to purchase or take ownership of the system according to the provider’s terms.
If you sell your home, the solar agreement can typically be transferred to the new homeowner, subject to provider approval and transfer requirements.
Why Choose Solar as a Service?
- No large upfront payment
- Predictable monthly solar payments
- 25 year equipment protection
- 25 year production guarantee
- Monitoring and maintenance included
- Potential protection from utility rate increases
- Home sale transfer options
Prepay for Solar. Own It After Six Years.
The One Big Beautiful Bill ended the federal residential solar tax credit for systems installed after December 31, 2025.
Homeowners can no longer purchase solar and claim the former 30% residential tax credit on their personal tax return.
A Prepaid PPA offers another path.
Instead of purchasing the system directly, a third party owns it and may claim available commercial solar tax benefits. The value of those benefits is applied upfront to reduce your prepaid solar price.
This is an upfront price reduction, not a tax credit paid to you later.
How It Works
- 1
Get Your Solar Quote
Receive a customized system design, production estimate, and prepaid price.
- 2
Make One Upfront Payment
There is no monthly PPA payment, and you do not need personal tax liability to receive the upfront price reduction.
- 3
Start Producing Solar Energy
A licensed solar contractor installs the system, and your home uses the energy it produces.
- 4
Take Ownership After Six Years
After six years, ownership of the solar system and its remaining warranties can be transferred to you for $0, subject to the terms of your agreement.
Why Choose a Prepaid PPA?
- Upfront price reduction instead of waiting for a tax credit
- No monthly PPA payment
- No personal tax liability requirement
- Production protection during the initial period
- Clear path to ownership after six years
- Transfer option if you sell your home
Own Your Solar System From Day One
Not interested in a PPA or third party ownership?
Our Immediate Ownership option lets you purchase your solar system directly with cash or financing. You own the equipment as soon as the installation is complete, subject to the terms of your purchase agreement.
No PPA. No third party ownership. Your system from day one.
Special SolarBids Discount
The federal residential solar tax credit is no longer available for systems installed after December 31, 2025.
To help offset some of that cost, SolarBids offers a significant upfront discount on qualifying solar purchase projects.
The discount is applied directly to your purchase price. It is not a tax credit or future rebate.
How It Works
- 1
Get Your Solar Quote
Receive a customized system design, production estimate, equipment selection, and discounted purchase price.
- 2
Choose Cash or Financing
Pay for your system in cash or select an available financing option, subject to lender approval.
- 3
Own Your Equipment
You own the solar panels, batteries, and other purchased equipment according to your installation agreement.
- 4
Keep the Long Term Value
Enjoy the energy produced by your system without making payments to a PPA provider.
Why Choose Immediate Ownership?
- Ownership from day one
- No PPA agreement
- No third party system owner
- Special upfront SolarBids discount
- Cash and financing options
- Long term equipment warranties
- Potential increase in property value
- No PPA transfer required when selling your home
Is Immediate Ownership Right for You?
This option may be a good fit if you want complete ownership, prefer a traditional solar purchase, or do not want a long term PPA agreement.
SolarBids can compare cash and financing options to help you find the right system at a competitive price.