Yes — there are many financing options for buying solar panels. Which is best depends on your goals (owning vs. leasing), credit and income, how long you plan to stay in the house, and local incentives. Brief summary of the main options, pros/cons, and practical tips:

Main financing options

• Cash purchase

  • You pay up front and own the system outright.
  • Pros: highest long‑term savings, eligible for tax credits and incentives, increases home value. Cons: large upfront cost.

• Solar loans (secured or unsecured)

  • Home equity loan or HELOC (secured): typically lower interest rates because it’s secured by your home.
  • Unsecured solar loan / personal loan: no lien on home; rates depend on credit.
  • Solar‑specific loans from banks, credit unions, or specialty lenders: terms often 5–20 years; can be structured to match expected energy savings.
  • Pros: you own system, get incentives, monthly payments may be lower than utility bill savings. Cons: interest costs; secured loans use home as collateral.

• Solar leases

  • Installer/third party owns the system; you pay a fixed monthly lease payment to use the power.
  • Pros: little/no upfront cost. Cons: you don’t own the system, may not be eligible for tax credits, can complicate home sale.

• Power purchase agreements (PPA)

  • A third party installs and owns system; you buy the electricity it produces at an agreed price per kWh (often lower than utility).
  • Pros: low/no upfront cost and predictable energy price. Cons: you don’t own the system or get tax benefits.

• PACE financing (Property Assessed Clean Energy)

  • Loan repaid via an assessment on your property tax bill; available in some states/municipalities.
  • Pros: long terms, can cover full cost with no upfront cash. Cons: adds to tax assessment, can complicate mortgage or home sale; qualifying programs vary by location.

• Manufacturer or installer financing

  • Many installers partner with lenders to offer in‑house loans or leases with streamlined approval.
  • Pros: convenience, promotional offers. Cons: compare rates and contract details carefully.

• Federal/state programs and special loans

  • Some states, municipalities, utilities, and rural lenders offer rebates, low‑interest loans or grants. (Availability varies widely by location.)

Advantages of owning vs leasing/PPA

• Ownership (cash or loan): you receive tax credits (where applicable), rebates, increased home value, and higher lifetime savings. You’re responsible for maintenance/insurance.
• Leasing/PPA: lowers upfront cost and risk, but long‑term savings are usually smaller, and you may face constraints when selling your home.

What to watch for / questions to ask

• Will I own the system at the end of the term? If not, what are buyout options and costs?
• Who owns renewable energy credits (RECs) produced by the system?
• How does the financing affect my eligibility for the federal solar tax credit or state incentives?
• What is the total cost (APR, fees, prepayment penalty)?
• How are maintenance, repairs, and inverter replacement handled?
• Will the loan be secured by my home? Any effect on mortgage?
• For PACE: how does it affect mortgageability and resale?

Practical steps

1. Get multiple quotes from reputable installers and ask for financing options and modeled savings.
2. Compare total cost (APR and fees), not just monthly payment.
3. Check eligibility for federal tax credit and local/state incentives — those can dramatically change net cost.
4. Check your credit score; better scores get better loan rates.
5. Read the contract carefully about ownership, RECs, transfer/termination, and warranties.
6. If using home‑secured financing, consult your mortgage lender or a financial advisor about implications.

If you want, I can:

• Outline the pros/cons for two or three specific financing scenarios (e.g., 0‑down lease vs 15‑year loan vs cash purchase) with example math, or
• Help you find programs and incentives for your specific ZIP code (I’d need your ZIP code to look them up).