Yes, You Can Finance DIY Solar
The biggest myth in solar: 'you can't get a loan without a licensed installer.' Here are the options that actually work.
Financing Options That Work for Semi-DIY Solar
Not all lenders care who installs your panels. These are the ones that will actually fund your project.
Clean Energy Credit Union Solar Loan
⭐ RecommendedNo installer requirement — the only solar-specific lender that works with homeowner-purchased systems
HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
Use your home equity for solar. Tax-deductible interest. Works with any solar setup.
Best if you have significant home equity
Personal Loan
Unsecured — no lien on your home. Fast approval.
Higher rates, but no collateral required
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy)
Research carefully — PACE has been controversial in some markets. Available in some states, repaid through your property tax assessment.
Solar Lenders That Require a Licensed Installer
The following solar-specific lenders will NOT finance homeowner-purchased equipment:
- Mosaic — Requires licensed installer on contract
- GoodLeap — Requires licensed installer on contract
- Sunlight Financial — Requires licensed installer on contract
- Dividend Finance — Requires licensed installer on contract
These lenders are designed for turnkey solar companies. If an installer offers you financing through one of these, the interest and fees are typically bundled into an inflated system price.
What Would Your Monthly Payment Be?
Plug in your numbers and see what solar really costs per month.
Monthly Payment Calculator
See what your solar loan payment would look like
Your estimated monthly payment
$130.67/mo
You save $69.33 every month from day one.
That's $832 per year back in your pocket.
Even Without the Tax Credit, You Save
The Section 25D Investment Tax Credit (30%) expired January 1, 2026 for homeowner-purchased systems. But here's the thing: the Off Grid Outpost model saves you more than the tax credit ever did.
A turnkey installer charges $30,000 for a 10kW system. Even with the old 30% tax credit, your net cost was $21,000. With The Off Grid Outpost, a 10kW system costs $15,000–$19,000 — no tax credit needed. You're already ahead.
$30,000
Turnkey 10kW system
$21,000
With 30% tax credit (expired)
$15,000
The Off Grid Outpost 10kW system
See Your Real Solar Cost
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