Grid Pros / Quick guide
Cash, loan, or lease?
Three ways. Different trade-offs.
STEP 1 / 3
Cash: buy the system.
You pay the purchase price up front and generally own the equipment. Review roof work, upkeep and warranty terms.
No solar loan payment does not mean no utility bill. Check all costs in the written offer.
Read all three steps
Cash: buy the system.
You pay the purchase price up front and generally own the equipment. Review roof work, upkeep and warranty terms.
No solar loan payment does not mean no utility bill. Check all costs in the written offer.
Loan: buy with payments.
You generally own the system and repay a lender. Compare the cash price, financed price, APR, fees, term and total payments.
Ask if payments can change and what happens to the loan if you sell. Approval is not guaranteed.
Lease: pay to use it.
A provider generally owns the system. A lease charges for use; a power purchase agreement charges for energy. Read the actual agreement.
Check any yearly increase, upkeep, transfer rules and buyout terms. Add remaining utility charges for every option.
Grid Pros advisory team · Updated October 14, 2026. General education; your written proposal and local safety guidance control.