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$0 down options available. Compare PPAs, leases, C-PACE, and loans side-by-side. Find the financing structure that maximizes savings for your business.
$0 down
PPA / Lease
100% financing
C-PACE
10-20% down
Solar Loan
Own = You claim
ITC Ownership
The four main commercial solar financing options in 2026 are: (1) Solar PPAs — $0 down, pay per kWh at 10-30% below utility rates; (2) Solar Leases — $0 down, fixed monthly payments; (3) C-PACE — 100% financing through property tax assessment, you own the system and claim ITC/MACRS; (4) Solar Loans — traditional financing with full ownership, ITC, and MACRS benefits.
| Feature | Solar PPA | Solar Lease | PACE Financing | Solar Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 | $0 | $0 | 10-20% down payment typical |
| Ownership | third-party | third-party | property | customer |
| ITC Eligible | ||||
| MACRS Eligible | ||||
| Balance Sheet | Off-sheet | Off-sheet | Off-sheet | On-sheet |
| Term | 15-25 years | 10-20 years | 20-30 years | 7-20 years |
| Learn More | Details | Details | Details | Details |
A Solar PPA is a contract where a third-party developer owns, installs, and maintains the solar system on your property. You purchase the electricity generated at a fixed rate, typically 10-30% below your current utility rate. No upfront cost, no maintenance responsibility.
A solar lease is similar to a PPA but involves fixed monthly payments instead of per-kWh pricing. The third-party lessor owns the system, and you pay a predictable monthly amount regardless of production. Operating leases can be off-balance-sheet under certain conditions.
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) finances solar through a voluntary property tax assessment. The loan attaches to the property (not the owner), with repayment through property tax bills over 20-30 years. This unique structure enables 100% financing with no personal guarantee.
A traditional term loan or SBA loan used to purchase a commercial solar system outright. The business owns the system from day one, claiming the full ITC, MACRS depreciation, and all energy production benefits. Multiple loan products are available including SBA 504/7(a) loans, commercial bank loans, and green bonds.
Loan & C-PACE
PPA & Lease
The best option depends on your business goals. If you want maximum long-term savings and can use the ITC/MACRS, a solar loan or C-PACE offers the highest ROI. If you want $0 upfront with no maintenance, a PPA or lease provides immediate savings with no capital outlay.
Our team analyzes your tax situation, cash flow, and goals to recommend the optimal financing structure for your commercial solar project.