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We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
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NuWatt designs, installs, and manages solar, battery, heat pump, and EV charger systems across 9 states. One company, one warranty, one point of contact.
Get a Free QuoteCash, loan, Propel, lease, or PPA — compare all five financing options side by side with real 25-year numbers for your state. See monthly payments, total costs, lifetime savings, and which option is best for your priorities.
5
Options Compared
25 yr
Savings Horizon
9
States Covered
$0
Down (3 of 5 options)
30%
ITC (TPO Only)
Monthly Payment
$0/mo
Paid upfront
Total Cost (25 yr)
$18,000
Year 1 Savings
$2,400
Lifetime Savings
$69,502
Monthly Payment
$167/mo
Total Cost (25 yr)
$30,017
Year 1 Savings
$399
Lifetime Savings
$57,485
Monthly Payment
$158/mo
Total Cost (25 yr)
$47,308
Year 1 Savings
$508
Lifetime Savings
$40,195
Monthly Payment
$130/mo
Total Cost (25 yr)
$39,000
Year 1 Savings
$840
Lifetime Savings
$48,502
Monthly Payment
$99/mo
Total Cost (25 yr)
$37,984
Year 1 Savings
$1,214
Lifetime Savings
$49,518
| Metric | Cash | Solar Loan | Propel | Solar Lease | PPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | $0 (upfront) | $167/mo | $158/mo | $130/mo | $99/mo |
| Total Cost (25 yr) | $18,000 | $30,017 | $47,308 | $39,000 | $37,984 |
| Year 1 Savings | $2,400 | $399 | $508 | $840 | $1,214 |
| Lifetime Savings | $69,502 | $57,485 | $40,195 | $48,502 | $49,518 |
| Ownership | Full ownership day 1 | Own the system | Ownership at year 5 | No ownership | No ownership |
| Break Even | Year 7 | Year 1 | Year 1 | Year 1 | Year 1 |
Lower is better. Compared to doing nothing (paying the utility).
Propel is a prepaid ESA (Energy Service Agreement) that combines the benefits of ownership with $0 down. The third-party owner claims the 30% federal ITC, reducing your financed amount. At 8.49% APR for top-tier borrowers (effective May 25, 2026), monthly payments are competitive with lease options. After re-amortization events (typically around months 12, 24, and 36), your payment drops as the ITC benefit is applied. Ownership transfers to you at year 5.
Currently available in ME and TX. Requires FICO 660+ and Silfab panels for FEOC compliance.
Massachusetts offers $10,000 in state incentives, making cash and loan purchases strong options. However, lease and PPA providers still claim the 30% federal ITC (which homeowner purchases no longer receive), so third-party options remain competitive for homeowners who prefer $0 down.
Pay the full system cost upfront and own it outright from day one. Every kWh the system produces is pure savings. Cash buyers see the highest total savings over 25 years because there are no interest charges, dealer fees, or escalator clauses.
Finance with a solar-specific loan at 5.99-8.99% APR over 10-25 years. You own the system and benefit from state incentives. Total cost depends on rate and term — compare carefully against lease options.
$0 down TPO with 8.49-10.49% APR (effective May 25, 2026). The financing company claims the 30% federal ITC, reducing your financed amount. Ownership transfers to you at year 5 after re-amortization events lower your monthly payment.
Fixed monthly payment with $0 down. The installer owns, monitors, and maintains the system. Payments are typically $120-180/month for an average system with a 0% escalator over 25 years.
Pay per kWh generated at $0.12/kWh with a 2% annual escalator. Like a lease, the installer owns the system and claims the ITC. Your payment varies with production — more sun means higher bills, but still below utility rates.
Every home is different. Get a side-by-side comparison of all five financing options tailored to your roof, your utility rate, and your state incentives. Free, no obligation.