Solar Ownership With $0 Down and Fixed Payments

Propel is a Transitional Ownership program by Concert Finance that pairs a Prepaid Energy Services Agreement (ESA) with a 25-year loan. During the first 5 years, a third-party owner holds the system, captures the 30-40% federal tax credit under Section 48/48E, and provides a performance guarantee (85% of estimated kWh), full O&M coverage, and a workmanship warranty. At year 5, ownership transfers to you automatically via the Early Buyout Option (EBO) — while you continue paying the same low monthly loan payment.

With a regular loan, you own the system from day one — but since the residential federal tax credit (Section 25D) expired in 2025, you get $0 back from the IRS. With Propel, a third-party owner holds the system for the first 5 years, claims the 30-40% ITC under Section 48/48E, and passes those savings into your lower monthly payment. You also get performance guarantees and free maintenance during that period.

With a lease or PPA, you never own the system — you rent it for 20-25 years. With Propel, you buy out the system at year 5 and own it outright. That means you build home equity, you control the system, and you keep all the savings for the remaining 20+ years with no monthly payment to a leasing company.

You need a minimum FICO score of 660 (TransUnion). The initial check is a soft inquiry that won't affect your credit score. A hard inquiry only happens after you move forward with the full application. Co-applicants are allowed as long as they live at the property.

You have options. You can purchase the system early and include it in the home sale price (adding value to your home). Or you can transfer both the loan and the ESA to the new homeowner, who takes over the payments and eventually gets ownership at year 5.

Yes. During the first 5 years while the third-party owner holds the system, your solar production is guaranteed at 85% or greater of estimated cumulative kWh. If the system underproduces, they fix it. You also get a separate 5-year workmanship warranty, 10-year roof penetration warranty, 15-year energy storage monitoring (if you have a battery), and 25-year solar system monitoring.

Propel offers a 25-year loan with results-based pricing. Rates range from 7.79% APR (excellent credit) to 9.79% APR (good credit), with a standard rate of 8.99%. There are no dealer fees, and you get a 0.50% discount for setting up automatic ACH payments.

Yes. There are no prepayment penalties. You can pay off the loan balance at any time with no extra fees. The loan also has 3 reamortization dates (after the 12th, 24th, and 36th payments) where your monthly payment can be recalculated if you've made extra payments.