You Bring the Sunshine. We’ll Bring the Financing.
Paying Cash Isn’t Your Only Option for Solar & Battery Projects
When it comes to installing solar panels, battery backups, or other renewable energy upgrades, shelling out thousands of dollars in cash upfront isn’t your only—or often the wisest—route. Here’s why financing can be a smart, flexible way to go green, while keeping your savings intact.
Why Financing Makes Sense
Preserve Your Cash Flow
Paying cash ties up funds that could be used for emergencies, investments, or other priorities. Financing allows you to invest in clean energy now and spread your payments over time.Low (or No) Down Payment
Some loan programs require little to no money down. For example, the Colorado RENU (Residential Energy Upgrade) Loan offered by Collective Clean Energy Fund provides low-cost, no-money-down loans for homeowners across Colorado who want to install solar, battery storage, heat pumps, and more.Longer-Term Savings
Systems like solar generally pay back their cost over time through energy savings. Financing lets you match payments to those savings, often making them easier to manage.Maintain Liquidity
Keep your emergency fund in place while investing in clean energy benefits.Take Advantage of Incentives
Many programs let you keep the federal tax credits, state rebates, and other incentives separately—boosting your return on investment.
Our Loan Offers That Make Green Easy
1. Colorado RENU Loan (Residential Energy Upgrade)
Offered through the Collective Clean Energy Fund, this program provides low-cost, no-money-down financing specifically for Colorado homeowners. You can fund systems like solar, batteries, heat pumps, and energy upgrades while keeping your upfront costs minimal.
Key Features:
Loan Amount: Up to $75,000 for qualifying projects
(Other sources note up to $50,000; max may vary by project or lender)Terms: Up to 20 years for solar PV and battery systems; up to 15 years for other upgrades
Interest Rates: Low, fixed rates—DSIRE reports starting as low as 2.74%, though current rates depend on credit score, term, and lender
Payment Structure: Monthly principal & interest—no down payment, no prepayment penalty, and no lien on your property (secured via UCC-1 filing on installed equipment only)
Fast Approval: Applications typically processed within 2–3 business days
Learn more here: Colorado RENU Loan
2. Climate First Bank Solar Loan
This nationwide, mission-driven loan program is designed for sustainability-minded homeowners seeking affordable solar and storage financing. Key highlights include:
Extended 30-year loan term, with a six-month interest-only "construction period" followed by principal and interest payments.
Competitive interest rates—as of early 2024, as low as 7.58% (with auto-pay discount).
No dealer or hidden fees, and no penalties for paying off the loan early.
Minimum $10,000 loan amount dedicated to solar/PV systems.
Minimum credit score of 680, with no derogatory items on the credit report.
Fast digital approval process, often within 48 business hours.
Nationwide availability, with over $220 million in solar loans issued as of 2024.
Learn more here: Climate First Bank Solar Loan
Bottom Line: Financing vs. Paying Cash
Paying Cash
Requires a large upfront investment
Ties up your savings or emergency funds
No interest or loan terms to worry about
You own the system outright from day one
Full access to available tax credits and incentives
No approval or credit requirements
Financing Options
Low or no upfront cost
Preserves your cash flow and liquidity
Pay over time—often aligning with energy savings
Access to long-term, competitive interest rates
Still eligible for tax credits and other incentives
Quick approval with basic credit qualifications
Final Thoughts
Investing in solar or battery systems doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. With options like the Colorado RENU Loan and Climate First Bank’s Solar Loan, you can join the renewable energy movement affordably and conveniently.
Financing helps you:
Preserve your savings
Still benefit from green incentives
Enjoy manageable payments tailored to your budget
Access transparent, fee-free lending (in many cases)
Explore your financing options today and take the next step toward energy independence—without breaking the bank.