Financing
Three ways to pay. All save you money.
Most homeowners save from day one regardless of payment path. The question is what fits your situation — outright ownership for max ROI, $0-down loan for monthly cashflow, or zero-maintenance lease where Kaizen owns and services the system.
Three ways to pay
Cash. Loan. Lease. Pick the path that fits.
Cash
Pay upfront. Maximize lifetime savings.
Best long-term value. You own the system outright and pocket every dollar of energy savings. Over time the system can pay for itself in savings — and keeps generating clean power for years after.
- Highest lifetime savings
- No financing fees or interest
- System owned outright on day one
- Adds resale value to your home
Best for: homeowners with cash on hand who want maximum ROI.
Loan
$0 down. Save from month one.
Most popular path. Monthly loan payment is typically less than your current utility bill — meaning you save from day one without writing a check upfront. You own the system, you keep the savings.
- $0 down, $0 out of pocket
- Monthly payment usually less than your utility bill
- System owned outright (after payoff)
- Pay off any time, no penalty
Best for: homeowners who want savings without upfront cost.
Lease / PPA
Zero down. Zero maintenance. Locked-in rate.
Kaizen owns and services the system; you pay a locked-in per-kWh rate (PPA) or a fixed monthly lease — typically 20-30% below your utility's rate. Maintenance, monitoring, and repairs are all on us. No system, no debt, no surprises.
- $0 down, $0 maintenance, $0 repair cost
- Locked-in energy rate — protected from utility hikes
- Production guarantee — if we underproduce, we credit you back
- Transferable to the next homeowner if you sell
Best for: homeowners who want savings without ownership or maintenance.
Side by side
Quick comparison.
| Cash | Loan | Lease / PPA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Full system price | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly payment | $0 | $80-250 typical | Locked-in per-kWh or flat |
| Own the system | Yes | Yes (after payoff) | No — Kaizen owns |
| Maintenance | 25-yr warranty included | 25-yr warranty included | Fully included by Kaizen |
| Lifetime savings | Highest of the three | Strong, plus ownership | Steady locked-in rate |
| Best for | Cash on hand, max ROI | Save without upfront cost | Hands-off, no debt |
FAQ
Common questions.
Which option is best for me?
Depends on your goals. Cash maximizes lifetime savings. Loan gives you ownership without upfront cost. Lease/PPA gives you the lowest hassle — Kaizen owns and maintains the system while you pay a locked-in energy rate. Most homeowners go with loan; the team walks all three when we send your design.What credit score is required for a loan or lease?
Most solar lenders look for 650+ FICO. PPAs typically need 600+. Some lenders go lower. We work with multiple finance partners to find the best rate for your credit profile.Will solar add to my mortgage?
Cash: no — you pay outright. Loan: it's a separate solar loan, not on your mortgage. Lease/PPA: also separate, treated as a service agreement. HELOC is a fourth option some homeowners use — that one does affect your mortgage equity position.What happens to my financing if I sell my house?
Loan: pay it off at sale, transfer to the buyer, or fold into the home sale price. Lease/PPA: assigns to the new owner — buyers typically welcome locked-in lower energy costs. Owned solar typically increases resale value, often offsetting any remaining balance.