There are three ways to pay for solar. None of them is a trick, and each fits a different situation. Here they are in plain language.
Cash
You pay for the system once and own it from day one. No monthly payment, no interest, and all of the savings are yours. The simplest math of the three.
Loan
You still own the system. A lender pays for the install up front, and you repay the lender monthly, the same way a car or home improvement loan works. Who you pay: the lender, not us. When you compare loans, three things matter: the monthly payment, the length of the term, and the total you will repay over that term. Your proposal shows all three in writing before you sign anything.
Lease (third-party ownership)
A solar provider owns the system on your roof. You do not buy the equipment; you pay a monthly amount for the power it produces. Maintenance and monitoring are the owner's responsibility, not yours. The trade: less money up front and less responsibility, but the ownership benefits belong to the owner, not to you.
Which one fits
Cash fits people with savings who want the maximum long-term return. A loan fits people who want ownership without the up-front cost. A lease fits people who want lower bills without owning equipment. Whether any tax incentive applies to you is a question for a tax professional, and we will tell you the same thing in person.
The rule that protects you
Never accept a rate or payment that exists only out loud. Your proposal shows the exact payment, term, and total in writing, for every path, side by side. Compare on paper and take your time.