Since the federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements expired at the end of 2025, some homeowners have been discouraged about investing in solar panels.
Despite the disappearance of the federal incentives, there are still creative ways to power your home with clean, renewable energy without a prohibitive upfront cost. For example, TCD partners like EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 of dollars on an installation with its free tools.
As one Reddit user pointed out, a pre-paid solar lease might be another smart way to own solar panels at a lower cost.
In a post on r/solar, the OP explored the option of paying for a solar lease upfront, which includes a 30% discount and the ability to immediately enjoy the panels' benefits. Within six to seven years, you would own the system.
"It's like reserving today's prices for tomorrow's savings!" the OP wrote. "Is this a good approach?"
The idea of committing to a prepaid solar lease is an interesting one, giving prospective buyers more choices in their solar options. Using a real-world example, the OP explained that you could save over $12,000 by taking this approach, plus the electricity cost savings on your monthly bills over a six- to seven-year period.
Yet, no matter which solar strategy you choose, there are many benefits to going solar, including cutting household costs, boosting your resiliency during storms, and reducing pollution.
Smart upgrades that slash monthly bills
Here are some ways to save money and help the planet by embracing solar energy.
Get $1,000 cash to slash your bills with rooftop solar panels for $0 down and low monthly payments Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver — including an exclusive $1,000 cashback offer for TCD readers. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings of up to 33% off your current power bill. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just book a short meeting with Palmetto's experts to explore your options and find the solution that's right for you. |
• EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on installations by curating competitive bids from local installers
• Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto's $0-down LightReach solar leasing program can lower your utility rate by up to 20%
• TCD's Solar Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners
To save even more, pair your solar panels with energy-efficient appliances, like heat pump HVAC systems. Mitsubishi can help you upgrade your home's heating and cooling with a high-efficiency system.
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What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$200 or more 💰 Additionally, the free Palmetto Home app connects you to up to $5,000 in rewards that you can spend on home-efficiency upgrades.
The r/solar subreddit is also filled with advice on different solar options to help you choose the right one for your home and budget.
"Could still be a good deal, but it'll come down to the contract details," one Reddit user commented on the OP's post.
"It's actually a good option," another Reddit user wrote. "Companies are getting creative with this now."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
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