Quick answer
The practical explanation
Compare the cash price, financed amount, annual percentage rate, term, monthly-payment changes, fees, liens, prepayment rules, and total paid over the life of the financing. A low initial payment does not by itself mean a lower total cost.
What to know
Three points to keep in mind
- Request the cash price beside every financed proposal.
- Ask whether dealer fees or loan fees are included in the financed amount.
- Understand liens, balloon payments, escalators, and early-payoff terms.
For your home
A site-specific answer still matters
Solar results and service needs depend on the roof, equipment, shade, household electricity use, utility requirements, and the condition of the existing system. Use this guide as a starting point, then have the property and equipment evaluated before making a major decision.
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Authoritative references
This article summarizes general consumer information and is not tax, legal, insurance, engineering, or utility-rate advice.