Take Control of Your Energy — Without Paying Upfront
Why keep throwing money at rising power bills when you could own your electricity instead? A solar power system lets you lock in your energy rate for the next 25+ years, shielding you from utility rate inflation and turning a monthly expense into a long-term investment.
With solar, you're not just saving money — you're building equity in your own power plant, increasing your property value, and earning a measurable return on investment over time. Compared to the 0% return you get from "renting" grid power every month, the difference is clear.
And with our flexible financing options, you can do all of this without a large upfront payment.
Financing Options
We work with a range of financing partners — and we’re happy to help you find the right fit. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner or manager, or a non-profit entity, we have solutions designed to meet your needs.
Term Loan
Our most popular option. A solar term loan lets you own the system while spreading the cost over time through fixed monthly payments. In some cases, the value of the energy your system produces each month may even exceed your loan payment — but the real benefit is long-term: you own the system, lock in your energy rate, and generate a return on your investment over time. We partner with lenders who specialize in solar, or you can use your own financing.
- Down payments as low as $0
- You own the system
- Eligible for all tax incentives
Equity Loan
If you own your home or commercial property, you may be able to use the equity you’ve built to finance your solar system. This option typically offers lower interest rates than unsecured loans — and the interest may be tax-deductible (consult your tax advisor).
These property-secured financing tools are ideal for solar because they’re designed for
long-term investments in your home or facility.
- Lower interest rates due to property-secured loan
- You own the system
- Potential tax benefits
- Ideal for long-term energy improvements
Lease (Operating or Capital)
Leasing allows you to benefit from solar without the responsibility of ownership. You pay a predictable monthly amount, and the system is maintained by the owner. Depending on the lease structure, the tax credit may be claimed by either the lessor or the lessee.
- Pay only for the leased solar panels
- No maintenance responsibility
- Lower energy bills
- May be ideal for customers who don’t want to own the system
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Solar Energy Procurement Agreement (SEPA)
These financing tools are also commonly referred to as TPO (Third-Party Ownership). With a TPO agreement, a third-party financier owns and operates the solar power system. You simply purchase the power it produces — at a rate lower than your utility's. There’s no upfront cost and no maintenance responsibility.
- Pay only for the energy the system produces
- Lower energy rates
- No equipment ownership or maintenance
- Ideal for maximizing savings without capital investment
Non-Profit Financing
We offer customized financing options for schools, churches, and other non-taxable entities and NPOs. This may include leases, tax-equity partnerships, or structured PPAs to reduce upfront costs and guarantee long-term savings.
- Creative funding structures
- No need for capital outlay
- Lower operating costs for decades
USDA and Rural-Specific Financing
For agricultural and rural businesses, USDA REAP will guarantee the loan for your project, and provide a grant that can cover up to 50% of the cost to build your solar power system. These programs are ideal for farms and rural businesses looking to reduce expenses and increase energy independence.
Use this map tool to see if your small business qualifies as rural.
- Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total project costs
- Up to 50% of project costs covered through grants
- Only for rural businesses
- Our experts can guide you through the application process
SBA 504 “Green” Loans
For businesses investing in renewable energy or energy efficiency upgrades, SBA 504 Green Loans offer long-term, low-interest financing — often with as little as 10% down. These loans are ideal for commercial solar projects where the system is tied to a property the business owns. By going solar, businesses may qualify for higher borrowing limits (up to $5.5 million per project) and favorable terms.
To qualify, the solar power system must supply at least 15% of the facility’s electrical consumption, which may be estimated for new construction projects.
We can connect you with lenders experienced in SBA 504 Green Loans and help determine whether your project qualifies.
- Low fixed interest rates
- 20–25 year repayment terms
- Up to $5.5 million per eligible project
- Can be combined with tax incentives and other financing tools
Ready to Make Solar Work for You?
No matter your budget, ownership structure, or property type, there’s a financing option that can bring solar within reach — and Alternative Energy Southeast is here to help you find it. We’ll walk you through your options, connect you with trusted lenders, and handle the technical details so you can focus on the benefits: lower bills, energy independence, and long-term peace of mind.
Let’s turn your energy expenses into an investment. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and financing review.