Solar Finance Options
Finance Options
Why solar finance could work for you
Although a solar and battery system or a solar-only residential system are great long-term investments for lower cost of living expenses, Any of these two options, when focused on a quality outcome can add up to great savings. While some of our customers use their savings and others redraw the purchase from their mortgage, at SolarWide we offer numerous ways to finance solar with easy monthly instalments.
These instalments can be lower than the amount of electricity savings you will enjoy. This means financially you will be ahead from day one.
Some of the major finance options we offer at SolarWide are:
Plenti
Plenti previously known as RateSetter has financed many thousands of solar systems both residential and commercial. They provide both variable and fixed unsecured personal loans. They provide customised interest rates based on the length of the loan, the amount applied for and the information you provide in your application.
Plenti strives to build a ‘smarter, fairer and faster’ borrowing experience. This means the lending platform is not only simple to navigate and makes it quick and easy to check your rate, apply, get approval and finalise your loan, but also offers a personalised rate that rewards you for your good credit history.
A Plenti loan allows you to benefit from solar sooner and more easily than you would otherwise be able to. Paying for your solar energy system while enjoying the savings, which often results in money in your pocket right away with a good return when comparing your new energy bills to what you’re paying per month.
The Plenti loan terms range from 3 to 7 years, and with so many processes and plans to choose from, it’s easy to find the one that’s just right for you. Making the switch to solar not only helps save the environment but also helps you save money in the long term.
Their green personal loan is flexible, allowing you to borrow an affordable amount between $2,001 to $45,000 that they feel confident is within your capability to repay, over the 3 to 7 years term.
They also don’t charge early repayment fees, however, to be permitted to take out a loan, you must have an income greater than $20,000 a year.
Brighte Green Loan
A Brighte Green Loan is a type of credit provided by Brighte to a customer on the condition that the money is used for something the lender deems eco friendly.
Aside from the loan’s purpose, the eligibility criteria for the Brighte Green Loan is similar to those for other credit products. When you apply, Brighte will consider your income, credit history (and credit score), whether you are an Australian citizen/resident, and whether you have filed for bankruptcy in the past.
You will be required to provide Brighte with your personal information, including your address and phone number, as well as proof of your income, employment status, assets etc.
Brighte offers a fast and easy payment platform and a quick and simple application process. The Brighte Green Loan has an easy to understand and complete the application process and our friendly staff can assist you in some general questions you might have about this finance option about the details.
Energy Ease - Finance for Commercial Solar
Energy Ease is an Australian payment option provider that specialises in commercial solar and energy efficiency projects. They boast no upfront investment and instant pre-approval on their competitive payment plans.
Energy Ease is geared towards businesses looking to finance their large-scale energy-saving projects to cut down their power bills, with payment plans that span from $3,000 to $5 million and repayment terms of up to 10 years.
Additionally, they also offer other such solar financing options as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Performance Guarantee Agreements (PGA) and Loan/Chattel Mortgage.
Power Purchase Agreements are ideal for companies that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint but do not have the substantial physical space to install their own renewable energy system or do not want the liability of maintenance upkeep. Energy Ease PPA affords companies and large enterprises to purchase solar energy at an agreed fixed price that can cover from 7 to 30 years. The longer the contract term, the more attractive the c/kWh rates can be proffered. Energy Ease and Green Peak Energy have recently strategically partnered up to create a ‘gold standard’ PPA.
Performance Guarantee Agreements is similar to a PPA, but also comes with a performance guarantee on your system’s electricity generation, only available through select Energy Ease premium installers such as SolarWide.
Their Loan/Chattel Mortgage allows you to own the solar equipment from day one with no upfront costs, as well as claim depreciation on the equipment on your balance sheet. The equipment itself serves as security for the loan, and often, the interest of the loan repayments are tax-deductible.
These finance products each bear their own pros and cons that must be considered to choose a loan or financial product most suitable to your solar power installation needs and situation. Talk to SolarWide about your commercial solar needs and finance options today.
FAQ's
What are Green Loans?
Green loans are unprotected personal loans made available by certain financial institutions to customers who want to buy environmentally friendly products such as solar panels, batteries, and solar hot water systems or heat pumps.
Is there such a thing as an “Interest Free Loan”
Although interest-free loans do not include interest, the finance vendor or sales company will regularly increase the quoted system price initially, generally by 15% to 20% to encompass the finance company’s merchant fees upfront. So it’s often more of a sales gimmick and marketing method, than a true interest-free offer. Buyer Beware.
How does a Personal Loan work?
Personal loans are a safe, middle-of-the-road financing option for a solar system. You may be able to find a reasonable personal loan interest rate if you shop around, and some lenders may consider the purpose of your loan, being an environmentally friendly product such as solar to give you a better deal.
Can I add a solar system to my mortgage?
Borrowing towards your home to pay for a solar system may be a perfectly reasonable way to finance solar panels. Many customers have already paid ahead in their mortgage and have therefore gained a redraw amount. This would then allow these redraw funds to be used to pay for a solar system. The advantage is that the interest rate is relatively low, as mortgage interest rates are at a historic low.
Finance disclaimer:
All finance prices are quoted using a Green Loan from Plenti. Prices were correct at time of publishing but may change over time.
Interest rate* = 8.99%p.a
Comparison rate# = 10.21%p.a
Weekly repayment amount includes:
- The $8.99 Monthly Account Keeping fee (which is calculated daily).
- The establishment fee of $350
- Fixed Interest rate which is calculated daily on the outstanding balance
* Information and interest rates are current as at 4 April, 2023 and are subject to change. Fees applicable include: Establishment fee of $350 and $8.99/monthly account keeping. Late payment fees may be charged by Plenti if you miss a repayment. All applications for credit are subject to Plenti’s credit approval. Fees, terms and conditions apply.
^ Comparison rate calculated on an unsecured loan amount of $45,000 over a term of 5 years based on fortnightly repayments.
WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.
