Clean Solar Financing Guide: Paykeeper™ Escrow Account, Prepaid Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Balanced PPA, and Solar Loans
Going solar is as much a financial decision as it is an energy decision. That’s why Clean Solar offers flexible ways to pay that fit different goals, timelines, and risk profiles. Below is a clear, no-jargon guide to our four core options—Solar Loans, Prepaid PPA, Balanced PPA, and our homeowner-friendly Paykeeper™ Escrow Account—so you can choose the path that matches your priorities.
You can also choose to pay with cash or use your Home Equity Line of Credit.
Why finance your solar + battery?
Lower your monthly energy costs right away instead of waiting to save up.
Keep cash on hand for other priorities while locking in long-term energy savings.
Match payments to benefits—pay as your system produces and your bills drop.
Stay flexible: own the system, pre-purchase energy, or split the difference.
1) Paykeeper™ Escrow Account (Added Homeowner Protection)
Applies to: Cash and solar loans.
What it is
- A dedicated escrow account that holds your project funds and releases them only at agreed milestones (e.g., design approval, installation, inspection, permission to operate).
- Designed to increase transparency and alignment throughout the project.
Why homeowners like it
- Confidence: Funds are safeguarded and tied to progress.
- Clarity: Milestones and release conditions are documented up front.
- Control: Change orders and scope adjustments flow through the same transparent process.
2) Prepaid Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Provider Owns the Equipment; You Pre-Buy Power
Best for: Homeowners who want no monthly energy payment to the provider during the prepaid term and predictable savings without taking on equipment ownership right away.
How it works
- Make one upfront payment to secure a block of kilo Watt hours (kWh) for the PPA term.
- The provider owns, monitors, and maintains the system with Clean Solar providing the support and service.
- Your prepaid energy offsets your utility usage; you avoid monthly PPA invoices during the prepaid 20-year period.
Pros
- Simple: one payment, no monthly PPA bill
- Third Party Owner (TPO) rebates the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) back to you reducing your total cost by 15-25%
- TPO has access to the 30% ITC through 2027; they rebate a portion to the homeowner and keep the rest
- Designed for immediate, predictable savings over the term
Consider
- Ownership options available at the 7th year
- Higher upfront cost than a standard PPA, essentially a cash purchase
3) Balanced PPA (Balanced Monthly Payments)
Best for: Homeowners who want a middle path—zero cost upfront, with provider owning & maintaining the equipment.
How it works
- Pay a smaller, predictable monthly charge
Pros
- Balanced monthly payments
- Lower monthly charges for the electricity you use
- Provider handles performance, monitoring, and maintenance
- Option to own the system at the 5th year
Consider
- Do you need your cash to use in other ways?
- You don’t own the system during the term
- Total savings depend on your usage
4) Solar Loans (You Own the System)
Best for: Homeowners who want ownership, maximum long-term savings, and full control (including any eligible tax benefits).
How it works
- You finance the system with a fixed-rate loan (with $0 down options).
- You own the equipment from day one.
- You keep any incentives you qualify for.
- Typical monthly payment replaces a big portion of your utility bill.
Pros
- Access to your cash to use in other ways
- No annual escalator
- Fixed rate over the term
- Increases home value and gives you full control over equipment and settings
- Includes solar, batteries, and EV charging
- You can expand your system as needed
Consider
- Do you need your cash to use in other ways?
- Monthly loan payment during the term
- You’re responsible for maintenance (we offer strong workmanship warranties and support)
Which path fits you?
- “I want maximum lifetime savings and full control.” → Cash
- “I prefer simplicity—pay once, then forget monthly.” → Cash and Prepaid PPA
- “I want a lower monthly cost without a huge upfront.” → Solar Loans, HELOC, and Balanced PPA
- “I want extra protection over project payments AND maybe the 30% tax credit this year.” → Add Paykeeper™ Escrow to your cash or loan option
Batteries, Non-Export & Future Upgrades
All options can be designed with battery storage, non-exporting configurations, or expansion capacity for future add-ons (e.g., more panels, EV charging). Tell us your energy goals—backup and storage, lower PG&E bills, or both—and we’ll tailor the design and the financing to match.
Let’s tailor the numbers to your home
Every home and rate plan is different. We’ll custom design a solution for your home energy needs—plus show you how the Paykeeper™ Escrow Account adds peace of mind—so you can compare upfront cost, monthly impact, and lifetime savings in one clear snapshot.
Ready to run your custom proposal?
Call 888-551-7652 or click here to get started.
FAQs
Do I still get a utility bill?
Yes. You will still be charged for gas, and there are base electric charges by PG&E and/or your CCA.
What about incentives or tax credits?
If you own the system (e.g., Solar Loan), you may be eligible to claim incentives (consult your tax professional). With PPAs, incentives typically go to the provider and are reflected in your pricing.
Can I pay off early or buy the system later?
Absolutely! Clean Solar offers loans that have no prepayment penalties. PPAs include buyout options—ask us to walk you through the specifics.
What happens if I sell my home?
Loans can be paid off at sale; PPAs can be transferred to the buyer (subject to qualification). We’ll help structure the easiest path.
What’s covered if something breaks?
With ownership, you’re covered by manufacturer warranties plus our workmanship warranty.
With PPAs, the provider handles operations and maintenance during the term with Clean Solar providing the onsite maintenance; warranties and production guarantee transfers with early buyouts.