Financing for Solar Installation

Whether your roof isn’t a good fit for solar panels or you don’t like the way they look, ground mounted solar panels are a good alternative. Taylor Energy installs custom solar power systems for houses in Santa Rosa, CA, and throughout all of Sonoma County. If you’re interested in a ground mount solar installation, we are the solar installer for you

You Have Options When It Comes to Paying for Solar

With PG&E rates continuing to rise, many homeowners are realizing solar isn’t just about going green; it’s about protecting their money. Over the 25 years that solar panels are guaranteed to last, a typical Sonoma County homeowner can spend $200,000 to $250,000+ on electricity at the current projected rate increases.

Let’s break down your options.

Option 1: Cash Purchase

Maximum Long-Term Return

Paying cash delivers the strongest financial return.

When you purchase your system outright:

  • You own the equipment

  • You receive any incentives

  • You maximize lifetime savings

  • You avoid interest payments

  • Your home value increases

For homeowners who have enough financial liquidity, solar panels can act like a stable, tax-advantaged energy investment with strong long-term ROI.

Many of our clients describe it as: “Prepaying 25 years of electricity at a discount.” while also increasing their home’s value.

Option 2: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)The New Standard in Affordable Solar

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)—specifically a prepaid PPA—is an emerging way for homeowners to install solar and battery systems without the complexity of managing the changing federal solar tax credit. The financing company technically owns the equipment, allowing them to claim business tax credits and depreciation benefits. Our partner then passes the savings to you upfront, resulting in a significant reduction in the system’s overall cost (typically up to 30% percent off).

Key points for a PPA:

  • Significant upfront savings on system cost

  • The system is on your roof, generating energy

  • Comes with production guarantees and service coverage

  • Maintenance and tax management are handled by the financier

  • You can often take ownership for $0 after approximately six years

From the homeowner’s perspective, a prepaid PPA feels identical to ownership and is a lower-risk, maintenance-free, cash-efficient way to get solar. It is particularly valuable in tax-sensitive markets like Sonoma County.

Option 3: Solar Panel Financing (Loan)

Solar panel financing allows you to own your system without paying upfront. This is one of the most popular forms of financing for solar because it balances ownership with flexibility.

With a solar loan:

  • $0 down options are available

  • You still qualify for incentives

  • You own the system

  • Monthly payments often replace most or all of your PG&E bill

  • Your solar electricity turns to profit after the system is paid off

Many homeowners structure their solar power project finance so their monthly loan payment is close to, or lower than, what they were paying PG&E. The difference being, this payment eventually ends.

This option is ideal for homeowners who want long-term savings and ownership, but prefer to preserve cash.

Option 4: Solar Lease

For some homeowners, simplicity and predictability are more important than ownership. With a solar lease and prepaid lease:

  • Little or no upfront cost

  • Fixed monthly payment

  • Maintenance is typically included

  • No need to manage tax credits

  • Immediate reduction in electricity costs compared to PG&E

You don’t own the system, the leasing company does, but you benefit from the power it produces.

It’s not the highest long-term return option, but it can be the simplest path to predictable energy costs. And yes, Taylor Energy offers solar leases!

Explore solar financing options in Sonoma County with Taylor Energy

Cash vs Loan vs Lease: Quick Comparison

Not sure which is right for you? That’s what Taylor Energy is here for.

Incentives for Ground Mounted Solar Panels in California  

With over 15 years in business and 750+ installations throughout Sonoma County, we’ve built our reputation on transparency and long-term relationships. We’ll show you:

  • Real production numbers

  • Clear payment comparisons

  • Honest long-term savings projections

  • How incentives apply to your situation

  • What happens if you sell your home

No inflated savings charts. No high-pressure tactics. Just clear math and professional guidance from a local, community-focused solar company.

Let’s Find the Right Solar Financing Option for You

Every home and every financial situation is different. If you live in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Windsor, Sebastopol, or surrounding Sonoma County communities, we’ll review:

  • Your recent PG&E bills

  • Your home’s production potential

  • Your long-term financial goals

  • Cash vs loan vs lease comparisons

Then we’ll build a clear, side-by-side proposal so you can decide confidently.

Start saving on your electricity bill today. Call Taylor Energy (707) 785-8773 and schedule a solar assessment!

Start saving on your electricity bill today.

Call Taylor Energy and schedule a solar assessment!

(707) 785-8773

Commercial Solar Project Gallery

Check out some of our latest commercial solar installations in California.

Aerial view of rooftop solar on commercial building
Aerial view of rooftop solar on commercial building
Aerial view of rooftop solar on commercial building
Solar panels installed on the white flat roof of a building, with a wooden building and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a residential area with apartment buildings featuring solar panels on their roofs, surrounded by farmland and fields.
A building with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by trees, with a parking lot in front including spaces designated for handicapped parking.
Rooftop view with multiple blue solar panels, HVAC units, and other equipment, with trees and houses in the background under a clear sky.
Multiple buildings with solar panels on their roofs in an urban setting, with trees and other buildings in the background.
Aerial view of a building rooftop with multiple rows of installed solar panels, some workers adjusting panels, and various vents and HVAC equipment.
An aerial view of a commercial building with solar panels installed on the roof, surrounded by a parking lot with a white car and a Taylor truck, and a backdrop of trees and cloudy sky.
A large commercial building with a metal roof featuring solar panels, surrounded by residential apartments and a parking lot, under a clear blue sky.
A parking lot next to a commercial building with white walls and a tiled roof covered in solar panels. There are a few cars parked, including a silver SUV, and designated handicap parking signs are visible. Tall trees are in the background under a pa
Solar panels installed on the roof of a building in an urban area.
City skyline with modern buildings and skyscrapers against a clear, blue sky.
Cityscape with buildings, solar panels on a rooftop, and a worker in a yellow safety vest.
Cityscape featuring industrial and commercial buildings, solar panels on a rooftop, and power infrastructure with high-voltage electrical equipment in the background.
Solar panels installed on the roof of a commercial building near a Costco store.
Solar panels installed on a metal roof with trees and hills in the background.

Testimonials

“To everyone thinking of adding solar, I was skeptical of the cost benefit for many years, but Taylor Energy took the time to explain all of the benefits to us; including cost savings. We now have three systems online and are very pleased with the installation, operation and cost savings. I highly recommend Taylor Energy for these systems.”

- Jim Pacette (Sebastopol)

"We are saving $130,000 a year that would have gone to PG&E that we can now reinvest back into the wines, back into the vineyards or back into more sustainability."

- Anthony Beckman, Winemaker & Vice President (Balletto Vineyards)

“Having reviewed a number of proposals for solar installation, I'm very happy to have chosen Taylor Energy. They were highly professional from the first meeting, through coordinating with my roofing contractor, (who they had never met, but with whom they had to work in lock-step during the installation) to the installation and follow-up. They are of the highest skills, professionalism and integrity.” 

- Ross Halleck (Sebastopol)