Why get your solar from a mortgage company?

Apricot has very competitive rates: I’ve consistently seen that Apricot is able to offer a lower priced solar system than many other companies, often times 20-40% more affordable than other leading companies, without any loss in service and in fact, often times exceeding expectations.

Apricot works the way Click Mortgage works, with integrity: If you’re my prospective mortgage client, my goal is to educate you on the different mortgage options you have and provide you with the information needed so you can decide what fits your lifestyle on your own timeline. Apricot Solar does the same with its different solar offerings. The solar industry isn’t regulated the way the mortgage industry is, so integrity is even more important and harder to find. We believe we’ve found that with Apricot Solar.

We stay involved: Getting solar panels is a process that can span weeks or even months and Apricot Solar clearly communicates this up front and updates you and me weekly with your current status starting when you first choose your solar package, to installation, and connecting your system to your home’s utility meter. This allows us to make sure that their service never wavers so we can continue to confidently work with them.

I earn a small referral fee: I’ll transparently share that Apricot Solar pays me a small referral fee when my clients work with us and Apricot for their solar needs. Similar to how a referring real estate agent earns a portion of the commission when someone buys or sells a home, Apricot does the same for us while still offering lower-than-average solar rates. Their idea is that rather than spending a ton of money on Facebook and Google ads to advertise directly to you or paying a fleet of door-knocking salesmen, Apricot Solar partners with other professionals who work with homeowners (like mortgage lenders) and passes those savings to our clients.

They have flexible solar options: When considering the installation of solar panels for your home, you have three primary options to acquire them: purchasing, leasing, or entering into a power purchase agreement (PPA). Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, catering to different homeowner preferences and financial situations. They can even take care of roof repairs and maintenance as part of your solar installation.

1) Purchasing Solar Panels: Purchasing solar panels outright is often considered the most financially rewarding option in the long run. When you buy solar panels, you make an upfront investment that typically pays off over time through energy savings and potential government incentives or tax credits. You have full ownership of the solar system, allowing you to benefit from any increase in your home’s resale value. If paid in full up-front, the initial cost can be substantial, and it may take several years to recoup your investment. However there are financing options that can allow you to pay $0 up-front and pay for the system over time while still reaping any available tax credits and incentives. Additionally, you are responsible for maintenance and repairs.

2) Leasing Solar Panels: Leasing solar panels involves a third-party company installing and maintaining the system on your property in exchange for a monthly lease payment. This option requires little to no upfront cost, making it accessible to homeowners with tight budgets. You benefit from immediate electricity bill savings without the responsibility of system maintenance. However, you won’t be eligible for federal tax credits or local incentives, and the long-term savings may be lower compared to purchasing. Moreover, lease agreements typically run for 15-20 years, which may limit your flexibility if you decide to sell your home.

3) Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): PPAs are similar to leasing but involve paying for the electricity generated by the solar panels rather than leasing the equipment itself. With a PPA, you buy the solar power produced at a predetermined rate, often lower than your utility’s rates. This option requires little upfront investment, and you save on electricity bills from day one. Like leasing, PPAs usually come with long-term contracts and may not make you eligible for tax credits or incentives. You also don’t own the solar panels, so any maintenance and repair responsibilities fall on the PPA provider.

Interested in seeing if solar is a good fit for your home? Give me a call to learn more.