HOME / greenbacker secures nearly 1 billion financing to support acquisition
Most homeowners spend between $12,600 and $33,376 to install a complete residential solar system in 2026, with the national average at $19,873 before incentives. Your actual cost depends on your home's energy needs, roof characteristics, location and other factors, all of which we'll break down in this guide.
These costs are for a typical 7 kW residential system ($19,873 average). Monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels are the most common types of solar panels. Most residential installations use monocrystalline photovoltaics (PV) panels, which offer up to 24% efficiency and perform better in limited space and extreme temperatures.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular choice for residential installation (nearly all residential solar panels installed in 2022 were monocrystalline) because they have the highest efficiency rates from 17% to 22%. The average cost for these panels is between $1 and $1.50 per watt, but prices may differ depending on location.
Specific sources for this article include: EnergySage, “ Solar panel cost in 2025: It may be lower than you think.” Accessed Jan. 7, 2026. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “ Solar Installed System Cost Analysis.” Accessed Jan. 7, 2026. SolarReviews, “ Solar Panel Costs in 2026: It's Usually Worth It.” Accessed Jan. 7, 2026.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has drafted example contracts for a variety of PPA arrangements for use in creating or vetting new PPA programs. DOE has a draft RFP for use in requesting applications to create either a PPA or a lease for financing a solar installation. Select each financing option to dive deeper and learn more.
DOE has a draft RFP for use in requesting applications to create either a PPA or a lease for financing a solar installation. Select each financing option to dive deeper and learn more. OTHER FINANCING OPTIONS
Homeowners who prefer a streamlined, one-stop-shopping experience may find obtaining financing through their solar contractor appealing. Contrary to common concerns, financing through the contractor may not necessarily result in higher interest rates compared to other loan options.
Your state, county, or city may also provide incentives for installing solar panels. For instance, in Austin, Texas, the utility company offers a $2,500 rebate for homeowners who adopt solar energy and complete a solar education course.
We finance both solar plus storage projects as well as standalone storage projects. We know the asset class and can provide value with long-term, project-level debt. Our solar lending team members are experts in utility-scale and C&I solar, community solar and energy storage project financing nationwide.
The general principles of project finance that apply to the financing of solar and wind projects also apply to energy storage projects. Since the majority of solar projects currently under construction include a storage system, lenders in the project finance markets are willing to finance the construction and cashflows of an energy storage project.
Investors and lenders are eager to enter into the energy storage market. In many ways, energy storage projects are no different than a typical project finance transaction. Project finance is an exercise in risk allocation. Financings will not close until all risks have been catalogued and covered.
These projects will have long-term predictable revenue streams. In addition, lenders may be willing to finance merchant cashflows, but with less leverage and subject to detailed market studies and cash sweeps. These trends for solar and wind projects also apply to energy storage projects.
Get technical specifications, product datasheets, ROI analysis templates, and 2026 energy storage subsidy policy information.
2530 Energy Park Drive, Midrand
Johannesburg 1685, South Africa
+27 11 874 5200
Monday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM SAST