The federal tax credit for solar is still available through our 25-year lease program -- even after it ended for cash and financed purchases on December 30, 2025. No money down, no maintenance, full coverage for 25 years.
GET YOUR FREE QUOTEOn December 30, 2025, the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) expired for homeowners who purchase or finance a system with cash or a loan. But because LightReach owns the equipment under a lease, the 30% tax credit still applies to every leased system -- and those savings are passed directly to you through a lower monthly payment.
This makes the 25-year lease the most cost-effective way to go solar right now.
Lease: 30% federal tax credit is built into your rate -- you benefit automatically
Cash and Financing: Tax credit is no longer available as of December 30, 2025
With the federal tax credit no longer available for cash purchases or financed loans, the 25-year lease through LightReach gives homeowners the biggest advantage. The tax credit savings are baked into your monthly rate, your entire system -- including batteries -- is covered for a full 25 years, and you don't pay a dollar upfront.
We still offer financing and cash purchases for homeowners who prefer those options, and we'll happily walk you through the numbers on each. But dollar for dollar, the lease delivers the most value in 2026 because it's the only path that still includes the federal tax credit.
Through LightReach by Palmetto -- the only option that still includes the federal tax credit.
LightReach is a solar energy plan offered through Palmetto, one of the nation's leading residential clean energy platforms. Palmetto owns, installs, monitors, and maintains your entire solar and battery system for 25 years -- and you get all the power it produces at a locked-in rate that's lower than what Edison charges today. Because Palmetto owns the equipment, the 30% federal tax credit still applies, and those savings are passed on to you through a lower monthly payment.
Panels, inverters, and Tesla Powerwall batteries are all covered for 25 years -- that's 15 years beyond the manufacturer's standard 10-year battery warranty. If anything fails, Palmetto handles the repair or replacement at no cost to you.
Your plan includes proactive system monitoring, remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, and all labor for repairs. Palmetto tracks your system's performance 24/7 and addresses issues before you even notice them.
LightReach guarantees your system will produce at least 90% of the estimated energy output. If it underperforms, your bill is adjusted. Production is evaluated every three years to make sure you're getting the savings you were promised.
Starting at year 5, you can buy your system outright at fair market value. If you sell your home, the lease transfers to the new owner. At the end of 25 years, Palmetto removes the equipment at no charge, or you can renew or purchase.
Already have solar panels? Add a Tesla Powerwall with predictable monthly payments and 2 extra years of warranty coverage beyond Tesla's standard.
We design every system to maximize your savings. Let us show you what's possible for your home with the lease.
GET A FREE CONSULTATIONWhile the lease is our strongest recommendation right now, we understand some homeowners prefer to own their system outright. Here are the details on our other two options. Please note: the 30% federal tax credit is no longer available for these programs as of December 30, 2025.
For homeowners who want to own their solar system, we offer financing with competitive fixed rates and flexible terms. You own the equipment from day one, and every payment builds equity in your home.
Important: The 30% federal tax credit is no longer available for financed purchases as of December 30, 2025. Your total cost will be the full system price plus interest.
Paying cash means no monthly payments and no interest. You own everything outright and benefit from reduced electric bills for the life of the system. This is the simplest option if upfront cost isn't a concern.
Important: The 30% federal tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases as of December 30, 2025. The price you pay is the full system cost without any federal incentive.
See how all three options compare. The lease leads in nearly every category now that the tax credit only applies to leased systems.
| 25-Year Lease | Financing | Cash Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 | $0 | Full system cost |
| 30% Federal Tax Credit | ✓ Included in rate Active | ✗ Expired 12/30/25 | ✗ Expired 12/30/25 |
| Monthly Payment | Fixed lease payment | Fixed loan payment | None |
| System Ownership | LightReach owns it | ✓ You own it | ✓ You own it |
| Warranty Coverage | 25 years -- everything Best | Manufacturer only | Manufacturer only |
| Battery Warranty | 25 years (full term) | 10 years (manufacturer) | 10 years (manufacturer) |
| Maintenance and Repairs | ✓ All included | Homeowner responsibility | Homeowner responsibility |
| System Monitoring | ✓ Palmetto App (24/7) | Tesla App | Tesla App |
| Production Guarantee | ✓ 90% guaranteed | ✗ | ✗ |
| Minimum Credit Score | 680 | 650 | N/A |
| Total Lifetime Savings | Best (with tax credit) Best | Good (no tax credit) | Good (no tax credit) |
| Best For | Most homeowners in 2026 | Those who want ownership | Upfront cost is no concern |
Whether you're going with the lease or financing, we work with homeowners across a wide range of credit profiles.
Financing Disclaimer: All financing is subject to credit approval. Interest rates, terms, and conditions are determined by the lender and may vary based on creditworthiness, loan amount, and term selected. APR of 4.99% represents the lowest available rate and may not be available to all applicants. Minimum credit score of 650 required for financing; actual approval criteria may vary by lender. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.
Lease Disclaimer: The 25-year solar lease is offered through LightReach by Palmetto. LightReach owns the solar energy system for the duration of the lease. Monthly lease payments are based on system size, energy production estimates, and selected rate escalator. Minimum credit score of 680 required; approval is subject to LightReach credit qualification criteria. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is claimed by LightReach as the system owner and is reflected in the customer's lease rate. Homeowners on a lease do not directly claim the federal tax credit. The 90% production guarantee is subject to the terms of the LightReach energy plan agreement. System buyout is available starting year 5 at fair market value. Lease transferability is subject to new homeowner credit approval and local utility requirements.
Battery Lease Disclaimer: 12-year battery lease pricing of $173/month (1 Powerwall) and $254/month (2 Powerwalls) is based on standard installation with battery located within 20 feet of the main electrical panel. Final pricing is determined after site visit and may vary. The 12-year warranty provided through the lease extends 2 years beyond the Tesla manufacturer's standard 10-year warranty. Additional batteries may be added at additional cost.
Tax Credit Notice: The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for homeowner-owned systems (cash purchase and financed loans) expired on December 30, 2025. The ITC remains available for third-party-owned systems (leases and PPAs) where the system owner claims the credit. Pell Solar does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult a qualified tax professional to determine your eligibility for any tax credits or incentives.
General: Pell Solar is a Tesla Certified Installer. All product warranties are provided by the respective manufacturers. Savings estimates are based on current utility rates and projected energy production; actual savings may vary. Edison service fees, taxes, and non-bypassable charges (NBCs) apply to all customers regardless of solar installation.
The 30% federal tax credit makes the lease the clear winner right now. We'll run the numbers for your specific home and show you exactly what your monthly payment and savings will look like. No pressure, no jargon.
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