Clovis households pay some of the nation’s highest utility prices—PG&E’s summer peak tier now tops $0.63 /kWh—so swapping a volatile power bill for a fixed loan or lease is more compelling than ever. At the same time, NEM 3.0 slashed solar export credits by roughly 75 %, lengthening paybacks if you buy panels outright. Pairing zero-down financing with the 30 % Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—available until December 31 2025 under current law—restores 6- to 8-year ROI timelines for most Clovis roofs.
The Three Loan Types That Beat Utility Rates
1. Solar-Specific Unsecured Loans
Platforms such as GoodLeap and Mosaic let approved homeowners borrow 100 % of project cost with nothing down and no lien on the house.
- Typical terms: 7–25 years at 1.99–9 % APR depending on credit and dealer fees.
- ITC advantage: You still claim the 30 % credit yourself, reducing effective cost in year one.
- Best for: Homeowners who itemize taxes and want full system ownership without tapping home equity.
2. Credit-Union HELOCs & Home-Improvement Loans
Community lenders such as Star One CU and USC Credit Union now market solar loans up to 100 k$ at 5.94 %+ fixed APR with zero pre-payment penalties.
- Equity vs. unsecured: HELOCs often offer lower rates but put a secondary lien on your home; unsecured CU “green loans” avoid liens at slightly higher APR.
- Tax perk: HELOC interest may be deductible if proceeds improve home efficiency—check with your CPA.
- Best for: Borrowers with strong equity or CU membership seeking minimal dealer fees and flexible draws.
3. Third-Party PPAs & Solar Leases
Companies like Sunrun install and maintain the system for $0 up-front, then sell you power at a contracted rate that rises 1–2 %/yr—still slower than PG&E’s 5-year 6 % average increase.
- Ownership: Provider owns the hardware and claims the ITC; you simply pay for kWh generated.
- Best for: Households with limited taxable income or FICO < 650 that want hands-off maintenance.
Cost Snapshot: Clovis 5 kW System, July 2025
| Scenario | Up-Front Cost | Year-1 Loan/Lease Payment | Net Monthly Savings* | Simple Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash purchase | $11,406 (after ITC) | — | $83 | 6.9 yrs |
| GoodLeap 20-yr loan @ 5.99 % | $0 | $79 | $4 | Immediate |
| CU HELOC 10-yr @ 5.94 % | $0 | $124 | −$41 | 1.2 yrs after ITC refund |
| Sunrun PPA (18 ¢/kWh fixed) | $0 | $60 | $23 | Immediate |
- Assumes 9,000 kWh/yr solar output and PG&E blended rate 44 ¢/kWh.
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing $0-Down Financing
- Check roof and usage: Net Metering Systems’ free remote site audit sizes a system to offset 90–110 % of last-year kWh.
- Soft credit pull: Loan partners pre-qualify with no FICO impact.
- Choose structure: Advisor compares APR, dealer fees, and ITC eligibility for each option.
- E-sign docs, schedule install: Most zero-down loans close within 48 hours; PPAs require utility interconnection approval first.
- Claim incentives: Net Metering Systems provides Form 5695 guidance and monitors export billing under NEM 3.0.
FAQs
Will rising rates kill the loan savings? Even after 2024–25 rate hikes, median solar-loan APR (~6 %) still undercuts PG&E’s 20-year forecasted escalation (> 7 %).
What if I sell my house? Solar loans are transferable; PPAs require buyer assumption or payoff.
Is the ITC really ending? The new federal budget phases out the 30 % credit after 2025 unless Congress renews it—act early to lock it in.
Ready to Go Solar in Clovis?
If you’re thinking about solar with battery storage in Clovis, now is the time to act. Summer rates are coming, and the sooner you install, the sooner you start saving.
At Net Metering Systems, we offer:
✅ Custom solar designs
✅ Tesla, Enphase, and SolarEdge battery options
✅ Honest pricing and local expertise
✅ Fast install timelines with in-house crews
Get Your Free Solar + Battery Quote Today
Let’s see how much you could save.
Click here to schedule a free consultation with Net Metering Systems