Southern California: The Solar Capital of the United States

Southern California is home to more solar-powered rooftops than any other region in any other state. Solar power systems are so popular across the Golden State, largely because they help property owners save money on electricity costs that keep rising. For many residential and commercial property owners, a financed solar power system is less expensive in the long run than staying with their local utility.

If you are in Southern California and considering installing a solar power system, the dedicated, trained and qualified professionals at Sullivan Solar Power are here to help you every step of the way. From helping you select the best type and level of solar power system for your property to installing the equipment and maintaining it to keep it working as designed, we will be your solar power partners.

We don't just design, install and maintain state-of-the-art solar energy systems. We go the extra mile for our clients to provide comprehesive support, including advising them on financing needs and helping them identify, apply for and receive all the financial incentives offered by local cities and other governmental jurisdictions they are entitled to receive. Sullivan Solar Power is a solar power industry leader dedicated to making all of Southern California a cleaner and greener community.

Residential Solar Power Financing Methods

Residential PACE

Certain territories throughout Southern California are offering residential homeowners access to low interest financing for energy and water efficiency projects in their homes. Sullivan Solar Power is partnered with Renovate America, the Program Administrator, for the Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Program which finances energy improvements through special assessments on the homeowner’s property taxes. This type of financing is known as Property Assessed Clean Energy financing (PACE) and is a great opportunity to finance a solar system based on property valuations rather than qualifying credit. In most cases the property tax assessment stays with the property if sold. Coupling HERO financing with a Pre-Paid Solar Lease is one of the most advantageous solutions currently available and typically locks in a homeowner with a lease rate lower than their lowest utility tier. Contact Sullivan Solar Power today to learn more about this program. Areas included in this program include:

County of Riverside, District 1, 2, 3 and 5

• Banning
• Calimesa
• Canyon Lake
• Corona
• Eastvale
• Hemet

• Jurupa Valley
• Lake Elsinore
• March JPA
• Menifee
• Moreno Valley
• Murrieta

• Norco
• Perris
• Riverside
• San Jacinto
• Temecula
• Wildomar

20 Year Unsecured Solar Loan

This is a good alternative for customers who do not have equity in their homes or would like the option of owning the system without refinancing or taking money out of the bank. Our credit union offers unsecured 20-year loans with payments calculated on a 20-year amortization schedule. This loan is specifically geared toward solar power systems and allows the homeowner to re-amortize within the first year dropping payment to less than their current utility bill.

• Must have a 45% debt-to-income ratio after financing your PV system
• FICO score of 680 or higher is required
• Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000
• Interest rates can range from 4.99% - 9.99%. Customers with FICO scores above 730 will typically see rates around 6.25%

Home Equity Line Of Credit

Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are a very popular method of financing for PV systems as it allows customers to pay the loans down at their own pace. HELOCs allow customers to see immediate positive cash flow from day one with interest-only minimum monthly payments. Some additional facts are:

• Must have over 20% equity in your home after the loan (80% LTV)
• Must have a 45% debt to income ratio after financing the PV system
• FICO score of 700 or higher is required
• Interest rates for HELOCs range around 3% - 5% for qualified customers

12 Year Combo Loan

The combo loan allows a customer to pay down the interest rate to a low 2.99%. This loan allows the homeowner to pay down the loan faster than any other finance option that Sullivan offers. With this option there are 2 loans, one that is 30% of the total contract price (this loan is a 1 year same as cash with no interest), the other loan is the remainder of the contract price for a 12 year term.

• Must have a 45% debt to income ratio after financing your PV system
• FICO score of 700 or higher is required

Lease Options

Sullivan Solar Power offers a lease that is the most competitive in the industry. A solar lease gives the customer the option to install solar with little or no up-front costs. The benefit of leasing is it provides 100% visibility into electric costs for the next 20 years. These agreements provide free maintenance and a production guarantee for the term of the loan.

• Monthly lease - Replaces monthly payment with a payment that is lower than current electric bill
• Prepaid lease - Prepay electricity at a heavily discounted rate at one time and do not make another payment for twenty years.
• No equity required
• FICO score of 700 or higher is required.

Designing the Right System for You

Given both the financial and social benefits associated with solar power systems, it is no surprise that solar power installations have increased more than 110 percent  in recent years, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy. To learn more about our solar energy systems and how you can benefit from an installation, contact Sullivan Solar Power today. We will develop a customized solar energy system that fits your residential or commercial needs by thoroughly assessing your property and budget, among other needs.

 

Additional information:

• Solar Rebates, California Solar Initiative
• Solar Federal Tax Credits
• Solar Power Purchase Agreements

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