Solar Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Monthly Solar Loan Payments

Solar panel systems have high upfront costs, but you should make the money back in electricity savings over time. If you plan to finance solar panels, a solar loan calculator can estimate your monthly payments and rate to help you determine how much you can afford.

» MORE: Compare solar loan options

Solar loan calculator

Understanding your solar loan calculator results

Monthly payment is the amount you’ll pay toward your loan each month. Part of it goes to interest, and the rest goes to the principal.

Total interest payments are the amount you’ll pay in interest alone over the lifetime of the loan. This number tells you how much it actually costs to borrow the funds.

Total loan payments are the amount you’ll pay by the end of the loan, including the loan principal and interest.

How to apply for a solar loan

Here are five steps to apply for an unsecured solar loan.

• Check your credit: Your credit score is a key factor in qualifying for a loan and in the rate you receive. Review your credit report and fix any errors that might be hurting your score. You can check your credit score for free with NerdWallet or request a credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.

• Pre-qualify and choose a lender: Pre-qualifying allows you to see the rate a lender may offer you without impacting your credit score. You can compare personalized offers from different lenders to find the loan amount you need as well as monthly payments that fit your budget.

• Gather your documents: Lenders will ask for documents to verify your identity, address, employment and income. These can include copies of a driver’s license, utility bill, tax return and W2. 

• Apply for a loan: You can apply online or in person, depending on the lender. A formal application requires a hard credit check, so your score may drop by a few points temporarily. If you’re approved, expect to get your funds in less than a week. Your first payment will typically be due after 30 days. 

Other solar panel financing options

Compare home improvement loans: See which lenders offer the best personal loans for home improvements.

Use a home equity loan: If you have equity in your home, a home equity loan can provide a lump sum of money at a low rate.

Borrow a home equity line of credit: A home equity line of credit borrows against your home’s equity and can provide flexibility for the amount you need. The best HELOC lenders offer low, variable rates.

Cash-out refinance: Lower your mortgage rate and get extra cash with a cash-out refinance.