Fund Your Kit
Yes, you can spread the cost of a plug-in solar kit over time. OwnWatts partners with Clean Energy Credit Union, a nonprofit clean energy lender, so you can borrow $1,000 to $50,000 at a fixed rate over 3 to 10 years, with no collateral and no prepayment penalty. Ready to choose? Browse our plug-in solar kits.
Electric bills keep climbing. Sunlight is free.
We are partnering with the Clean Energy Credit Union to start your plug-in solar savings right away. The panels are built to keep producing for decades, so a kit more than pays for itself over its lifetime.
Not everyone wants to make the full investment upfront, and that's okay: with a fair loan from a nonprofit, community-focused lender, you can start saving now and spread the cost over time.
Why Clean Energy Credit Union?
We wanted a financing partner that shares our goal of making solar more accessible. CECU is a nonprofit, member-owned credit union focused entirely on clean energy lending.
Its loans have fixed rates, no processing fee and no penalty for paying them off early. If you pay your loan off sooner, you can reduce the total interest you pay.
CECU also offers rate discounts for eligible borrowers, including Maryland residents and households that qualify for its Clean Energy for All program.
How much can I borrow and what does it cost?
- Borrow $1,000 to $50,000 at a fixed rate, and pay it back over 3, 5, 7, or 10 years.
- The loan is unsecured, so there's no home equity or collateral required.
- No prepayment penalty and no processing fee, so you can pay it off early at no extra cost.
- Flexible buying options: apply for the loan first, and once you're approved, Clean Energy Credit Union coordinates with OwnWatts to pay for your kit. Or buy your kit upfront and apply for the loan to get reimbursed.
- Rates change, so check Clean Energy Credit Union's rates page for the current numbers. Their published rates include a 2.00% discount when you set up automatic payments.
- Extra savings may be available: if you live in Maryland, Montgomery County MD, New York, or Bloomington IN, or you qualify as an economically disadvantaged borrower (the Clean Energy for All program), CECU offers a rate discount of 0.50% or more on loans with a term of 2 years or more. Only one discount program applies per loan.
How do I apply?
- Start your application on Clean Energy Credit Union's website (opens their site in a new tab).
- Choose "Clean Energy Loans," then "Unsecured Green Home Improvement."
- Enter the loan amount (your kit price plus sales tax), pick a 3, 5, 7, or 10 year term, and for the project description, put your kit's product name and list OwnWatts as the reseller.
- Pre-approval can be instant, and full processing can take as little as 3 days.
- Join the credit union. Membership is $5 in a savings account, and if you're not otherwise eligible, they can sign you up for a free Solar United Neighbors membership.
- Once your loan is approved, Clean Energy Credit Union pays us directly for your kit, so there's no upfront payment from you. If you bought your kit upfront, your loan reimburses you instead.
See the full application walkthrough
What else should I know?
- The minimum loan is $1,000. Looking at one of our smaller kits? If there's money left over from the loan after you buy the kit, you can pay it back right away.
- Your monthly payment depends on the amount you borrow, your rate and the term you choose. Your monthly savings from solar may or may not cover the monthly loan payment: it depend on your setup, sunlight and utility rates.
- Keep us in the loop: you can list OwnWatts' email in your application and give them permission to communicate with us, so we can help coordinate payment for your kit.
Common questions
Can I finance a plug-in solar kit?
Yes. Clean Energy Credit Union offers an unsecured Green Home Improvement Loan that fits a plug-in solar kit. Apply for the loan first and CECU pays OwnWatts directly for your kit, or buy your kit upfront and get reimbursed.
How much can I borrow?
You can borrow $1,000 to $50,000 and pay it back over 3, 5, 7, or 10 years at a fixed rate. Enter your kit price plus sales tax as the loan amount.
Does the loan cover sales tax?
Yes. Add your kit's sales tax when you enter the loan amount, so the loan covers your full order total.
How long does approval take?
Pre-approval can be instant, and full processing can take as little as 3 days. Once your loan is approved, Clean Energy Credit Union coordinates with OwnWatts to pay for your kit.
Do I need good credit?
Clean Energy Credit Union reviews your credit as part of your application, and your rate depends on your credit. As with any loan, approval is not guaranteed.
Can renters apply?
Yes. The loan is unsecured, so you don't need to own a home or have home equity to apply.
Questions about the loan? Call Clean Energy Credit Union at 720-479-7900, email info@cleanenergycu.org, or visit cleanenergycu.org. Questions about kits? Email us at info@myownwatts.com.