If you own your home, your roof gets reasonable sun, and your electric bill is high enough to be worth offsetting, you very likely qualify for $0-down solar. Credit matters for some financing, but $0-down lease and PPA options exist specifically to widen who can go solar without a large upfront cost.
What determines eligibility
- You own the home. You generally need to own (not rent) to install rooftop solar.
- Your roof can host panels. Decent condition, not heavily shaded all day, with usable space. A roof near end-of-life may need replacing first.
- Your electric bill is worth offsetting. The higher your bill, the stronger the case.
- Your utility and state. Net metering and local incentives change the math.
- Financing fit. $0-down lease/PPA options are designed to lower the credit and cash bar.
Find out what your home qualifies for
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See If You Qualify →Frequently asked questions
Do I need great credit to go solar?
Not always. $0-down leases and PPAs are structured so more homeowners qualify without a large upfront payment. The simplest way to know is a free eligibility check based on your address and bill.
Does my roof need to be new?
No, but it should be in reasonable condition with years of life left. A roof near the end of its life is usually best replaced before or during the install.
What if my electric bill is small?
Solar still works, but the savings scale with your bill — the higher your usage, the stronger the case. $0-down options help lower bills still make sense.
Can renters get solar?
Generally no — you typically need to own the home for rooftop solar. Some areas offer community solar for renters, which is different from a rooftop system.
This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Federal and state solar incentives change and depend on your situation — confirm details with a licensed tax professional before deciding. Last reviewed: June 2026.