Credit union solar loans in Tampa: why the rate profile is different

Not all solar loans are built the same way, and the difference is usually the dealer fee.

What a dealer fee is

Many low-advertised-rate solar loans carry a fee paid by the contractor to the lender to buy the rate down. That fee lands in the system price. A 0.99% loan with a large dealer fee can cost more overall than a 7% loan with none.

Where credit unions differ

Member lenders such as Credit Human tend to price closer to a straightforward home improvement loan: a real rate, a real term, fewer buydown mechanics baked into the cash price. For homeowners with solid credit who intend to own the system, that is often the cheapest total path.

How to compare properly

Ask every lender for three numbers: APR, term and total finance charge over the life of the loan. Then ask the contractor for the cash price of the same system with no financing attached. The gap between cash price and financed price is the buydown.

Where the other products still win

If you cannot use ownership benefits, or you want maintenance handled for you, a lease or prepaid lease may still net a lower monthly number. That is why we place across seven programs instead of pushing one.

Read more

• Solar panel cost in Florida
• Are solar panels worth it in Florida?
• Financing programs
• Tampa solar installation

Talk it through with a Tampa crew

Origin is a Tampa-based solar, roofing, battery and electrical contractor (Florida license EC13012465) serving Tampa Bay and Central Florida. Start with the quick questionnaire, compare programs on the financing page, or book a consultation — in person, virtual, or a call back.

Approvals, rates and terms are set by each lender. Nothing here is a guarantee of approval or of savings.