GoodLeap Solar Loan and PPA for Bay Area Homeowners
GoodLeap is one of the largest solar financing companies in the country. They started out as Loanpal in 2018 and rebranded in 2021. Today they offer both solar loans and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through installers across all 50 states.
Home Pro Roofing and Solar in Sunnyvale, CA provides roofing and solar services for Bay Area homeowners. We handle roof replacements, solar installations, and battery backup systems. We specialize in solar removal and reinstallation during reroofing. Financing available. Nearly 20 years of experience. We coordinate everything so you never manage multiple contractors. Free estimates.
GoodLeap is one of the financing options we present alongside other lenders like Wheelhouse Credit Union, Go Green Home, and prepaid PPA programs. Below is a straight-up look at how GoodLeap loans and GoodLeap PPAs work in 2026.
The GoodLeap Solar Loan
The GoodLeap loan is an unsecured installment loan. Your home is not used as collateral, but the loan amount finances the full system through the installer.
Loan amounts: Typically up to $100,000 depending on credit
Terms: 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 years
APR range: Generally 4.99% to 8.99% in 2026
Minimum credit: 600
Loan types: Standard installment loan and Flexpay (assumes you pay 30% of the loan down within the first 18 months, typically with your tax credit, then re-amortizes the remaining balance)
The Flexpay structure was built around the federal solar tax credit. With the 30% residential tax credit gone after December 31, 2025, the Flexpay model only makes sense in limited cases where the homeowner has other ways to make that 30% paydown.
What to Watch Out For: Dealer Fees
Solar loans from national lenders like GoodLeap include a dealer fee. The dealer fee is paid by the installer to the lender to buy down the advertised interest rate. The fee is then rolled into your loan principal, so you end up financing more than the system actually costs.
In 2026, GoodLeap dealer fees often range from 19% to 35% of the system price. On a $30,000 system, a 25% dealer fee means you actually finance $37,500. The advertised APR might be 5%, but the real cost of borrowing is much higher once you account for the inflated principal.
We always show you the cash price next to the financed price. That way you can see what the financing is really costing and decide if it makes sense for your situation. Sometimes it does, sometimes a credit union loan or a PPA is a better fit.
The GoodLeap PPA
GoodLeap also offers a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Under a PPA, GoodLeap or one of their tax equity partners owns the solar system on your roof. You pay them for the power the system produces.
Term: 25 years
Upfront cost: Zero
Payment structure: Either a fixed monthly rate or a per-kWh rate (balanced billing available)
Annual escalator: 0% to 2.99% in most cases, sometimes up to about 3% in high-rate states
Buyout: Allowed after 5 years at fair market value
Maintenance: Included for the full term, including monitoring and repairs
Because the federal residential solar tax credit ended for cash and loan purchases on December 31, 2025, PPAs have become a much bigger part of the residential solar market. PPAs still qualify for the commercial Investment Tax Credit through 2027 because the system is owned by a business (the PPA company), not the homeowner. That tax credit lets the PPA company offer you a lower rate than they otherwise could.
Loan or PPA: Which One Fits?
There is no single right answer. Here is the simple way to think about it.
A GoodLeap loan makes sense if:
- You want to own the system from day one
- You can use the interest deduction or have a clear path to pay it off
- You have looked at the cash price next to the financed price and the math works
- You have also compared a credit union loan with lower total cost (worth doing first)
A GoodLeap PPA makes sense if:
- You want zero upfront cost and predictable bills
- You do not want to deal with maintenance or future repairs
- You want a production guarantee and full coverage
- You are okay with a 25-year agreement and not owning the system
For most Bay Area homeowners in 2026, the prepaid PPA programs through Solar Tech (HDM Capital and Participate Energy) or the Enfin PPA through Axia by QCells offer a stronger overall value than a GoodLeap loan with a heavy dealer fee. We walk through all of them in your free estimate.
Why Work with Home Pro
We are not loyal to any one lender. We compare options for every homeowner. For some, a GoodLeap loan or PPA is the right fit. For others, a credit union loan, a prepaid PPA, or paying cash makes more sense. We work for you, not the lender.
We also handle your roof work, solar removal and reinstallation, battery storage, and EV charger as one coordinated project. One contractor, one permit, one warranty.
Cities We Serve
We are a local, woman-owned company. We serve homeowners in:
Santa Clara County Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Saratoga, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Santa Clara, San Jose
San Mateo County Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont, San Mateo
Alameda County Fremont, Newark, Union City
Why Home Pro for Your Financing
Home Pro is a local, woman-owned company that has served Bay Area homeowners since 2006. We work with several lenders, including GoodLeap, but we are not loyal to any of them. We work for you.
Working with Home Pro means you get:
- Side-by-side comparison of GoodLeap against credit union loans, prepaid PPAs, and Enfin PPA
- Full transparency on cash price vs. financed price
- One contractor for roof, solar, battery, and EV charger
- One permit, one warranty, one point of contact
- Honest advice when GoodLeap is not the best fit
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GoodLeap a real lender? Yes. GoodLeap is a licensed lender and one of the largest residential solar financing companies in the country. They have funded over $30 billion in solar and home improvement projects across 50 states.
Does a GoodLeap loan put a lien on my house? No. The loan is unsecured. Your home is not collateral.
What is a dealer fee and why does it matter? A dealer fee is a charge the lender bakes into the loan to buy down your interest rate. The fee is paid by the installer but added to your loan principal, so you finance more than the system actually costs. A low advertised rate can mean a much higher real cost once the fee is included. Always compare the cash price to the financed price.
What credit score do I need for a GoodLeap loan? GoodLeap accepts credit scores starting at 600, which is one of the more flexible thresholds in the industry. Higher scores get better rates.
Who owns the system under a GoodLeap PPA? GoodLeap or one of their tax equity partners owns the system. You pay for the power the system produces. The owner handles all maintenance and repairs.
Can I buy the system out of the PPA? Yes. After year 5, you can buy the system at fair market value. You can also have the panels removed at the end of the term at no cost if you decide not to buy or extend.
What happens if I sell my home? For a loan, you pay off the remaining balance at closing. For a PPA, the agreement transfers to the new buyer if they qualify, or you buy it out at closing. We help homeowners and their agents work through the details.
Is a PPA better than a loan in 2026? For most Bay Area homeowners, a PPA or prepaid PPA delivers better value than a loan with a dealer fee. The PPA company captures the commercial tax credit and passes the savings to you through a lower rate. But every situation is different. We compare the real numbers in your estimate.
Why doesn't Home Pro just push GoodLeap on every customer? Because it is not always the best option. We compare GoodLeap to credit union loans, Go Green Home, and our prepaid PPA programs. The right fit depends on your goals, credit, and how long you plan to stay in the home.
Financing Disclaimer
All financing information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Rates, terms, loan amounts, and program availability are subject to change and vary based on creditworthiness, project scope, lender requirements, and other factors. Rates shown reflect information available as of February 2026. Contact Home Pro or the applicable lender directly for current rates and terms before making any financing decisions. Home Pro Roofing and Solar is not a lender or financial advisor. Tax credit information reflects current law as understood at the time of publication and is not tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.
Get a Free Financing Consultation
Before you sign a GoodLeap loan or PPA, let us run the numbers next to your other options. The right financing depends on your goals and your situation. Estimates are free. Call (800) 650-3134 or request a quote through our website.