Are there special solar loans specifically for veterans?

While there isn't a single government-mandated 'veteran solar loan' program like the VA home loan, many private lenders and financial institutions offer personal loans with benefits for veterans. These can include interest rate discounts, waived origination fees, or more flexible underwriting that considers military-specific income like VA benefits. The key is to find a lender who values your service. Our platform helps by connecting you to a network of these military-friendly lenders.

Can I use a VA loan to finance solar panels?

Yes, but it's often more complex. You can use a VA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) when purchasing a home or a VA cash-out refinance on a home you already own. Both options involve rolling the cost of the solar panels into your mortgage. This means a full mortgage application and closing process, which can be slow and costly. A personal loan is a separate, unsecured transaction that is much faster and doesn't require refinancing your entire home loan.

How does my VA disability income affect my loan application?

Lenders view VA disability income as stable, reliable, and non-taxable, which makes it a strong component of a loan application. When you list this income, lenders may 'gross it up' (typically by 25%) to account for its tax-free status, which can significantly improve your debt-to-income ratio and increase your chances of approval for a larger loan amount or better rate.

Is it wise to get a solar loan if I might have to PCS (Permanent Change of Station)?

This is a key consideration for active-duty families. Studies have shown that homes with owned solar systems sell faster and for a premium. Because a personal loan is not tied to your property, it doesn't complicate the sale of your home like a solar lease or a HELOC might. You simply continue making your loan payments after you sell. The increased home value can often offset a significant portion of the remaining loan balance.

Can I get a solar loan if I'm a USAA member?

Absolutely. While USAA offers its own financial products, many USAA members use platforms like ours to compare rates from a wider variety of lenders. Being a USAA member is a strong indicator of financial stability and connection to the military community, which is viewed favorably by many lenders in our network. You can compare any offer you receive through us with options from USAA to ensure you're getting the best possible deal.

Are unsecured solar loans available for active duty military?

Yes. The personal loans offered through our partner network are unsecured, which is an ideal solution for active duty personnel. An unsecured loan means you don't have to put up your house or any other asset as collateral. This provides significant flexibility and reduces risk, especially given the mobile lifestyle of many service members. Lenders will assess your eligibility based on your creditworthiness and stable military income.

Solar Panel Loans for USAA Members & Veterans

Finance your home solar system with a personal loan designed for active duty military, veterans, and their families.

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Financing Solar Can Feel Like Navigating a Minefield

You're not sure if your military service qualifies you for special financing or discounts.
We connect you with lenders who recognize the value of your service and may offer specific benefits for veterans and active-duty members.
Lenders don't understand military life, like income from VA benefits or the possibility of a PCS move.
Our network includes lenders experienced with military finances, ensuring a smoother application process that accounts for your unique circumstances.
Comparing VA loan options, solar leases, and personal loans is confusing and time-consuming.
We provide clear, straightforward comparisons to help you choose the smartest financing path for your long-term goals.
You're concerned about putting a lien on your house, especially if you're using a VA-backed mortgage.
A personal loan is an unsecured option, meaning it doesn't use your home as collateral, offering greater flexibility and peace of mind.

Powering Your Home: A Smart Investment for Military Families

As a veteran or active-duty service member, you understand the value of security and self-reliance. Installing a residential solar panel system is a powerful step towards energy independence, lower utility bills, and increasing your property value. However, the upfront cost, often ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, can be a significant hurdle. That's where a dedicated solar loan for veterans comes in. Unlike a generic loan, these financing options are designed with the unique financial landscape of military families in mind.

An unsecured personal loan offers a straightforward path to financing your solar project without the complexities of home equity loans or the restrictive terms of a solar lease. It's a lump-sum loan with a fixed interest rate and predictable monthly payments, making it easy to budget for. For USAA members and the broader military community, this type of financing provides the flexibility needed to manage a major home improvement project, even with the potential for future relocations. You own the system outright from day one, meaning you reap all the benefits, including the valuable federal solar tax credit.

Your Path to Solar Financing in 3 Steps

1
Check Your Rate
Fill out a short form with some basic information about yourself and your solar project. This takes about two minutes and won't affect your credit score.
2
Compare Your Options
If you pre-qualify, you'll see personalized loan options from our network of lenders, including any potential military-specific offers.
3
Get Funded
Select the best offer, complete the final application with the lender, and once approved, the funds are typically deposited directly into your account.

Understanding the Costs of a Solar Panel System

The total cost of going solar depends on your home's size, energy consumption, and location. A personal loan can cover the entire project, from hardware to labor. It's crucial to get multiple quotes from reputable installers to ensure you're getting a fair price. Your loan should be sized to cover the full contract amount, allowing you to pay the installer directly and own the system immediately. This ownership is key to maximizing your return on investment through energy savings and tax incentives.

Sample 10kW Solar System Cost Breakdown

Solar Panels (25 x 400W) 25 panels @ ~$500/ea	$12,500
Inverter & Mounting Hardware System components	$5,000
Installation Labor Professional crew, 2-3 days	$8,500
Permitting & Inspection Fees Varies by municipality	$1,500

Estimated monthly

$458/mo

Based on a $27,500 loan with a 7-year term at 11% APR. Your actual rate will vary.

See Your Personalized Solar Loan Rate

Find out what you could qualify for without impacting your credit score. It's fast, free, and secure.

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Loan Parameters for Military Solar Financing

Loan amount: $5,000 – $100,000
APR: 8.99% – 35.99%
Term: 36 mo – 144 mo

Your actual APR depends on credit score, loan amount, term, and credit history. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rates. All loans are subject to lender review and approval.

We provide access to a wide range of loan amounts and terms to fit the scale of your solar project. Longer terms can result in lower monthly payments, but you may pay more in interest over the life of the loan. Shorter terms mean higher payments but less total interest. Lenders will consider your full financial profile, including your credit score, income-to-debt ratio, and military service history. For those with strong credit, rates can be highly competitive with other forms of financing.

Example scenario

Getting a personal loan was way easier than trying to navigate a cash-out refi on our VA mortgage. We got funded in a few days and had the solar panels installed the next month. Our electric bill is almost zero now.

David R., USMC (Ret.)·Homeowner, San Diego, CA

Personal Loans vs. Other VA Solar Loan Options

Veterans have several avenues for financing a solar installation. While options like a VA-backed cash-out refinance exist, they involve a lengthy process of refinancing your entire mortgage and using your home as collateral. A personal loan offers a faster, more flexible alternative. It's an unsecured loan, meaning your home isn't on the line, which can be a significant advantage, especially for military families who may need to sell their home on a shorter timeline due to a PCS. Let's compare the most common choices.

Comparing Your Solar Financing Choices

	Personal Loan	VA Cash-Out Refinance	Solar Lease / PPA
Collateral	None (Unsecured)	Your Home	None
Funding Speed	Fast (1-5 days)	Slow (30-60+ days)	N/A (No loan)
Ownership	You own the system	You own the system	A third-party owns it
Tax Credits	You get the full credit	You get the full credit	The leasing company gets it
Complexity	Low	High (Full mortgage process)	Medium (Complex contracts)

Eligibility for a Veteran Solar Loan

What Lenders Typically Look For

Military Service: Proof of service (like a DD214 for veterans or current orders for active duty) may be requested for special discounts.
Credit Score: A score of 620 or higher is generally preferred, with the best rates reserved for applicants with scores of 700+.
Verifiable Income: Lenders will want to see stable income from employment, military pay, pensions, or VA benefits.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Your total monthly debt payments (including housing) should ideally be less than 45% of your gross monthly income.
U.S. Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old.

If your credit profile is borderline, you can strengthen your application by paying down existing credit card balances to lower your DTI or by ensuring all your income sources, including VA disability payments, are properly documented.

Find Out What You Qualify For

A quick check can show you the loan amount and terms you could be eligible for.

See My Options

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Focusing Only on the Monthly Payment: Don't get drawn in by a low monthly payment attached to a very long loan term (15-20 years). You could end up paying far more in interest than necessary. Calculate the total cost of the loan.
Forgetting to Ask About Military Discounts: Always inquire if a lender offers a rate discount or fee waiver for veterans or active-duty personnel. Not all do, but it never hurts to ask.
Ignoring the Federal Tax Credit: The federal solar tax credit (ITC) can significantly reduce the net cost of your system. Make sure you understand how it works and factor it into your financial planning. It's a credit, not a rebate, so you need tax liability to claim it.
Not Planning for a PCS: If you're active duty, consider the possibility of a move. Owning your solar panels can increase your home's resale value, but it's a factor to discuss with your real estate agent. A personal loan isn't tied to the house, making the process cleaner if you sell.

Still have questions? Let us help.

Start by checking your rate, and our team can help guide you through the process.

Start My Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there special solar loans specifically for veterans?
While there isn't a single government-mandated 'veteran solar loan' program like the VA home loan, many private lenders and financial institutions offer personal loans with benefits for veterans. These can include interest rate discounts, waived origination fees, or more flexible underwriting that considers military-specific income like VA benefits. The key is to find a lender who values your service. Our platform helps by connecting you to a network of these military-friendly lenders.
Can I use a VA loan to finance solar panels?
Yes, but it's often more complex. You can use a VA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) when purchasing a home or a VA cash-out refinance on a home you already own. Both options involve rolling the cost of the solar panels into your mortgage. This means a full mortgage application and closing process, which can be slow and costly. A personal loan is a separate, unsecured transaction that is much faster and doesn't require refinancing your entire home loan.
How does my VA disability income affect my loan application?
Lenders view VA disability income as stable, reliable, and non-taxable, which makes it a strong component of a loan application. When you list this income, lenders may 'gross it up' (typically by 25%) to account for its tax-free status, which can significantly improve your debt-to-income ratio and increase your chances of approval for a larger loan amount or better rate.
Is it wise to get a solar loan if I might have to PCS (Permanent Change of Station)?
This is a key consideration for active-duty families. Studies have shown that homes with owned solar systems sell faster and for a premium. Because a personal loan is not tied to your property, it doesn't complicate the sale of your home like a solar lease or a HELOC might. You simply continue making your loan payments after you sell. The increased home value can often offset a significant portion of the remaining loan balance.
Can I get a solar loan if I'm a USAA member?
Absolutely. While USAA offers its own financial products, many USAA members use platforms like ours to compare rates from a wider variety of lenders. Being a USAA member is a strong indicator of financial stability and connection to the military community, which is viewed favorably by many lenders in our network. You can compare any offer you receive through us with options from USAA to ensure you're getting the best possible deal.
Are unsecured solar loans available for active duty military?
Yes. The personal loans offered through our partner network are unsecured, which is an ideal solution for active duty personnel. An unsecured loan means you don't have to put up your house or any other asset as collateral. This provides significant flexibility and reduces risk, especially given the mobile lifestyle of many service members. Lenders will assess your eligibility based on your creditworthiness and stable military income.

Take the first step toward energy independence

Personal loan disclosure

Money Savvy is not a lender. We are a marketing service that connects consumers with participating lenders. Rates, amounts, and terms vary by lender, your credit history, and other factors.

Loan amounts: $1,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms: 3 – 84 months
Min APR: 5.99%
Max APR: 35.99%
Origination fees: 0% – 10% of the loan amount
Late fees: May apply; vary by lender

Representative example: A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term at an 18.99% APR would have an approximate monthly payment of $366.39 and a total cost of $13,190.04, including interest and a $500 origination fee.

Your actual APR depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

California residents: California Financing Law disclosures available upon request.