A solar panel system is an amazing investment for your home. Aside from cutting your energy costs significantly (or completely), you’re also reducing your carbon emissions a ton. If you produce excess energy, the city may even pay you for putting electricity back on the grid.

After reading all of these benefits of installing a solar system, you’re probably eager to get your hands on some panels.  However, solar panel systems are not that cheap, and paying for them in cash may be out of the question. So, what are the other ways you can buy solar panels without paying a lot of money upfront?

Here are some of the best options to consider:

1. In-House Financing

Many solar panel providers offer in-house solar financing to help customers pay for the initial cost of installation. This is a great option for homeowners who don’t want to go through the trouble of getting a personal loan or take out a HELOC. Moreover, in-house financing may offer lower interest rates compared to external financial situations, which will help keep the cost of your solar panels to a minimum.

2. Green Loan

Green loans are personal loans that are offered financial institutions that support initiatives that help protect the environment. The interest rates are often similar to home loans and can be spread out up to seven years with little to no ongoing or repayment penalties. Apart from solar panels, you can use this type of loan to install double-glazed windows, energy-efficient appliances, hydroelectric systems, and other things that can help save energy.

However, be mindful of any fees that may come with a green loan. Shop around for the best institution that offers the lowest monthly, early repayment, and establishment fees possible to keep your total costs low. Moreover, be sure that you have a good credit score before applying for a green loan so that you will be able to secure better interest rates. If your credit score is not looking so good as of late, work on raising it before applying for a loan.

3. Leasing

Leasing a solar panel system is a great option for people who don’t want to add more debt to their backs and can’t pay in cash. When leasing a system, you are essentially paying off the total cost until you legally own it. However, a solar lease will come with interest, just like other types of leases, and you have to factor that into the total cost before going for this option.

Moreover, if you move out of the house before the lease term is complete, you will most likely have to pay for the balance because the lease cannot be transferred to the new owner. Therefore, you must be sure that you’re going to be staying in that house at least until the lease is over–but it’s better if you install solar panels in your ‘forever home’ to truly reap the full benefits of the system.

4. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

With a Power Purchase Agreement or PPA, you get the solar panel system installed in your home without an upfront cost, and then you pay the solar company for the electricity that you generate. Take note that you’re paying for the generated electricity, not just the electricity you consume.

That said, a PPA may not be an ideal option for people with moderately-sized homes since you may have to pay for the electricity that you don’t need. Another caveat is that solar companies often require homeowners to purchase a minimum amount of electricity, even if you don’t need it for your home. But if you have a large home or run a home business that uses a considerable amount of energy, a PPA may be a great option for you. Determine how much energy you need to see if you will come out ahead if you get a PPA.

5. Personal Loan

If the options above are not applicable to you or are otherwise too much of a hassle to obtain, consider a personal loan as your next best option. Just like other types of loans, the lender will consider the loan purpose, your financial status, your homeownership status, and other factors before they approve your application. If you have good credit, you may be able to get a personal loan with a better interest rate than a green loan.

If you can’t pay for a solar panel system upfront, there are still a lot of options for financing. Don’t let the lack of cash hinder you from switching to renewable energy. If you think that a solar panel system is right for your home, consider these financing options to get started.