If you own your home, your roof gets a reasonable amount of 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 actually determines eligibility
- You own the home. This is the big one — you generally need to own (not rent) to put solar on the roof.
- Your roof can host panels. Decent condition, not heavily shaded all day, with enough usable space. South, west, and east exposures all work; a roof that needs replacing soon may need that done first.
- Your electric bill is worth offsetting. The higher your bill, the stronger the case. Very small bills save less, so the payback is slower.
- Your utility and state. Net metering and local incentives change the math — strong-program areas qualify more easily on the savings side.
- Financing fit. Cash, loan, or $0-down lease/PPA. Owning needs more upfront or qualifying credit; $0-down options are designed to lower that bar.
Find out what your home qualifies for
Enter your ZIP and average bill — see your $0-down options in about two minutes.
See My Savings →Frequently asked questions
Do I need great credit to go solar?
Not always. Cash and some loan options weigh credit, but $0-down leases and PPAs are structured so more homeowners qualify without a large upfront payment. The simplest way to know is a quick eligibility check based on your address and bill.
Does my roof need to be brand new?
No, but it should be in reasonable condition with years of life left. If your roof is near the end of its life, it's usually best to replace it before or during the solar install so you're not removing panels later.
What if my electric bill is small?
Solar still works, but the savings — and the payback — scale with your bill. The higher your monthly usage, the stronger the case. Lower bills can still benefit, especially with $0-down financing.
Can renters get solar?
Generally no — you typically need to own the home to install rooftop solar. Renters may have community-solar options in some areas, but that's 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.