GridReadyWESTERN NEW YORK
Tool

Solar financing & your bill

Offset on a proposal is not the same as dollars on your utility bill. Use the calculator below as a rough estimate, then verify with your utility and actual tariff.

  • Model how fixed charges interact with quoted energy offset.
  • Take the 6-question financing red flags quiz to spot hidden costs.
  • Compare total loan payments vs cash price to catch dealer fees.
  • Educational only, not a prediction of your exact bill.

Deep dive: Why your bill might not drop like the quote. Local context: Buffalo, Tonawanda.

Bill reality (rough estimate)
See how fixed charges and quoted “offset” interact. Numbers are examples, not predictions.
From your proposal summary, often 90 to 110%.
An average month before solar, from your utility bill.
Optional: total paid on a solar loan

Monthly payment × years (simple math, not a full amortization schedule). Compare the total to the cash price on your contract.

Financing red flags check
6 quick questions about your solar financing terms

Question 1 of 6

Does the proposal show a cash price (not just monthly payments)?

A legitimate quote always includes the total system cost before financing. If you only see monthly payments, the true cost may be hidden.

FAQ

Why is my bill not $0 when the proposal says 100% offset?

Fixed charges, minimum bills, demand charges, and how credits apply to leftover usage all sit outside a simple offset percentage.

Are dealer fees normal on financed solar?

Common, but they should be disclosed. Compare cash price to total financed payments, not just monthly payment.

What's the difference between a solar loan and a PPA?

A solar loan finances equipment you own. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) means a company owns the panels on your roof and sells you the power. PPAs often have annual escalators and complicate home sales.

Should I worry about 0% interest solar loans?

Usually. True 0% financing is rare. Most '0% interest' solar loans include a dealer fee (15-30%) baked into a higher system price. Compare the cash price to the financed price to see the hidden cost.