Can You Get Solar Panels With Bad Credit?
By Solar Cost Predictor Team · May 26, 2026 · 6 min read
Most dedicated solar loans want a credit score of 650 or higher for the best rates, and some lenders require 700+. If your score is lower, you still have real options — they just come with different tradeoffs.
What Credit Score Do You Actually Need?
Many solar lenders approve loans down to a 600–650 credit score, though rates climb significantly below 680. Below 600, a standard solar loan becomes difficult to qualify for from most lenders.
Leases and PPAs Often Have Lower Credit Requirements
Solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) — where a third party owns the system and you pay for the power it produces — often have more flexible credit requirements than ownership loans, since the financing company retains ownership of the equipment as collateral. The tradeoff: you don't own the system or get the full savings and home-value benefit of ownership.
Improving Your Odds
A co-signer with stronger credit, a larger down payment to reduce the loan amount, or simply working to raise your score over a few months before applying can all improve your approval odds and rate on a standard solar loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a solar loan?
Many lenders approve down to 600–650, though the best rates typically require 680 or higher.
Can I get solar with no credit check at all?
Some lease and PPA programs have minimal credit requirements, but most still run at least a basic credit check — true no-credit-check solar financing is rare.
Is a solar lease a good option with bad credit?
It can be a reasonable path to going solar without ownership-loan credit requirements, though you won't own the system or get the full tax and resale benefits of ownership.