Check your rebate eligibility
TL;DR: You do not need to pay for solar upfront. Interest-free payment plans from Brighte, Humm, and Plenti let you install with no money down and spread costs over 12 to 60 months. Government schemes in the ACT and Victoria offer interest-free loans too. For most households spending $400+ per quarter on power, the electricity savings cover the repayments from day one. Just watch out for deferred interest traps and establishment fees.
When we were getting quotes for our solar system, I assumed we would need to have several thousand dollars ready to go. That is a reasonable assumption, because a 6.6kW system still costs $4,500 to $7,000 after the federal rebate. Not exactly pocket change for a family already juggling a mortgage and grocery bills.
What I did not realise at the time is that most solar installers offer payment plans. Not dodgy ones either. Regulated finance products from established providers, many of them interest-free for the first one to two years. It changed the maths completely.
This guide walks through every solar finance option available in Australia in 2026: interest-free plans, green personal loans, government schemes, and what to watch out for so you do not get caught by hidden fees.
Check Your Rebate Eligibility
Enter your postcode to check rebate eligibility in your area.
Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Types of solar finance in Australia
There are four main ways to finance a solar system without paying the full amount upfront. Each works differently, and the right choice depends on how much you can repay each month and how quickly.
Interest-free payment plans (through your installer)
The most common option. Providers like Brighte, Humm, and Plenti partner with solar installers to offer plans you apply for at the quote stage. Brighte offers interest-free terms up to 24 months. Humm offers flexible terms with interest-free periods on shorter plans. You pay nothing upfront and make regular repayments.
Green personal loans (banks and lenders)
Several banks offer discounted personal loan rates for energy-efficient purchases. Macquarie, Bank Australia, and Community First all have green loan products with rates typically 1 to 2% lower than standard personal loans. Terms are usually 3 to 7 years, and you deal directly with the bank rather than through your installer.
Government interest-free loans
The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme offers interest-free loans up to $15,000 for solar and battery systems, repaid through your rates. Victoria Solar Homes Program offers interest-free loans up to $1,400 for eligible households. These are genuine zero-cost finance options, but they have eligibility criteria and limited availability.
Installer in-house payment plans
Some larger installers offer their own payment plans, typically splitting the cost into 4 to 12 monthly instalments with no third-party finance provider involved. These are less common but can be straightforward for smaller systems or top-up installations.
Comparing solar payment plans
Here is a side-by-side look at the most popular solar finance options available in 2026. All figures are indicative and may vary depending on the amount financed and your credit history.
| Provider | Type | Interest-free period | Max term | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighte | BNPL / Green Loan | Up to 24 months | 60 months | $0 establishment, annual fee may apply on longer terms |
| Humm | BNPL | Up to 12 months (some plans) | 60 months | $0–$99 establishment |
| Plenti | Green Personal Loan | N/A (low fixed rate) | 84 months | $0–$199 establishment |
| Bank green loan | Personal Loan | N/A (discounted rate) | 84 months | Varies by lender |
| ACT Govt Scheme | Interest-free loan | Entire term | 10 years | No fees (repaid via rates) |
| VIC Solar Homes | Interest-free loan | Entire term | 4 years | No fees |
Your installer will usually offer one or two of these at the quote stage. It is worth asking which providers they work with before you commit, because the terms can vary significantly. You are also free to arrange your own finance through a bank or credit union if you find a better deal.
What to watch out for
Solar payment plans are generally straightforward, but there are a few traps that catch people off guard. I learned some of these the hard way by reading the fine print after our first quote.
Deferred interest
Some "interest-free" plans charge full backdated interest if you do not pay off the balance within the promotional period. This can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Always confirm whether the plan is genuinely interest-free or just interest-deferred.
Establishment and ongoing fees
Setup fees of $0 to $199 are common. Some plans also charge monthly account-keeping fees of $3 to $8. These are not deal-breakers, but they add to the total cost. Ask for the total amount payable over the life of the plan, not just the monthly figure.
Early repayment conditions
Most solar finance plans allow early repayment without penalty, but not all. Check the terms before signing. If you come into extra money and want to pay off the balance early, you should not be penalised for it.
Interest rates after the free period
If you choose a plan with a 12 or 24 month interest-free period but a longer overall term, check what rate kicks in after the promotional period ends. Rates of 9 to 15% are not unusual on BNPL products. If you cannot pay it off within the interest-free window, a green personal loan at 6 to 8% may cost less overall.
See How Much You'd Save
Enter your postcode to see your estimated rebate amount.
Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Is a payment plan worth it, or should you pay upfront?
If you have the cash sitting in an offset account or savings, paying upfront is cheaper. No fees, no interest, no ongoing commitment. Simple.
But here is the calculation most people do not consider. Say you are spending $2,000 a year on electricity. You could save up for two years and pay cash, or you could use an interest-free plan and start saving immediately.
| Scenario | Year 1 | Year 2 | Total after 2 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Save up, pay cash in Year 2 | $2,000 electricity bill | $500 electricity (solar installed mid-year) | $2,500 spent on power |
| Interest-free plan, install now | $500 electricity + repayments | $500 electricity + repayments | $1,000 on power + plan fees |
Even if the payment plan costs you $100 to $200 in fees, you are still ahead compared to paying full electricity bills for an extra year or two while you save up. The electricity savings start the day the system is switched on, and every quarter you wait is a quarter of savings you do not get back.
The exception is if you are already stretched financially. Taking on a new repayment when your budget has no room is not a good idea regardless of the savings potential. Be honest with yourself about what your household can handle.
How to apply for a solar payment plan
The process is simpler than most people expect. In most cases, your solar installer handles the finance application as part of the quoting process. Here is what typically happens.
Get your solar quotes
Request quotes from 2 to 3 installers. Ask each one which finance providers they work with and request a breakdown of the total cost including any fees.
Choose your system and plan
Compare the system quality, installation warranty, and finance terms. A slightly more expensive system with better components and a genuine interest-free plan may cost less long-term than a cheap system with expensive finance.
Apply through your installer
Your installer submits the finance application on your behalf. You will need to provide ID, proof of income, and pass a credit check. Approval typically takes a few hours to a couple of days.
Installation and repayments begin
Once approved, installation is booked (usually within 2 to 4 weeks). Repayments start after installation is complete and the system is connected to the grid.
If you prefer to arrange your own finance, you can apply for a green personal loan directly with a bank before getting your solar quotes. This gives you more control over the terms and lets you shop around for the best rate independently.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get solar panels on a payment plan in Australia?
Yes. Most solar installers in Australia offer payment plans through providers like Brighte, Humm, or Plenti. These plans let you install solar with no money down and spread the cost over 12 to 60 months. Some plans are interest-free for the initial term, while others charge a fixed rate. Your installer will typically handle the application at the quote stage.
What is the best interest-free solar payment plan?
Brighte is the most widely used interest-free option in the solar industry, offering plans up to 24 months with no interest. Humm offers flexible terms up to 60 months with interest-free periods on shorter plans. The best option depends on how quickly you can repay. Shorter interest-free plans save you the most overall, but only if the repayments fit comfortably in your budget.
Are there government interest-free loans for solar?
Yes. The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme offers interest-free loans up to $15,000 for solar and battery systems. Victoria Solar Homes Program offers interest-free loans up to $1,400 for eligible households. These government schemes typically have income or property value eligibility criteria, so check the specific requirements for your state.
Is it better to pay for solar upfront or use a payment plan?
Paying upfront saves you any fees or interest charges, so it is cheaper overall. However, if paying upfront means draining your savings, a low-cost payment plan can make more sense. Even with modest finance fees, the electricity savings from having solar installed sooner often outweigh the cost of waiting to save up the full amount.
What fees should I watch out for with solar payment plans?
Look for establishment fees (typically $0 to $199), monthly account-keeping fees, and deferred interest. Some "interest-free" plans charge full backdated interest if you miss a payment or do not pay off the balance within the promotional period. Always read the terms and ask your installer to explain the total cost of the plan, not just the monthly repayment.
The next step
If you have any questions about the information in this guide, feel free to get in touch:
Email: hello@whysolar.com.au
Tel: +61 455 221 921
If you're considering solar panels or batteries for your home, Bec and the team can help you get quotes from trusted, pre-vetted local installers:
Written by
Bec RamirezAussie Mum & Energy Expert
Helping families navigate the switch to solar with practical, real-world advice. Bec focuses on the financial side — rebates, bill savings, and financing options — so everyday Australians can see real value from going solar.
Learn more about Bec Ramirez