Solar-as-a-service is a model that allows homeowners to use solar energy without purchasing or owning the system upfront. Instead, a third-party provider installs, owns, and maintains the system while the homeowner pays for the energy it produces or a fixed monthly fee.

This approach removes the need for large upfront costs and ongoing system management, making solar more accessible to a wider range of homeowners.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, third-party ownership models have played a significant role in expanding residential solar adoption by lowering barriers to entry¹.

How solar-as-a-service works

Solar-as-a-service shifts system ownership and responsibility to a provider while the homeowner benefits from solar energy.

Typical structure:

• A provider installs a solar system on the home

• The provider owns and maintains the system

• The homeowner pays for solar through a monthly plan or energy usage agreement

• The provider monitors system performance and handles service

This model allows homeowners to access solar energy without managing installation, maintenance, or repairs.

Why solar-as-a-service matters

Solar-as-a-service has become one of the most common ways homeowners go solar.

Reasons include:

• Eliminates or reduces upfront costs

• Includes ongoing monitoring and maintenance

• Simplifies the solar experience for homeowners

• Expands access to solar across different income levels

The Solar Energy Industries Association notes that third-party ownership models have been a major driver of residential solar growth in the U.S.²

Subscription style solar and storage plans

Solar-as-a-service is often delivered through subscription-style plans like the Sunrun Subscription Plan which typically include:

• Little to no upfront cost for solar and battery system installation

• A predictable monthly payment structure

• Ongoing system monitoring, maintenance, and service included

• Long-term support without the homeowner needing to manage the system

Solar-as-a-service vs. system ownership

Solar-as-a-service differs from purchasing a solar system outright.

• Solar-as-a-service: provider owns and maintains the system; homeowner pays for usage or access

• Ownership: homeowner purchases the system and is responsible for maintenance and performance

Each model offers different considerations depending on financial preferences, long-term plans, and desired level of involvement.

How solar-as-a-service fits into today’s energy landscape

Solar-as-a-service is increasingly aligned with how modern energy systems are evolving.

• Supports distributed energy across many homes

• Reduces barriers to renewable energy adoption

• Integrates with battery storage and grid services

• Enables more flexible energy usage models

The U.S. Department of Energy highlights that distributed energy resources, including residential solar, are an important part of the future energy system¹.

Takeaways

• Solar-as-a-service allows homeowners to use solar without owning the system

• A provider installs, owns, and maintains the system

• Homeowners typically pay through a monthly or usage-based plan

• Subscription-style models, like those offered by Sunrun, are a common way this model is delivered

• This approach has helped expand access to solar energy across the U.S.