The short version
A solar power purchase agreement, or PPA, is a way to go solar without buying panels. A solar provider installs a system on your roof and owns it. You agree to buy the power it produces at a set rate, usually lower than what your utility charges. That's why we call it a bill swap: most of what you paid the utility, you now pay the solar provider, for less.
What you pay, and what you don't
- You don't pay for the panels, the installation, permits or monitoring.
- You do pay a monthly amount for the solar power the system produces, at the rate in your agreement.
- You still pay your utility a smaller bill: the fixed monthly Base Services Charge and any power you use beyond what your panels make.
With Aurelia, your solar rate rises a fixed 3.5% a year, written into your agreement. The system is covered by a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, so repairs are handled at no cost to you.
PPA vs. buying solar vs. a solar loan
Buying with cash
You own the system and keep all the savings, but you pay the full cost upfront. The federal tax credit for homeowners who buy solar ended after 2025, which raised the real cost of buying.
Financing with a loan
You own the system and make loan payments. You're responsible for repairs once warranties run out, and the loan affects your credit and debt.
A PPA (bill swap)
You own nothing and pay nothing upfront. You pay only for the power. Under current federal law, solar companies that own systems can still claim a federal tax credit for qualifying systems, generally those placed in service by the end of 2027. That's part of what makes a low PPA rate possible.
What to check before you sign any solar PPA
- The starting rate, in cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with your current utility rate.
- The yearly increase. Ours is a fixed 3.5%. Some agreements are higher.
- The length of the agreement and what happens at the end.
- Who handles repairs and what the warranty covers.
- What happens if you sell your home. Agreements can usually transfer to the buyer.
- The installer's CSLB license number. You can look it up on the Contractors State License Board website.
Why we ask for your power bill
Your bill shows your real usage over the year, your rate plan and your peak-hour charges. That lets us put what you pay today next to your total after the swap, instead of guessing from an average home.
Common questions
Do I own the panels?
No. The solar provider owns, monitors and maintains them. You buy the power they produce.
Is there a credit check?
Most PPA providers run a credit check as part of the agreement. We'll tell you what's required before anything is run.
What happens if I sell my home?
The agreement can usually be transferred to the buyer, and the provider handles the paperwork. Lower power costs can be a selling point.
What if the system produces less than expected?
You pay for the power the system actually produces. Ask about any production guarantee in your agreement.
Last updated September 29, 2026. Rates and rules change. Your estimate is based on your own bill.