Here's the reality: "Free solar" typically means solar with no upfront cost—not solar you'll never pay for. These offers often refer to solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), financing options where a solar company installs panels on your property without requiring a down.
Currently, there are no federal or state government programs that provide free solar panels to low-income solar customers, but there are programs in place to greatly reduce the upfront cost.
This guide will walk you through everything there is to know as well as how to get solar panels for free. Companies often offer “free” solar panels through leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), where they install and maintain the panels at no upfront cost.
Solar panel installations typically cost between $13,962 and $27,924 in 2026. The actual price tag depends on your home's energy needs, roof characteristics, local incentives and other factors, all of which we'll break down in this guide.