Financing
Solar energy systems are one of the few capital investments that generate a measurable, predictable return from day one. Whether you're a farm operation or a commercial facility, the math is compelling — and we'll show you every number before you sign anything.
We offer multiple paths to ownership and savings. Our financing specialists work with you to model each option against your specific tax situation, energy profile, and capital availability — so you can choose with complete confidence.
Get a Custom EstimateFrom the first number-crunching conversation to the moment your system goes live, we walk beside you at every step.
We evaluate your site, energy usage, and tax position, then model every financing scenario side-by-side so you see the true cost and return of each option before committing to anything.
Select the financing path that fits your goals — outright purchase, solar loan, PPA, or lease. We coordinate lender relationships, handle paperwork, and keep the process straightforward.
Once financing is finalized, our crews get to work, and your savings — and tax credits — begin with your next billing cycle.
Federal and state incentives significantly reduce your net system cost. We help you capture every dollar you're entitled to.
Example only. Tax benefits vary based on entity type, tax position, and state. Consult your tax advisor. Ag Energy does not provide tax advice.
The federal ITC allows you to deduct 30% of your total solar system cost directly from your federal income taxes. This applies to agricultural and commercial installations. For a $500,000 system, that's $150,000 back in your pocket.
Solar equipment qualifies for MACRS 5-year depreciation, and under current bonus depreciation rules, many agricultural and commercial installations can deduct a substantial portion of the system cost in Year 1. This creates a powerful tax shield in the year of installation, dramatically improving first-year cash flow.
Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and other states we serve each offer varying combinations of property tax exemptions, sales tax exclusions on equipment, and net metering programs. Our team maps the specific incentives available in your location as part of every proposal.
When your system produces more energy than you consume, net metering allows you to send that excess back to the grid and receive credits on your utility bill. Agricultural and commercial operations often generate significant net metering credits, further improving the financial picture.
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets you reduce your federal income tax liability by 30% of the total solar system cost. It's a dollar-for-dollar credit — not a deduction. If your system costs $200,000, you receive a $60,000 credit. Unused credits can typically be carried forward.
Requirements vary by lender, but most solar loan programs work with credit scores of 650 and above. Agricultural and commercial clients may have additional options through equipment financing. We connect you with lenders suited to your specific situation.
In a PPA or lease, the third-party system owner — not you — claims the tax credits. That's part of the trade-off: you get a lower rate without the tax complexity. If you have strong tax appetite, a loan or cash purchase almost always delivers better long-term economics.
From application to approval, solar loans typically close in 1–3 weeks. We pre-qualify you before beginning final system design so financing is never a bottleneck. PPA and lease agreements are typically executed within 2 weeks of site assessment completion.
Many states — including Illinois and Indiana — offer property tax exemptions for solar installations, meaning the increased property value from your solar system is excluded from your assessed value. We document applicable exemptions as part of every proposal.
At term end, you typically have three options: renew the agreement at a new rate, purchase the system at fair market value (often very low after 20+ years of depreciation), or have the equipment removed at no cost. Most clients elect to purchase — at that point the system has years of productive life remaining.
Our team builds a complete financial model for your specific situation — system size, tax position, financing structure, and 25-year cash flow projections. No obligation, no pressure.