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. Your savings begin when the system is commissioned and interconnected, and any tax credit is claimed on your return, subject to eligibility.
Federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the net cost of an eligible project. We help you identify every incentive you may qualify for.
Assumptions: federal ITC of 30% on an eligible $500,000 system; a depreciable basis of $425,000 (system cost less half the credit) deducted in year one under 100% bonus depreciation and valued at an assumed 28% combined federal and state marginal tax rate (about $119,000, rounded to $120,000); $15,000 of state or utility incentives assumed for illustration only. The depreciation and state lines are estimated tax savings, not reductions in the purchase price, and the net figure is not a quote.
Example only, not a quote. Tax benefits vary based on entity type, tax position, and state; the credit percentage and its availability are set by current federal law and may change. Consult your tax advisor. Ag Energy does not provide tax advice. See our Terms of Use.
Eligible agricultural and commercial systems may qualify for a federal Investment Tax Credit of up to 30% of total system cost, claimed against federal income tax liability. On a $500,000 system, that could mean up to $150,000 in federal tax credits, depending on eligibility.
The credit percentage and your eligibility are set by federal law and may change. Consult your tax advisor.
Solar equipment generally qualifies for MACRS 5-year depreciation, and under current bonus depreciation rules many agricultural and commercial installations may be able to deduct a substantial portion of the system cost in Year 1, which can improve first-year cash flow.
Depreciation rules and bonus percentages are set by federal law and may change; your benefit depends on your entity type and tax position. Consult your tax advisor.
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.
For eligible systems, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce your federal income tax liability by up to 30% of the total solar system cost. It's a dollar-for-dollar credit — not a deduction. On a $200,000 system, that could be up to a $60,000 credit. Unused credits can often be carried forward.
Eligibility, the credit percentage and any deadlines are set by federal law, which has changed recently and may change again. Confirm with your tax advisor.
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.
All financing is subject to third-party lender approval and terms. Ag Energy is not a lender.
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.