US Power launches prepaid solar lease for California homeowners

US Power has teamed with Participate Energy to offer California homeowners a prepaid solar lease that can cut upfront costs by up to 30% on qualifying solar and battery systems. The program uses the commercial solar tax credit structure to pass savings to customers as California households face high electricity rates and the end of the residential federal credit.

Why it matters: - California homeowners can lower the upfront cost of solar after the residential federal tax credit expired at the end of 2025. - The new structure may make solar plus battery storage more affordable for households trying to offset high electricity bills. - US Power says the program can deliver savings on a similar scale to the 30% residential credit that was previously available.

What happened: - US Power announced a partnership with Participate Energy on July 29, 2026. - The program is offered through US Power’s role as a Factory Direct Representative of Axia by Qcells. - California homeowners can now access a prepaid lease program that US Power says can reduce upfront costs by up to 30% on qualifying solar and battery systems. - US Power has served California homeowners since 2022.

The details: - The prepaid lease allows a third party, not the homeowner, to claim the commercial solar tax credit under Section 48E. - Participate Energy passes that value back to customers through reduced upfront costs. - The exact savings vary by system size and household. - US Power expects the program to remain available through 2027, in line with the commercial tax credit’s current phase-out schedule, but no fixed end date has been set. - US Power says the program is built around realistic savings projections, accurate system design, and clear communication about financing, permitting, and available incentives. - Homeowners can pair Qcells tier-1, American-made solar panels with battery storage. - California’s NEM 3.0 rules make battery storage more valuable because homeowners are rewarded more for storing solar power than exporting it to the grid. - US Power says the prepaid lease is designed to feel more like a purchase than a traditional lease and includes a defined buyout option after several years of service.

Between the lines: - The partnership is trying to replace some of the economics lost when the residential solar tax credit ended. - The combination of tax-credit pass-through pricing and battery storage reflects how California’s solar market is shifting toward self-consumption and long-term energy savings. - US Power is positioning the program as a lower-friction way for homeowners to enter solar without traditional financing barriers.

What’s next: - California homeowners can request a free solar and battery estimate at uspowersolar.com. - US Power energy consultants will help determine whether homeowners qualify for the Participate Energy program. - The company expects continued availability through 2027 unless the commercial credit phase-out schedule changes.