New loans for rooftop solar PV installations make it easier for contractors to help more homeowners finance their projects

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL—Life just got easier for solar panel contractors trying to increase sales by helping homeowners finance their rooftop projects—in whichever way works best for them. EnerBank USA today introduced its 12- and 20-Year PowerLoan® with an optional re-amortization feature for Solar PV projects. Annual percentage rates (APRs) for 12-Year PowerLoan is 1.99%, 2.99%, and 3.99%; 20-Year PowerLoan APRs are 4.99% and 5.99%. Minimum and maximum loan amounts are $15,000 and $65,000, respectively, on approved credit. These new loans are specifically for homeowners who want to use their solar tax credit to pay off a portion of the principal amount—in a lump sum within the first 18 months of their loan—to lower their monthly payments while retaining the loans original interest rate and terms.

"We want to make it easier for contractors to sell solar PV panels," said Charlie Knadler, president and CEO of EnerBank. "These loans give homeowners even more flexibility in how they can finance their solar projects by providing monthly loan payments that are comparable to their monthly electric utility bills."

To re-amortize their PowerLoan, homeowners simply request a re-amortization of their loan online at enerbank.com after making a minimum lump sum payment equal to at least 15% of the original loan amount. There is a modest $150 fee to be paid by borrowers to re-amortize their loan.

"Keeping consumers monthly payments low and giving them the flexibility to use their tax incentives how they choose will help the solar industry continue to increase sales to consumers," Knadler said. "A flex loan option, paying contractors up to 50% of the projects loan upfront, is also available to help improve a contractors cash flow. Thats why were excited to be providing this new loan option to solar contractors."

During the current slight slowdown in rooftop solar PV sales in the United States, according to industry reports, solar contractors who offer a choice of payment options are more likely to close more sales in a competitive market. In addition to the new PowerLoan, EnerBank offers a variety of other solar loans such as Same-As-Cash and low interest loans with fixed monthly payments. The banks innovative Combo Loan continues to be a very popular option.

About EnerBank USA—Americas home improvement lender of choice

EnerBank is a highly specialized Member FDIC bank headquartered in Salt Lake City. For over 15 years, EnerBank USA has helped home improvement contractors grow their businesses and enabled homeowners to achieve their remodeling dreams. Through mobile, online and phone application choices, homeowners get a credit decision in minutes, making for higher close rates, and bigger jobs for contractors. Homeowners enjoy Same-As-Cash loans and low interest, low monthly payment loans, while contractors improve their bottom line. EnerBank USA is a fair housing lender and makes loans without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status. Visit enerbank.com for more information.