I researched the options for solar power and this is what I found: Part 2: Renting Solar

Option 2: You can now have solar panels put on your house or in your yard at no cost to you!

It’s all about Renting the Solar System.  

In the last year, or two, an alternative to buying solar outright became available because many people couldn’t afford the expense of buying solar but still wanted to help the environment and save on their energy bills. Renting Solar became available. The Solar Company owns the panels, pays for the permits, pays for the electrician, deals with National Grid, installs the system, and even upgrades your power panel if necessary. Your up front cost is ZERO.

How can this be? It’s easy. The solar company collects the solar energy then sells it to you at a cost lower than National Grid. Their bill to you is less, but it’s enough to pay for the equipment and installation, (plus a little extra for them I’m sure).It’s usually about ⅓ less than National Grid. It’s still saving you money and helping reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, but you don’t have to do anything but give up the space to put up panels. Over the life of the panels, you won't save as much as if you purchased the panels, but it still saves money and it's a more affordable option for many people.