If you run a small or mid-sized, locally owned solar installation company, chances are you’ve got a bit of a bias against TPO—third-party ownership. And honestly, that makes sense.

When a solar system is owned outright by the homeowner or property owner, it’s easy to make the case: they get the full financial return, they’re eligible for the tax incentives, and they enjoy all the environmental benefits that come with going solar.

That’s the dream scenario, right?

When I was scaling my own solar business, I held the same view. I preferred customers who had the cash or the credit score to go solar on their own. TPO just felt like a clunky workaround.

But over time, I came to realize I was seeing the solar market through a narrow lens.

Because the truth is this: millions of people in the U.S. don’t have $30,000 lying around. And a significant portion don’t have the 680+ credit scores that are typically required to qualify for a loan.

So are we just supposed to ignore those families?

Accessibility Requires Options

Okay, let’s zoom out for a second:

Just like community solar has emerged as a legitimate way to bring renewable energy to renters and shaded homes, TPO deserves the same re-evaluation.

When done right, TPO is a scalable, low-risk financing mechanism that opens the door for millions of people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in the clean energy transition.

That’s not theoretical—it’s reality.

Organizations like Lightreach, IGS Energy, and PosiGen are proving that you can deliver affordable solar through leases and PPAs (power purchase agreements), while keeping the consumer protections strong and the savings real.

And guess what? TPO systems have matured. They're no longer experimental. They're as stable and time-tested as micro-inverters.

TPO Is No Longer the Bad Guy

Historically, TPO got a bad name because many early offers just didn’t pencil out. The monthly savings were slim. The escalators were steep. And the sales tactics? Often less than ethical.

So it’s understandable that many in the industry still view TPO with suspicion, especially given its association with "Solar Bros" and high-pressure, bait-and-switch tactics that have damaged our industry’s reputation.

I had that mindset too!

For years, I avoided TPO completely in my own company until we eventually partnered with one of the more ethical, mission-driven providers shortly before selling the business.

And that experience changed my perspective.

I now believe that we're in a new era…one where TPO is not only commercially mature, but economically necessary for both property owners and solar companies alike.

Why TPO Deserves a Fresh Look

Here’s why it’s worth reconsidering:

• Real savings are now possible (and often guaranteed.) Many TPO providers are now contractually committing to homeowner savings, even if utility rates decrease.
• It’s not a race to the bottom. Mission-driven TPO providers are actively choosing to work only with high-quality, vertically integrated installation partners who value customer experience and long-term service.
• It’s a wealth equalizer. For many families, especially those in lower-income brackets, TPO is one of the few realistic ways to lower monthly energy costs without upfront investment.

Think about it this way: a well-priced TPO system acts like a permanent stimulus check for the homeowner. Every month, they save money on their utility bill, without taking on a loan or navigating tax credits.

That’s powerful.

And it's something we, as an industry, should be proud to offer.

TPO ≠ Compromise (When Done Right)

TPO still requires some degree of creditworthiness. But compared to traditional loans, it’s a more flexible and forgiving option, and one that’s easier to explain to homeowners.

At the end of the day, if someone is offered electricity that’s cleaner and cheaper, why wouldn’t they take it?

And with the right checks and balances—clear disclosures, no predatory escalators, reputable partners—TPO can absolutely be a net positive for customers, communities, and your company’s bottom line.

Sunvoy’s Take

At Sunvoy, we believe in expanding access to solar without compromising ethics or quality.

That’s why we’ve partnered with an installation company now offering its own in-house TPO program, built on transparency, consumer protections, and strong collaboration with reputable, vertically integrated solar companies.

We believe this model is the future of responsible TPO, offering flexibility and savings to homeowners, while maintaining the integrity and craftsmanship that local solar companies are known for.

Final Thoughts

If our mission is to bring clean energy to everyone, we have to offer tools and financing structures that work for everyone (not just the fortunate few with disposable income and high credit scores)

TPO isn’t a loophole. It’s a lifeline.

And the sooner we embrace it as a serious, scalable solution in the same way we’ve embraced community solar, battery storage, and electrification, the sooner we’ll move the needle on energy equity in a meaningful way.

If you want to learn more about the TPO models we’re seeing succeed—or if you just want to share your experience with third-party financing—we’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime.