--- url: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/news/understanding-third-party-ownership-for-solar-financing/' title: Understanding Third-Party Ownership for Solar Financing author: name: Victoria Graham url: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/author/victoria-g/' date: '2026-07-13T22:44:59+00:00' modified: '2026-07-13T22:45:00+00:00' type: post categories: - Colorado Solar - Homeowner - Northern Colorado Solar - Property Investment - Sandbox Solar - Shopping for solar - Solar Batteries - solar battery storage - Solar Incentives - Solar Info - Solar Panels tags: - battery energy storage system - federal solar incentives - federal tax credit - residential PV system - residential solar panel - solar battery backup - Solar Financing - Solar Incentives - third party ownership - third party ownership for solar image: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/New-Residential-Solar-Panels-On-A-Roof-In-Northern-Colorado.webp' published: true --- # Understanding Third-Party Ownership for Solar Financing ## Is Third-Party Solar Ownership the Right Path for You? We understand that homeowners are looking for the best ways to invest in solar energy systems in 2026. That’s why [Sandbox+ Solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/) offers Third-Party Ownership (TPO) PV systems in Northern Colorado, so you can enjoy a huge upfront discount with a clear path to solar ownership within six years. This is definitely the last-of-its-kind solar incentive structure where you can take advantage of the federal commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC). However, it’s easy to ask: how does Third-Party Ownership work? Or will this structure actually work for me? Keep reading so you can make an informed decision when it comes to making your home self-sufficient. ### What is Third-Party Ownership? Third-Party Ownership is a pre-paid power purchase agreement (PPA) solar financing structure. We are working with HDM Capital/Maxwell for TPO offerings to bring you reliable solar energy right to your roof at an affordable price. Maxwell will technically own your rooftop solar panels for the first six years after installation and take care of any maintenance or monitoring services. However, at year five, they will reach out to you regarding your transfer of ownership and remaining warranties for the upcoming year, which is typically done with no additional cost to you. ![Newly Installed Solar Panels On A Residential Roof](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Newly-Installed-Solar-Panels-On-A-Residential-Roof.webp) ### Understanding Financing Options There are many options you can utilize when it comes to paying for your new solar system, such as cash or a loan if needed. Some financing options we recommend are: #### RENU Financing A notable option for financing is the [Colorado Renewable Energy Upgrade (RENU) loan](https://cocleanenergyfund.com/products/residential-products/renu/). This loan is sponsored by Colorado Clean Energy Fund to help homeowners receive no-money down loans with terms ranging from 3-20 years, with low, fixed interest rates and no prepayment penalties to ensure you can invest in renewable energy upgrades more easily. #### Epic Homes Loan [The Epic Loan](https://www.fortcollins.gov/Services/Utilities/Programs-and-Rebates/Energy-Programs/Epic-Homes), offered through Fort Collins Utilities’ Epic Homes program, helps homeowners finance energy efficient upgrades. Borrowers can obtain up to $50,000 with no money down at attractive interest rates. This shows up as an on-bill line item that homeowners simply pay on their monthly utility bill. #### Your Own Financing If you are already a member at another bank or credit union, you can explore getting a HELOC or personal loan for your residential solar array installation. ### Why choose this path to solar ownership? This has become the fastest-growing solar ownership structure post 2025 after the federal ITC for residential properties went away. TPO is a smart, last-of-its-kind structure where homeowners can install solar at a massive discount. You can save about 25% upfront, while still maintaining a clear path to full ownership at year six. The pre-paid PPA is your last chance to take advantage of these discounts before they disappear completely in 2032. Your time to act is now! ![High Quality Rooftop Solar Array For A Home](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/High-Quality-Rooftop-Solar-Array-For-A-Home.webp) ### What if you sell your home? If you decide to move and sell your home, TPO offers flexible options that turn your solar setup into a valuable asset that boosts home resale value rather than a liability. You can transfer the pre-paid agreement directly to the buyer for a $250 fee, which is required if the transfer occurs before year six. Additionally, the sale process is simplified because no lien will be placed on your property. Instead, a UCC-1 financing statement is attached only to the solar equipment itself, which appears in title searches but does not encumber your home and is completely released upon system transfer. ### Want to add a battery energy storage system as well? If you are already investing in solar or have an existing system, adding a backup battery is the best way to take full advantage of your home investment. Plus, you can utilize the TPO model to get an upfront discount on your battery. You can let Maxwell handle all of the necessary maintenance for the first six years, and then the ownership transfers to you with no strings attached. ![Solar Contractors Installing A Residential PV System](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Solar-Contractors-Installing-A-Residential-PV-System.webp) ### Your Expected Timeline for TPO After you contact our team at [Sandbox+ Solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/about-us/), we will work closely with you until your new solar system gets installed. Once your solar is up and running and payment is made, Maxwell will begin to monitor and maintain your system. You can sit back and enjoy your solar energy savings, and in year six, they will officially transfer ownership to you! Our team and Maxwell are here to make the path to solar ownership easy and affordable. ### Get an Easier Path to Solar Ownership Today Are you ready to explore your options for solar and battery energy storage systems in Northern Colorado? Sandbox+ Solar is here to make your life easier when it comes to getting a high-quality energy ecosystem with a tremendous upfront discount. Don’t wait until it’s too late. [Get in touch](#contact) with our local solar company today to discuss your options! [FREE QUOTE](#contact)