The Awareness Group Expands Solar Accessibility with Innovative Financing Options

The solar energy industry is witnessing a significant shift as The Awareness Group (TAG) rolls out innovative financing products designed to make solar power more accessible to American households. The company's recent initiatives, including a Non-FICO Driven Residential Lease program and a new 30-year loan option, are reshaping the landscape of solar adoption in the United States.

TAG's Non-FICO Driven Residential Lease program, launched in July, has already shown promising results. The company reports signing 475 solar projects with a total contract value of $36.9 million. This program's unique feature of removing the minimum credit score requirement has opened doors for many homeowners previously excluded from traditional solar financing options. The projects have generated $28.8 million in interest-bearing TAG-owned notes and $13.6 million in investment tax credits, both of which can be monetized to generate cash flow for the company.

Pablo Diaz, CEO and founder of The Awareness Group, emphasizes the game-changing nature of this program, stating, "Our first-of-its-kind residential PPA, which eliminates FICO scores as a key determinant of approval, is a game-changer in the solar industry." The rapid expansion of the program is evident in the increasing number of TAG GRID members onboarded to sell this product, growing from just two during the beta test phase to 10 currently submitting projects.

The impact of TAG's new financing options extends beyond individual homeowners to address a significant disparity in solar adoption. While low and moderate-income households make up 43% of U.S. households, they represent only 15% of solar adopters. By eliminating credit score barriers, TAG's initiative has the potential to significantly increase solar accessibility for this underserved market segment.

In addition to the Non-FICO Driven Lease, TAG has introduced a 30-year loan option for residential solar projects, available in 26 states. This loan stands out for its lack of dealer fees, which typically increase project costs by up to 40% for homeowners. The extended loan term also helps to spread out monthly costs, making solar installation more affordable for a broader range of consumers.

The timing of these new financing options aligns with projected growth in the U.S. residential solar market. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the market is forecasted to grow at an average annual rate of 10% from 2025 to 2028, with expectations of 10 million residential solar systems in the U.S. by 2030, more than double the current number.

TAG's initiatives are not limited to the residential sector. The company is also making strides in the commercial solar market through a strategic partnership with Apollo Solar and Battery. This partnership positions TAG as the exclusive commercial finance arm for Apollo's clients and members of the Catalyst Network, which includes over 140 EPCs, equipment OEMs, and solar industry professionals nationwide.

As the solar energy industry continues to evolve, TAG's innovative financing solutions are poised to play a crucial role in expanding solar adoption across diverse income brackets and market segments. By addressing key barriers to entry and offering flexible, affordable options, TAG is contributing to the broader goal of transitioning to renewable energy sources while potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of solar financing.