In 2025, many companies offer zero upfront cost solar panel installations, allowing homeowners to go solar with no money down. With options like $0 down, you can start saving right away, no massive upfront cost required. ” These offers sound appealing—after all, who wouldn't want to power their home with clean energy for free? But as with most things. Zero down solar simply means you can install a solar energy system without paying any upfront costs. However, this doesn't mean the solar panels are free—you'll pay for them through monthly payments, lease fees, or per-kilowatt-hour charges over time.