Expanding Solar Financing: Sungage Financial’s New Offerings
By Martin McConnell
February 4, 2026
In a bid to make solar energy more accessible for homeowners, Boston-based Sungage Financial has recently expanded its solar loan program. This move comes in light of rising utility costs, which have increasingly pressured household budgets. The new program aims to alleviate financial concerns while enabling homeowners to invest in sustainable energy solutions.
Sungage Sunrise: A New Era for Solar Loans
Central to this expansion is the introduction of the Sungage Sunrise loan. Launched in January 2026, this program is designed to address the financial hurdles many homeowners face when considering solar energy. Sungage boasts that it offers the lowest initial monthly payment ever available through its programs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
CEO Mike Gilroy emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, “This product expansion reflects who Sungage is at our core: stable, forward-looking, and deeply committed to making solar ownership work for homeowners.” This commitment has been a part of Sungage’s mission as they approach their fifteenth year in financing residential solar systems.
The Sunrise loan features a unique structure: it includes a 2.9% payment increase each year throughout the loan’s duration. This innovation, billed as the first solar escalator loan on the market, is designed to help homeowners manage upfront costs while maintaining flexibility.
Meeting Homeowners’ Needs
The primary appeal of the Sungage Sunrise program lies in its ability to accommodate homeowners who are increasingly mindful of their financial commitments. As utility costs rise, consumers are seeking certainty in their energy bills. Gilroy notes that “these homeowners are budget conscious, value the benefits of ownership, and want certainty about their future payments.”
This initiative allows homeowners to enjoy structured, predictable payments, reducing worries about fluctuating utility rates. Additionally, as homeowners’ energy needs evolve—whether they wish to add solar panels, install a battery system, or exercise control over how their generated power is used—the Sunrise program adapts accordingly.
Additional Loan Options: BrightStart Program
In conjunction with the Sunrise loan, Sungage also introduced the BrightStart loan program in October 2025. This innovative post-ITC loan option features a Deferred Payment Portion (DPP) and aims to enhance affordability and flexibility for a broader range of homeowners.
The BrightStart program includes two components: the DPP, which allows for flexibility in payments, and the Level Pay, a more traditional loan with fixed amortization. This combination helps homeowners manage their cash flow while keeping initial payments low, making solar ownership feasible for a wider audience.
Enhancing Homeowner Control and Flexibility
Together, the Sunrise and BrightStart programs illustrate Sungage’s commitment to providing homeowners with a variety of financing options tailored to their diverse needs. As the industry shifts towards a preference for solar ownership among consumers, Sungage is positioning itself as a leader in financing tailored to today’s energy landscape.
Gilroy explains, “This wide variety of options helps Sungage differentiate itself from other solar financing programs.” As demand for solar energy rises and utility prices continue to climb, solutions like the BrightStart DPP offer a way for homeowners to gain financial relief and confidence in their energy investments.
A Focus on Sustainable Homeownership
Sungage’s approach is rooted in a long-standing mission to facilitate sustainable homeownership. With a focus on flexibility and control, their financing solutions are designed not only to empower individuals but also to foster lasting relationships within the solar ecosystem. They are currently collaborating with over 40 different solar panel manufacturers, far exceeding the fewer than five typically found in third-party ownership programs. This diversity enhances their partners’ resilience against supply chain disruptions.
By addressing real-world economic concerns while promoting solar energy ownership, Sungage Financial is committed to shaping a future where energy independence is attainable for everyone.