The New Way to Go Solar: Why "Prepaid Leasing" is Winning in 2026 and Beyond

For a long time, buying solar power in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming meant navigating and filing for the Federal Solar Tax Credit. But as the industry evolves and the Federal Solar Tax Credit officially ended for residential owners, older models don't always offer the best value for homeowners anymore.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we’ve introduced a smarter way to switch to clean energy: the solar prepaid lease. If you’ve been waiting for solar to "make sense" or were worried about the complexities of tax credits, this was designed for you.

What is a Prepaid Lease?

Think of leasing solar panels through a prepaid model as the "best of both worlds." You pay for your portion of the system upfront, but a third-party partner technically owns and maintains the equipment.

Because a large corporation owns the system for a time, it qualifies for commercial tax credits that aren't available to individuals. They then "kick back" half of that credit to you as an instant cash discount. This saves you 15%+ off the sticker price right at the beginning.

Why Skip the Tax Credit and Go Prepaid?

Many homeowners found the traditional tax credit process stressful. You had to have enough tax liability to claim it, and you often had to wait until the following year to see a dime of that money.

Many people were frustrated to learn they wouldn't get a check immediately, but rather a credit based on what they paid in taxes. It could be slow, confusing, and sometimes disappointing.

With our solar prepaid lease, the benefits are instant:

• 15%+ Instant Savings: Instead of waiting for a tax refund, you get at least 15% off the price of your solar and battery system immediately.
• No Tax Stress: You don’t need to consult an accountant or worry about your tax liability. The discount is applied right at the start.
• Professional Monitoring: Because a third party owns the system, they have a vested interest in making sure it works perfectly. You get professional, 24/7 monitoring and maintenance included. You don’t need to chase anyone down; you simply sit back and enjoy the savings on your power bill each month.
• Battery Ready: This "instant discount" model works for battery storage too, making backup power more affordable than ever.

Is the Prepaid Lease Right for You?

The prepaid model is perfect for homeowners from Salt Lake City to Boise who want the maximum discount today without the headache of IRS forms. It’s a "set it and forget it" solution, you pay once upfront and lock in lower power bills for decades to come, and let the experts handle the technical monitoring.

If you’ve looked at solar power in Utah or batteries before and it didn't quite click, it’s time to look again. This new path removes the barriers and puts the savings directly into your pocket upfront.

Let’s Simplify Your Solar Journey

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we’re committed to making renewable energy easy and accessible. Whether you are leasing solar panels or looking for a custom install, our team is here to run the numbers and show you exactly how the prepaid model stacks up for your specific home.

Ready to see your "Instant Discount" price? Contact the IWS team today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s find out how much you can save without waiting for a tax return.