loanTERRA is launching a new platform designed to remove hidden fees and empower more homeowners to access affordable solar and energy-efficiency upgrades.
By equipping credit unions, community banks and installers with transparent tools, loanTERRA is reimagining how green lending works — and for who it works. The launch comes at a pivotal time for the clean-energy lending sector, which is undergoing a major reset following the collapse of several national lenders, the loss of the 30% federal tax credit for renewable-energy projects and growing scrutiny over opaque business practices.
These disruptions have shaken consumer confidence and left homeowners wary of solar financing. loanTERRA addresses these challenges head-on with a transparent, zero fee Green-Lending-as-a-Service platform that empowers local lenders and installers to offer reliable, affordable financing without hidden markups or dependence on volatile, centralized lenders.
“Every homeowner should be able to invest in clean energy without being blindsided by hidden costs,” said Bill Paulen, founder and CEO of loanTERRA. “With loanTERRA, we’re not just removing opaque fees — we’re helping lenders step into clean energy financing in a way that’s responsible, scalable, and consumer-first.
“This industry doesn’t need another lender — it needs a transparent one. loanTERRA ends the dealer-fee era and gives local lenders a no-lift way to own the future of clean-energy finance,” Paulen continued.
loanTERRA provides financing for projects such as solar panels, heat pumps, batteries, efficient roofing, windows and insulation — upgrades that lower household energy use while delivering long-term financial benefits. These are the core building blocks of home electrification — areas where transparency has been missing for far too long.
How it works:
- Homeowners Apply – Borrowers explore financing for solar panels, heat pumps, batteries, EV chargers, and other energy-efficient upgrades. Applications are streamlined, with most approvals and credit decisions issued in minutes.
- Local Lenders Provide the Loans – loanTERRA partners with credit unions and community banks, connecting borrowers directly to mission-driven financial institutions. Unlike national lenders that add hidden fees, local partners offer fair, transparent terms that keep dollars circulating within the community.
- Trusted Installers Do the Work – Projects are completed by vetted solar and energy- efficiency contractors in loanTERRA’s Trusted Installer network, ensuring quality, compliance, and accountability. • Repayment Matches Utility Savings – Monthly loan payments are designed to align with — and often replace — current electricity bills, so most homeowners see little to no added financial burden while saving in the long run.
- Everyone Benefits – Homeowners reduce costs and carbon footprints, lenders grow sustainable portfolios, installers gain new business, and communities enjoy stronger economies and cleaner air.
loanTERRA’s geolocation-based model keeps lending and financial returns rooted in local economies by directly connecting homeowners, lenders and regional installers. This approach fuels job growth in clean energy, drives local economic activity and increases property values that strengthens tax revenues for schools, healthcare and public services. At the same time, communities gain resilience by reducing grid dependence and stabilizing energy costs.
“Our business model is designed to create a hyper-local green value chain,” Paulen said. “Homeowners save money, installers grow their businesses, lenders strengthen their portfolios, and communities reap the benefits of stronger local economies.” We call this network our Orbit because its multiple forces working together in one coordinated system.”
For credit unions and community banks, loanTERRA also opens the door to a low-risk, high-yield asset class without requiring new staff, IT investments or monthly fees. Residential solar loans perform strongly, with delinquency rates averaging 0.5 to 1.5% compared with 22% on credit cards. The platform’s automated underwriting, built-in compliance and Trusted Installer network further reduce risk, while green lending helps institutions diversify portfolios, deepen community ties and attract younger, sustainability-minded members.
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