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Compare the payment schedule with your procurement and project milestones before choosing an arrangement.
Services for the solar trade
Financial solutions
Explore payment and financing options for solar equipment purchases. Availability and terms depend on the provider, project and credit approval.
Financial solutions
Trade credit, factoring, project finance and escrow.
Protect cash flow, de-risk large orders
Agree on responsibilities early
Agree on payment responsibilities, required documents and release conditions before placing a large or phased order.
Net-30 / Net-60 Terms
Reusable Net-30 and Net-60 trade credit that applies across participating suppliers instead of a fresh application for every vendor.
Reusable net terms across suppliers
One application, every participating supplier
A single credit application produces terms usable across every participating supplier, replacing a separate credit application and approval wait for each new vendor relationship.
Terms that protect cash flow as a business grows
Reusable net terms mean a growing supplier relationship doesn't require re-underwriting every few months, keeping working capital available for payroll and new project costs.
Qualification built around how a solar business actually operates
Underwriting accounts for the seasonality and project-based cash flow common in installation and distribution businesses, rather than a generic small-business credit model.
One credit line, every supplier
Stop reapplying for credit supplier by supplier
One approved credit line carries across every participating supplier instead of a fresh application each time.
Protect working capital through project cycles
Terms account for the cash-flow timing common in solar installation and distribution work.
Escrow & Payment Guarantees
Milestone-based escrow that holds funds until delivery or inspection conditions are met, protecting both sides on a large order.
Milestone escrow that protects both sides
Funds held until conditions are actually met
Escrow holds payment until delivery confirmation, inspection or another agreed milestone clears, which matters most on container-scale or multi-phase orders where neither side wants to be first to release money or goods.
Protection that runs both directions
A seller gets assurance that funds are committed and available, while a buyer gets assurance that payment doesn't release until the equipment actually shows up in the condition ordered.
Structured to the deal's actual milestones
Escrow terms get set against a specific project's delivery and inspection schedule, not a generic percentage-based release that doesn't match how the deal actually unfolds.
Larger orders with less exposure
Take on larger orders with less exposure
Capital isn't fully committed before delivery and inspection conditions are actually met.
Build trust on a first-time supplier relationship
Escrow gives both sides a structured way to transact before a track record exists between them.
Equipment Leasing
Lease structures for equipment financing that keep capital available for other parts of a project instead of tying it up in a purchase.
How equipment leasing frees capital
Capital preserved for other project costs
Leasing spreads equipment cost over a term instead of committing it all up front, freeing capital for labor, permitting or a second project running in parallel.
Terms matched to project and business cash flow
Lease length and structure get matched to a project's revenue timeline or a business's working-capital needs, not a fixed default term.
A clear path to ownership where it makes sense
Buyout terms at the end of a lease period are structured up front, so a business knows the total cost of ownership before signing.
Leasing versus buying outright
Keep cash available for the rest of the project
Leasing frees capital that would otherwise be tied up in an outright equipment purchase.
Know the full cost of ownership up front
Buyout terms and total lease cost are clear before a lease is signed, not negotiated at the end.
Project Financing
Project financing arranged around a project's specific capital stack, whether that's tax equity, a construction loan or a hybrid structure.
Structuring the project capital stack
Structuring across the capital stack
Tax equity, construction debt and sponsor equity each play a different role in a project's capital stack, and financing structured here accounts for how they interact rather than treating financing as a single line item.
Financing scaled to project size
A residential-adjacent commercial project and a utility-scale build need fundamentally different financing structures, and support here scales to the project rather than applying one template.
Transferability factored in from the start
Since tax credit transferability under Section 6418 became available, more projects structure financing around a credit sale rather than a traditional tax equity partnership, and that option gets weighed as part of the structuring conversation.
Financing built around your project
Structure financing around the real capital stack
Tax equity, debt and transferability options get weighed together instead of defaulting to one financing path.
Right-size financing to the project
Structuring scales to the project's actual size instead of a generic commercial financing template.
Insurance Partnerships
Cargo and equipment coverage arranged alongside the transaction, so a shipment isn't exposed between purchase and delivery.
Cargo coverage for the transit window
Cargo coverage for the transit window
Insurance arranged alongside a shipment covers the gap between a purchase order and delivered, inspected equipment, the window where transit damage most commonly occurs and disputes most commonly start.
Coverage that matches the actual shipment value
Policy terms get set against the real declared value of a shipment, not a flat default that under-covers a large order.
Coordinated with freight, not a separate step
Insurance arranges alongside freight booking rather than as an afterthought once a shipment is already in transit.
Close the transit gap, match real value
Close the coverage gap in transit
Equipment stays covered from purchase order through delivery instead of a gap between insurance policies.
Match coverage to real shipment value
Policy terms reflect the actual value at risk, not a generic minimum.
Tax Credit Monetization
Support navigating ITC and PTC transferability, domestic content bonuses and FEOC rules that now shape whether a project's credit position holds up.
Transferability, bonuses and FEOC screening
Transferability structured under Section 6418
ITC transfers currently trade at roughly 90 to 95 cents on the dollar and PTC transfers can run even higher, and structuring here covers the buyer diligence and documentation a transfer requires.
Domestic content bonus qualification
The domestic content bonus adds meaningfully to a project's credit value, with required cost-ratio thresholds that step up over time, and sourcing documentation gets built to support that qualification rather than assembled after an audit request.
FEOC and material assistance screening
Prohibited foreign entity and material assistance rules now apply to projects beginning construction after the applicable statutory dates, and screening here checks a project's supply chain against those thresholds before they become a disqualifying surprise.
Monetizing credits without tax equity
Monetize credits without a tax equity partnership
Transferability offers a more direct path to credit value for projects that don't fit a traditional tax equity structure.
Qualify for the domestic content bonus with documentation in hand
Sourcing records line up with what the bonus requires from the start of procurement, not reconstructed for an audit.
Guides for your next decision
Your questions, answered.
What financial services does Sunhub offer beyond net terms?
Beyond Net-30 and Net-60 terms, Sunhub offers escrow and payment guarantees, project financing, equipment leasing, tax credit monetization, and insurance partnerships. The point is to structure payment around how solar deals actually close rather than a generic commercial lending product, protecting cash flow across every relationship and de-risking large or multi-phase orders.
Can tax credit transferability be arranged through these services?
Yes, tax credit monetization is part of the financial services, which can include arranging transfer or sale of eligible credits so their value gets realized without waiting on a tax filing. The specifics depend on the credit, the project, and current IRS transferability rules. Sunhub structures these around the actual deal rather than a one-size product.
Does escrow protect both the buyer and the seller on a large order?
Yes. Escrow holds funds until agreed conditions are met, so the buyer knows payment only releases on delivery or milestones and the seller knows the money is committed before shipping. That two-sided protection is what makes it useful for de-risking large or multi-phase orders where trust and exposure run both ways.
How do Net-30 or Net-60 terms qualify across multiple suppliers?
With Sunhub's trade credit, one qualification applies across participating suppliers, so approved credit can be used vendor to vendor instead of reapplying at each. The terms are underwritten centrally and honored by suppliers in the network. That removes the repeat paperwork of chasing separate credit lines.
Does a growing business need to reapply for credit periodically?
Terms are typically reviewed as a business grows and its volume changes, and credit limits can be adjusted rather than started over from scratch. The point of a reusable line is to avoid a fresh application for every supplier. Sunhub structures terms to keep pace with the business through project cycles.
More questions about these services
What does a business need to qualify for net terms?
Qualification usually looks at time in business, trade and bank references, and financial history, weighted around how a solar contractor actually operates through project cycles. Requirements vary with the credit line requested. Sunhub builds qualification around the realities of a solar business rather than a generic retail credit check.
How does milestone escrow work for a solar equipment order?
Funds are deposited with a neutral escrow party and released in stages as defined conditions are met, such as production, shipment, delivery, or inspection sign-off. The buyer's money is committed, so the seller has assurance of payment, but it is not disbursed until each milestone is satisfied, which protects the buyer against non-delivery. The structure is set to the deal's actual milestones rather than a single lump payment.
What conditions typically trigger an escrow release?
Common triggers include confirmed shipment, delivery to the destination, or passing an agreed inspection or commissioning check, with each tranche tied to a documented event. The exact conditions are negotiated up front and written into the escrow terms, so both sides know precisely what evidence releases each payment. Milestones scale to the order, from a single delivery release to several staged checkpoints.
Does escrow protect the seller as well as the buyer?
Yes, protection runs both directions. The buyer is shielded because funds release only when delivery or inspection conditions are met, while the seller gains assurance that the money is already committed in escrow and will release on performance. That balance is what makes escrow useful for larger orders and first-time supplier relationships where neither side wants to extend blind trust.
When does leasing equipment make more sense than an outright purchase?
Leasing tends to make sense when preserving capital matters more than owning the asset outright, letting you keep cash available for labor, land, or other project costs. It can also suit businesses that want predictable payments matched to project cash flow instead of a large upfront outlay. An outright purchase usually wins when you have the capital and want ownership and full depreciation from day one.
Does equipment leasing affect who holds the warranty?
Manufacturer warranties generally stay tied to the equipment itself, so coverage typically follows the hardware regardless of the financing structure. That said, who is responsible for claims and maintenance under a lease depends on the specific lease terms. Review the agreement so warranty responsibilities and any pass-through conditions are clear before signing.
Can leased equipment be bought out at the end of a term?
Yes, many lease structures include a buyout so there's a clear path to ownership where it makes sense. The buyout terms and end-of-term value depend on how the lease is written, so knowing the full cost of ownership up front matters. Confirm the purchase option and its price when the lease is structured rather than at term end.
What's the difference between tax equity and debt financing for a solar project?
Tax equity brings in an investor who can monetize a project's tax credits and depreciation in exchange for a share of returns, which suits projects with tax benefits the developer cannot fully use. Debt is a loan repaid with interest and secured against the project, adding leverage without giving up ownership of the credits. Many projects combine both in a capital stack, alongside sponsor equity.
Does project financing change based on project size?
Yes. Smaller projects often rely on simpler structures like a term loan or a lease, while larger utility-scale projects can support tax equity, construction-to-permanent debt, and hybrid arrangements. Larger deals carry the transaction costs those structures require, whereas small projects usually cannot. Financing is right-sized to the project's scale and economics.
How does transferability under the IRA change project financing options?
The Inflation Reduction Act lets developers sell certain clean-energy tax credits directly to a buyer for cash, which can replace or reduce the need for a traditional tax equity partner. That opens a simpler path to monetizing credits, though pricing, buyer diligence, and recapture risk still shape the deal. Factoring transferability in from the start keeps the capital stack efficient.
What does cargo insurance typically cover during solar equipment transit?
Cargo insurance typically covers physical loss or damage to the equipment while it is in transit, from causes such as handling accidents, collision, and certain perils along the route, up to the insured shipment value. It closes the exposure gap between purchase and delivery when neither the seller's nor the buyer's own coverage clearly applies. Exact covered perils and exclusions depend on the policy terms for the shipment.
Is insurance arranged automatically or does it need to be requested per order?
Coverage is coordinated alongside the transaction and freight rather than left as a separate afterthought, so it can be arranged as part of the order. Whether it applies automatically or is added per shipment depends on the order and the coverage you want, which is confirmed when the shipment is set up. The point is to close the transit gap without bolting on a disconnected policy later.
Does insurance cover damage found after delivery but before installation?
Cargo coverage is generally tied to the transit window, so damage first occurring after delivery may fall outside it, though concealed damage from transit that is documented promptly can sometimes be covered depending on policy terms and inspection timing. This is why inspecting on receipt and noting any damage right away matters. Coverage for the post-delivery, pre-installation period would depend on the specific policy, which the arrangement can clarify.
What is tax credit transferability and how does it work for solar projects?
Transferability, established under Section 6418, lets a project owner sell eligible clean-energy tax credits such as the ITC or PTC to an unrelated buyer for cash. It gives developers a way to monetize credits without assembling a traditional tax equity partnership. The transfer has to be documented and meet IRS requirements, so structuring and substantiation matter to whether the position holds.
How does the domestic content bonus increase a project's credit value?
The domestic content bonus adds an incremental credit on top of the base ITC or PTC when a project meets thresholds for U.S.-manufactured steel, iron, and manufactured products. Qualifying can raise the credit percentage meaningfully, which is why the documentation behind it matters. The bonus only holds up if you can substantiate the domestic content with manufacturer certifications and cost data.
What do FEOC material assistance rules mean for tax credit eligibility?
FEOC rules can reduce or disqualify a project's credit when too much of its value comes from prohibited foreign entities of concern, through what is often framed as material assistance from those sources. In practice that means the origin of cells, wafers, and key materials can affect eligibility, not just where the module was assembled. Screening the supply chain and keeping sourcing documentation is how a project protects its credit position.
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Tell our team what you need, and explore the Sunhub services that fit your business.