AURA is a Prepaid Lease-to-Own program designed to maximize your solar savings through a Federal Solar Tax Credit Pass-Through. With the 30% federal tax credit shifting to commercial leasing companies in 2026, AURA allows our financing partner to monetize that credit and pass 100% of the value directly back to you. Subject to financing approval, you can choose to receive this 30% pass-through benefit as an upfront discount on your system cost, or as a cash-back check if you finance. Because it operates as a prepaid lease, the system is fully funded on day one — either by paying cash or, more commonly, by using one of our specialized, low-payment solar loans.

Ownership Option: You have the voluntary option to purchase the system starting on the 6th anniversary. The buyout price is determined by the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the system minus the value of the System Owner’s remaining obligations — a calculation that often results in a transfer cost at or near $0.00 (and never less than $0.00). If there is ever a disagreement regarding the FMV, an independent third-party appraisal can be requested at Participate Energy’s cost. If you sell your home before Year 6, the lease transfers freely to the new owner — no buyout required.

The core distinction depends on your payment method:

Cash Buyers: If you pay for the system upfront in cash, the 30% pass-through benefit is always applied as an Upfront Discount — effectively the AURA Standard model.

Financing Customers have a choice:

• AURA (Standard): The 30% pass-through benefit lowers the principal loan balance, resulting in your lowest possible monthly payment.
• AURA+ (Plus): The 30% pass-through benefit is paid out to you as a Cash Back Check — cash you can use however you choose. Available only for customers financing their system, subject to financing approval.

Your total AURA+ cash-back equals 30% of your Total Contract Price — the final installed system cost in your signed agreement — paid in two separate checks:

• Check 1 — 5% of your Total Contract Price (timing depends on loan type; see below)
• Check 2 — 25% of your Total Contract Price, issued approximately 45 days after System Activation (PTO)

Example: On a $35,000 system, Check 1 = $1,750 and Check 2 = $8,750, for a total of $10,500 returned to you in cash. Actual amounts are based solely on your final signed Total Contract Price and are subject to financing approval. Use the estimator below to run your own numbers.

This payout schedule applies only if you have selected the AURA+ option and have been approved for financing. The timing depends on your loan type:

• Fixed Loan: 5% is paid after Installation complete, and the remaining 25% is paid approx. 45 days after System Activation (PTO).
• Lite Loan: Because this loan funds early, the 5% is released immediately after the Site Survey — ideal for covering initial loan payments. The remaining 25% is paid approx. 45 days after Activation (PTO).

Cash-back checks are issued by Freedom Forever under the Additional Financing Agreement. If any portion of the funds received from the tax equity partner are reversed or clawed back, the agreement requires the customer to return the affected check amount. This provision is detailed in the financing agreement provided at signing.

No. There is no lien on your real estate property. The System Owner files a “UCC-1 Fixture Filing,” which is a public notice that they own the solar equipment (personal property), not your home. Your real property title remains completely unencumbered throughout the AURA℠ program term.

You have the voluntary option to take full legal title starting on the 6th Anniversary of installation, and on any anniversary after that. Before Year 6, the bank holds title to monetize the tax incentives for you.

If you sell your home: A home sale does not require a buyout. The lease transfers freely to the new buyer — the Year 6 ownership option simply continues to exist for them as well.

After you purchase: You own the system outright and retain 100% of all Grid Services revenue. Any remaining installer workmanship warranties transfer to you as the new system owner.

Yes. If your system is enrolled in a Grid Services program (also known as a Virtual Power Plant or VPP), you receive 30% to 70% of the net proceeds — a revenue stream most traditional solar leases don’t offer at all. After the optional Year 6 ownership buyout, you retain 100% of all Grid Services revenue. Contact Raynora at 1-844-RAYGRID or gosolar@raynora.com for details on Grid Services availability in your area.