The Awareness Group Expands Solar Accessibility with Innovative Financing Options

The Awareness Group (TAG), a solar energy services and financing solutions company, is making significant strides in expanding access to residential solar power through innovative financing options. The company's new Non-FICO Driven Residential Lease program, which eliminates the minimum credit score requirement, has shown strong performance since its July launch, with 475 solar projects signed representing a total contract value of $36.9 million.

TAG's CEO and founder, Pablo Diaz, highlighted the program's success, noting a significant increase in project signings from 201 in the July-September period to 274 in October and November alone. The projects have generated $28.8 million in TAG-owned notes and $13.6 million in investment tax credits, both of which can be monetized for cash flow.

The company's approach addresses a critical gap in the solar market. Traditional solar financing typically requires a minimum credit score of 600-650, effectively excluding a large portion of potential customers. By removing this barrier, TAG is tapping into an underserved market segment, as low and moderate-income households represent 43% of U.S. households but only 15% of solar adopters.

In addition to the Non-FICO program, TAG has introduced a 30-year loan option for residential solar projects in 26 states. This loan, which comes with no dealer fees, aims to make solar installations more affordable by spreading the cost over a longer period. The company believes this product will attract new members to its TAG GRID platform and position it as a leader in solar financing.

The timing of these initiatives aligns with projected growth in the U.S. residential solar market. The Solar Energy Industries Association forecasts an average annual growth rate of 10% from 2025 to 2028, with the number of residential solar systems expected to double to 10 million by 2030.

TAG's expansion into the commercial solar sector through a partnership with Apollo Solar and Battery further demonstrates its commitment to diversifying its offerings. As the exclusive commercial finance arm for Apollo's clients and Catalyst Network members, TAG is poised to make a significant impact in both residential and commercial solar markets.

These developments indicate a potential shift in the solar energy landscape, with TAG's innovative financing solutions potentially accelerating the adoption of solar power across a broader spectrum of U.S. households and businesses. The company's approach could lead to increased competition in the solar financing sector and potentially influence industry standards for credit requirements and loan terms.