Everyone has their own reasons for going solar. The motivations usually include: lowering their power bills, gaining more predictable energy costs, increasing energy independence, or making a positive impact on the environment. And for many homeowners, it's all of the above!

For Asheville resident Kelly Sheehan, the motivation behind solar energy was primarily putting her environmental values into action. For more than 25 years, she has been committed to protecting natural resources through sustainable choices and climate advocacy. When it came time to consider solar for her home, she wanted a solution that reflected those values.

Like many homeowners, Kelly was looking for an option that made financial sense for her while supporting a cleaner future. Through Sugar Hollow Solar’s new Residential Solar Lease Program, in partnership with Palmetto LightReach, Kelly was able to install a custom solar system with $0 down.

Kelly’s project demonstrates how today’s flexible financing options are making clean energy more accessible than ever, empowering more homeowners to reduce their environmental impact while enjoying the long-term benefits of solar!

A New Way to Solar

For years, the upfront cost of solar has been one of the biggest barriers for some homeowners interested in making the switch. But homeowners today have more options. As part of Amicus, the industry-leading solar cooperative, Sugar Hollow Solar has been able to secure best-in-market lease rates and terms through Palmetto LightReach.

As policies and incentives evolve, residential solar leasing has become a powerful way for homeowners to go solar with confidence. With $0 down, maintenance included, immediate savings, and predictable monthly costs, this program helps make solar more accessible to homeowners. It’s designed to make clean energy simple, affordable, and straightforward!

And for Kelly, this flexibility made all the difference.

“I looked into solar before and unfortunately, I didn't have the upfront money to put down to put the solar panels on my house. So, leasing provided an awesome opportunity for me to be able to have solar on my rooftop without putting any money down. It's exciting to know that I will be able to participate in the clean energy economy and I don't have to put thousands of dollars down to get going.”

— Kelly Sheehan, Climate Activist & Sugar Hollow Solar Leasing Customer

Kelly’s story shows that going solar doesn’t have to mean choosing between your financial priorities and your environmental values. With a lease, she was able to bring renewable energy into her home! And the positive impact doesn't stop at her monthly energy bill…

The Impact of One Solar Installation

Solar systems generate clean, renewable electricity that can help reduce reliance on fossil fuel-generated power and lower associated greenhouse gas emissions. While one solar installation may seem like a small step, the collective impact of choosing renewable energy can add up in a big way.

Based on projected system production, Kelly’s solar installation is expected to provide significant environmental benefits over its lifetime, including the equivalent of:

183 barrels of oil offset
2,019 trees planted (equivalent)
Annual emissions from 1 gasoline-powered vehicle

*These projections reflect the system’s environmental impact over time, representing reduced reliance on fossil fuel-based energy sources and the displacement of grid-supplied electricity.*

While these environmental benefits continue to grow as the system generates clean energy throughout its 25-year lease agreement, Kelly will also enjoy long-term energy savings and greater predictability in her monthly utility costs!

Be Your Own Climate Activist

Climate action can take many forms. It can mean changing the way we live, supporting local businesses, advocating for policy changes, or making choices at home that contribute to a cleaner future. For Kelly, solar was one more way to turn her commitment to the environment into action.

"I think it's a great time to go solar. We know that the costs of electricity are only going to keep going up, and solar can buffer us from those rising costs. It is an opportunity to create our own homegrown energy, to support the local clean energy economy, and be part of creating clean air, clean water and a stable climate.”

— Kelly Sheehan

Your energy choices make an impact, at home and beyond! One easy way you can share the sunshine and be a climate activist is our two-way, win-win referral program running through October. You can learn about it here! Every solar panel installed, battery backup integrated, and decision made toward sustainability creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond our neighbors, and this is your opportunity to play a role in the green revolution.

If you're interested in seeing how simple our solar lease program can be or how to participate in our referral program, reach out today. Our team is happy to help and answer any questions you may have!