New financing options are also tipping the scales. SunRun and other companies, such as SolarCity and Sungevity, offer consumers the option to lease a solar array or enter into an agreement (called a Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA) to purchase the power the panels generate. The details of the agreements vary—typically a lease requires no money down, while a PPA requires some money up front. But both financing models are cheaper than purchasing and installing a full set of PVs, and thus eliminate a giant obstacle for individual consumers. "Residential solar systems can cost anywhere between $25,000 to $45,000," Jurich says. "But with PPAs and leases, homeowners can switch to solar for little or no cost and simply pay monthly for their electricity, just like they pay their utility today. It's familiar and affordable."