About this Course

Intro to Solar Finance, New & Improved in 2026

What is solar finance? And: why should that matter to mission-driven financial institutions?

This course is a joint effort between Inclusiv and the Center for Impact Finance. One of our longest-running self-paced courses, Intro to Solar Finance re-launched with policy and landscape updates in 2026. Enroll for free to learn more about solar finance from a lender's perspective, covering solar technology, market trends, value propositions, and lending approaches for the solar industry.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

  1. advocate for why solar finance is a growing opportunity that makes solid business sense for a financial institution
  2. assess opportunities for your financial institution to participate in solar finance through a variety of different channels
  3. determine next steps your organization should take on its journey towards becoming a solar lender

  • Open to:

    All interested parties, with a focus on financial institution staff and lenders.

  • Deadline:

    Participants will gain access to the course for 180 days. After the expiration of the course, participants can re-enroll if needed.

  • Language:

    Offered in English.

  • Tuition

    This course is free and open to all.

  • Certificate

    Successful completion of this course confers a Certificate of Completion.

  • Time commitment:

    You should expect to spend 2-4 hours on this course. You can start and stop at any time.

Course curriculum

    1. Course Overview

    2. How to use this course

    3. Course Waiver

    1. Why Consider Solar Lending?

    2. Why Solar: Four lenders share their stories

    3. Solar PV: The Basics

    4. Solar Components & Terms Solar 101

    5. How Solar PV Works

    6. Test Your Knowledge About Solar Technology

    1. Types of Solar Lending

    2. Test Your Knowledge about Types of Solar Lending

    1. Introduction to Incentives in Solar Finance

    2. Assessing Your Readiness For Solar Lending

    3. Resources to Help You Assess Your Solar Market

    4. Quiz: Solar Market Resources

    1. Social and Economic Justice Perspectives

    1. Final Assignment

About this course

  • Free
  • 17 lessons