In 2009, Sungage Co-Founder Sara Ross was exploring options for installing solar on her roof. The opportunity to save money was clear. However, the path forward in terms of financing options was murky for her as a homeowner and for the local solar installer. Her local bank didn’t understand solar. She didn’t have enough equity (or time) to take out a second mortgage. And a solar lease wasn’t appealing since she’d forfeit most of the value and give up control to a third party.

Sara was looking for an easy way to finance the purchase of a solar energy system, but it didn’t exist. So, she set out to fill the void by providing a financing solution that installers could use to help other homeowners just like her.

Partnering with her solar installer, she began lending out her daughter’s college savings fund to their customers – other local homeowners who wanted to go solar. When the idea for a solar loan proved popular, she proceeded to build a business that bridged the gap between homeowners, installers, and financial institutions.

Since those early days, Sungage Financial has continued to grow but our focus remains the same: delivering consumer-friendly financing options for our installation partners. In her current role as a board member, Sara continues to be a voice guiding Sungage’s direction and contribution to the clean energy transition while also connecting us to our roots.