One of the main obstacles inhibiting homeowners from obtaining solar power are high prices, for both equipment and installation. Offering a Power Purchase Agreement, American Vision Solar customers in Southern California will now be able to install solar panels for their home while putting little to no money down.

Solar PPA companies will purchase the solar panels for each American Vision Solar customer and will act as their “local energy company.” In return, the PPA company will receive each customer’s monthly utility bill and any state/local incentives.

For 20 years, the PPA company will provide for any needed maintenance on the solar panels and assure that it is in proper condition. The PPA company will also insure the system and replace any faulty equipment.

American Vision Solar says each month’s PPA payment will be less than a Southern California Edison energy bill.

California home-developers are hoping to build homes to be so energy efficient that they don’t consume any energy at all, according to the North County Times. The energy-saving idea was conceived after the passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act, which calls for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Builders asked about the prices to construct these solar-equipped houses say that each home may see an added cost between 25,000 to 50,000, the news report says.