Thinking about getting solar panels but stumped by the upfront costs? Some companies now offer leasing programs and solar financing options to homeowners, which means you can go solar for little or no money down.

A solar lease, sometimes called a power purchase agreement, enables a homeowner to lease, rather than buy, a system that is installed and maintained by a third-party solar electricity vendor. The monthly lease payment for solar power and the panels is calculated to be cheaper than what you would normally pay for equivalent power from the grid. Once the lease term is over, you can choose to upgrade to a newer technology or even do a buy-out.

If you prefer to own your panels outright, ask your financial institution about an energy improvement mortgage. A recent study in Appraisal Journal showed that for every $1 decrease in annual energy costs, the market value of the home increases by $20.

The Pasadena Solar Initiative gives you a big head-start with a $3.50 per watt rebate in addition to the $2000 federal tax credit. Both expire in 2009. Learn more at one of two solar workshops hosted by PWP at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle, 960 E. Walnut St., Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Online registration is required: www.cityofpasadena.net/solar.