Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar lets a business start using an installed solar power system without paying the full system price before installation. Instead, the cost is repaid over time under an agreed contract.
For qualifying SolariHub retailers, repayment is linked to approved card transactions made through the supplied POS terminal. An agreed share of those transactions goes towards the solar balance. The expected repayment period is roughly three to five years, although the signed agreement determines the final terms.
The model is designed around a practical retail problem: a shop may be able to carry a regular operating cost but struggle to fund a large solar purchase in one payment. PAYG can reduce that upfront barrier, but only when the equipment, transaction rules, service responsibilities and total repayment are clear.
How PAYG Solar Works
- Business and power review: the shop's electricity needs and trading pattern are assessed.
- Proposal: the equipment, support, repayment method and expected term are documented.
- Installation: the solar system and repayment-enabled POS are installed.
- Repayment: an agreed share of qualifying card transactions is applied to the balance.
- Completion: deductions stop when the agreed balance reaches zero, subject to the signed terms.
Before signing, the retailer should be able to explain each stage in plain language.
Why Transaction-Linked Repayment Can Suit Retail
A fixed monthly bill places the same demand on a shop in a strong month and a weak one. A transaction-linked model can better reflect card trading activity: higher qualifying card volume may move repayment faster, while lower volume means less is collected through that route.
That does not remove the need to understand the contract. The retailer should confirm which transactions qualify, how refunds and reversals are handled, whether any minimum payment applies, and what happens during seasonal or unusually slow trading periods.
Cash sales do not create a PAYG deduction through the POS. They should still be recorded as part of the shop's normal sales records.
What Should Be Included in the Proposal?
A complete proposal should identify the main equipment being funded, such as solar panels, battery storage, the inverter, wiring, protection equipment and installation. SolariHub systems can also include remote monitoring and ongoing maintenance.
The service terms matter as much as the equipment list. Ask how faults are reported, which repairs are covered, what may create an extra charge, and how replacement parts are treated.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
What is the full expected cost?
Ask for the total expected repayment, or the method used to calculate it. Confirm whether installation, taxes and ongoing services are included.
Which transactions qualify?
Confirm how approved card transactions, refunds, reversals, failed settlements and disputed payments affect the balance.
Is there a minimum payment?
If there is one, understand what happens when card sales are weak and whether the expected end date changes.
Who pays for repairs?
The agreement should distinguish covered faults from damage or services that may attract an additional charge.
What happens when the balance reaches zero?
There should be a clear closure process and written confirmation that transaction deductions have ended.
How PAYG Fits the SolariHub Retail Model
SolariHub combines the power system with the tools used in everyday retail. The POS provides the repayment route, while the wider platform supports sales and inventory records and access to suppliers.
The aim is to make power, payments and shop operations easier to manage as one business setup rather than as disconnected systems.
Is PAYG Solar Right for Your Business?
PAYG is most useful when the system fits the shop's actual electricity needs and the repayment assumptions reflect realistic card activity. A cash-heavy retailer should review expected card volume carefully before relying on a transaction-linked plan.
A fair agreement should remain understandable after installation. The retailer should be able to trace deductions, understand changes to the expected repayment date and know exactly where to report a fault.
If you are still comparing power options, see our guide to solar vs generator for business.
Talk to SolariHub about your power needs and card activity. Our team can assess the shop and prepare a proposal with the equipment, support and payment terms set out clearly.
PAYG Solar FAQs
What is pay-as-you-go solar for businesses?
It allows a business to use an installed solar system while repaying the cost over time under agreed terms.
Is PAYG solar the same as renting?
Not necessarily. Provider terms differ. Under SolariHub's current model, transaction deductions stop when the agreed balance reaches zero and the retailer continues using the system.
How long does SolariHub repayment take?
The expected term is roughly three to five years. Card activity and the signed agreement can affect final timing.
Can a mostly cash business use PAYG?
SolariHub's repayment route uses approved card transactions through the supplied POS, so a cash-heavy retailer should review expected card volume with the team before signing.