The HOPER program pairs FHA financing with a free, fully-owned solar system — and research compensation up to $13,000 you can use toward closing or savings. Same FHA rate. No extra liens.
Research compensation is earned income (1099). Program availability varies by state. Not all applicants will qualify.
Complete a 4–6 hour online financial education course pre-closing ($149), a 9-hour mentorship course post-closing ($99), and participate in 2 brief surveys per year for 5 years.
That's it. In exchange, you earn research compensation of 3.5% of your purchase price — up to $13,000.
The program provides concierge-level support through the AHA Group, handling all client outreach and education. You focus on selling — they handle the HOPER process.
No rate changes. No second liens. Nothing that complicates your listing. Just a powerful added benefit that helps your clients win.
Whether your goal is a lower rate, eliminating a lien, or building a financial cushion — HOPER adds meaningful value to any FHA refinance.
Scenario: Refinancing $380K from 7% to 6% while adding solar gives you roughly $368/month in total savings across mortgage + utility — plus up to $18,390 in cash and tax benefit.
From pre-approval to solar installation, the entire HOPER journey is designed to be seamless — handled end-to-end by our team.
Your loan officer issues a standard FHA pre-approval for purchase or refinance. If you qualify for FHA, you qualify for HOPER.
Basic info is submitted to AHA Group. A HOPER Eligibility Letter is generated, showing your estimated solar costs and research compensation.
Complete the 4–6 hr financial education course. Sign your solar agreement. Close on your mortgage with the earned income applied as needed.
Your owned solar system is installed post-closing. Start generating your own electricity — and building long-term financial resilience.
Solar offsets the slight increase in your mortgage — so you get an owned system, research income, and financial education at essentially no additional cost.
| FHA Purchase | Without HOPER | With HOPER |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage Payment | $2,000 | $2,200 |
| Electric Bill | $300 | $100 |
| Total Monthly | $2,300 | $2,300 |
Example based on illustrative figures. Actual savings vary by utility rates, system size, and loan terms. Solar savings are estimated, not guaranteed.
U.S. electricity prices have climbed nearly 3% annually for 25 years — often becoming a homeowner's second-largest expense. Owned solar changes that permanently.
HOPER has helped many of my clients improve their financial situations, not just leading up to purchasing a home, but even after closing. Thanks to the AHA Group, the loan process is seamless. I'm grateful to be working with you all.
A powerful value-add for any FHA homeowner — lower rate, locked-in energy costs, and more cash after closing.
Based on a $380K refinance, rate reduced from 7% to 6%, with a $35K solar system added.
*Utility savings estimated, not guaranteed. Consult your loan officer for figures specific to your situation.
Answers to the questions we hear most — from buyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals.
Yes. HOPER is not a Down Payment Assistance program, which means it doesn't trigger the rate adjustments that DPA programs typically require. Your loan officer quotes you a standard FHA rate — HOPER adds no pricing hit whatsoever.
No — it's earned income, not a grant or gift. You earn it by participating in financial education courses and periodic research surveys. There are no repayment requirements, no income limits, no credit score requirements, and no second liens attached to it. It is reported on a 1099 and is taxable income.
No. Under the FHA Solar and Wind Technology (SWT) policy, the solar system cost is added to the loan amount and does not affect the appraised value used to calculate your down payment. Your 3.5% down is still based on the home's purchase price — not the combined home + solar amount.
Three things: (1) Complete a self-paced online financial education course pre-closing (~4–6 hrs, $149 fee). (2) Complete an online financial mentorship course post-closing (~9 hrs, $99 fee). (3) Respond to two brief surveys per year for five years. That's it — in exchange for up to $13,000 in earned income and a brand-new owned solar system.
Almost anything related to the transaction — closing costs, debt payoff, down payment replenishment, realtor fees, interest rate buy-down, appraisal gaps, and more. The one requirement is that you must first cover your minimum required investment (MRI) with your own funds before applying program earnings.
No. Condominiums are ineligible for the HOPER program regardless of location. Single-family homes, townhomes, and eligible 2–4 unit properties with FHA financing may qualify.
No. There are no rate changes, no second liens, and no UCC filings that would complicate your listing or the buyer's title. The AHA Group handles all HOPER-related client outreach and education — your job is just to sell the home. Many agents find it actually saves deals by giving buyers access to funds for appraisal gaps or closing costs.
In most cases, yes — FHA-eligible = HOPER-eligible (subject to state and property eligibility). There are no additional income limits or credit score requirements layered on top of standard FHA guidelines. The property must be in a HOPER-eligible state and cannot be a condominium.
Yes. There are no refinance restrictions associated with HOPER — unlike some DPA programs that lock you into the original loan. Clients can refinance freely after purchase, and existing homeowners can also access HOPER through an FHA refinance to receive earned income and add an owned solar system.
No — this is one of HOPER's biggest advantages over other solar programs. The system is owned free and clear at closing with no UCC filings, no second liens, and no lease agreements. This means no solar-related complications when the homeowner eventually sells or refinances.
No. HOPER is a privately administered social innovation research program run by Attainable Housing Advocates (AHA Group). It is not a government grant, government-backed assistance program, or affiliated with HUD or FHA directly — though it operates within standard FHA loan guidelines using the FHA Solar and Wind Technology policy.
This website is operated by Matthew Brown (NMLS #1254520), an independent licensed mortgage broker based in Austin, Texas. Matthew is not an employee or representative of HOPER or AHA Group — this site is an independent educational resource. For official program information, visit theahagroup.org.
Send us a message and Matthew will respond personally. If you're ready to move forward, you can also book a free HOPER Solar Consultation directly on his calendar.
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