If you work with buyers in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama or Georgia, you may already be hearing questions about MAXPower 5 solar financing and what it means for a home purchase. This guide is written for real estate agents. It explains how the solar piece works, what makes a property and a buyer a fit, and how to present it to your clients in plain language.
MAXPower 5 is a social innovation research program offered exclusively by Max Mortgage, LLC and administered by Attainable Housing Advocates (The AHA Group). It combines FHA financing, financial education, mentorship, potential earned income and a homeowner-owned solar system. Solar is one of its four parts, and it is often the part buyers ask about first.
No one-size-fits-all promises. Your individual loan and program review comes first.
What MAXPower 5 Solar Means for Your Buyers
The MAXPower 5 solar component uses the FHA Solar and Wind Technology policy, often called the SWT policy. Under this policy, the home and the solar system can be financed together in one FHA loan. Here is what that means in practice:
- The home and solar combined may allow up to 120% loan-to-value (LTV).
- There is no change to the appraisal or to the down payment amount.
- The system is owned free and clear. There is no UCC-1 filing and no second lien.
That last point matters to sellers, listing agents and title companies. The buyer owns the panels. This is ownership, not a solar lease, and owned solar can appraise into resale value. You can learn more about FHA programs directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Owned Solar Under MAXPower 5 Solar: A Different Conversation
Many agents have seen a closing slowed down by leased panels or a power purchase agreement. With MAXPower 5 solar financing, there is no lease to transfer and no separate lien on the panels, because the buyer owns the system.
Energy costs are part of the conversation too. According to the program materials, US electricity prices have risen nearly 3% per year over the past 25 years, often making electricity a homeowner’s second-largest expense after the mortgage. With MAXPower 5 solar financing, solar may help lower electric bills and offset long-term household expenses. Savings are never promised, and actual results depend on the property.
A Monthly Cost Illustration
Here is the illustration used in the program materials. It is meant to show how the numbers can be viewed together, not to predict any buyer’s payment.
| Illustration only | Standard FHA | FHA + MP5 |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | $2,000 | $2,200 |
| Electric bill | $300 | $100 |
| Combined | $2,300 | $2,300 |
Illustration only, not a loan quote or savings estimate. Solar financing may increase the mortgage payment; actual utility costs and savings vary.
The takeaway is simple. MAXPower 5 solar financing asks buyers to look at the mortgage and the electric bill together, instead of the mortgage payment alone.
What Makes a Property a Fit for MAXPower 5 Solar
Not every home will qualify for MAXPower 5 solar. Before a buyer gets attached to a listing, it helps to know the basics:
- The property must be in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida or Georgia.
- The property must be suitable for solar installation.
- Condominiums are not eligible.
- Occupancy and home type must qualify, and FHA solar calculations and loan limits apply.
During the review, the team looks at roof condition and property suitability; system cost, energy output and warranties; utility rates, insurance and tax considerations; and FHA mortgage limits and loan requirements. Installation costs, financing and actual savings depend on the property.
In Florida, where many buyers tour sunny single-family homes, this is a natural talking point. The same review applies in every eligible state, though, and a condo listing is not a fit for MAXPower 5 solar.
What Makes a Buyer a Fit for MAXPower 5 Solar
On the buyer side, here is the short checklist:
- A minimum credit score of 640.
- The ability to show 3.5% of their own funds available, even if not needed at closing. Gift funds are allowed.
- An FHA purchase or refinance scenario.
- The ability to meet FHA lending standards.
All program and lender criteria must be verified before anything is final.
The Earned Income Piece, Briefly
Buyers who participate may qualify to earn 5% of the purchase price, capped at $16,000. It is not guaranteed, and approval determines timing, use and eligibility. If approved, possible uses include the down payment, eligible closing costs, an interest rate buydown, paying off other liabilities, or reserves, subject to program approval and lender rules.
MAXPower 5 is not a down payment assistance program and not a grant. Because the potential earnings can serve several purposes, it is a research program. Earnings are not automatic cash to close, FHA funds-to-close rules still apply, and buyers still need to show 3.5% of their own funds.
Participation Commitments Buyers Should Expect
- Before closing: financial education, about 4 to 6 hours, with a $149 fee.
- After closing: mentorship, about 9 hours, with a $99 fee.
- After closing: two surveys per year for five years.
Setting these expectations early keeps the transaction smooth. Buyers who choose MAXPower 5 solar financing are joining a research program, and the follow-through is part of the deal.
How to Present MAXPower 5 Solar to Your Buyers
- Lead with ownership. The buyer would own the system, not lease it.
- Use hedged language. Buyers may qualify, subject to program approval.
- Show both options. Max Mortgage helps buyers compare standard FHA and FHA + MP5 before they decide.
- Skip the promises. No guarantees about savings, payments or earnings.
- Send them for a review. Charles can walk your buyer through eligibility one on one.
This is about helping your buyers make an informed choice. There is no realtor compensation or referral payment tied to MAXPower 5.
The Four-Step Process
- Connect: The buyer contacts Charles to talk about goals.
- Explore: A personalized review of FHA and MP5 eligibility.
- Verify: A review of the home, MAXPower 5 solar feasibility, program rules and documents.
- Compare: Monthly costs, cash to close, timing and responsibilities, side by side.
Want to share a simple overview with your buyers? Point them to the MAXPower 5 program page.
MAXPower 5 Solar FAQ for Realtors
Is this down payment assistance?
No. It is a research program. Potential earnings can be applied toward the down payment, but they can also be used for closing costs, a rate buydown, paying off other debts, or reserves, which is why it is not a down payment assistance program. Earnings are not automatic cash to close.
Can the 5% go toward my buyer’s down payment?
It may, if the buyer is approved. Down payment is one of several possible uses, subject to program approval and FHA funds-to-close rules. The buyer still needs to show 3.5% of their own funds (gifts allowed).
How much can a buyer earn?
Potentially 5% of the price, up to $16,000, if approved. It is not guaranteed.
Does the buyer own the solar?
Yes. It is owned free and clear, with no lease and no second lien.
Can my buyer purchase a condo?
No. Condos are not eligible.
What credit score is needed?
A 640 minimum.
What does it cost?
$149 before closing and $99 after closing.
Which states are eligible?
Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
Next Steps for You and Your Buyers
If you have a buyer who might be a fit for MAXPower 5 solar financing, the best next step is a program review with Charles. He will look at the buyer, the property and the numbers, and lay out standard FHA next to FHA + MP5 so the buyer can decide with clear information.
Ask about your buyer’s eligibility. Request a program review. Schedule a homebuyer consultation.
Charles Parharm, Mortgage Loan Advisor
Max Mortgage, LLC
504-584-8999
charles@callthemax.com
www.maxxla.com/mp5
About the author: Charles, Mortgage Loan Advisor with Max Mortgage, LLC. 20+ years in mortgage and real estate. NAMB Certified FHA Mortgage Professional.
MAXPower 5 is presented as a research program involving earned income, financial education, mentorship and solar financing. Program participation, any payments, permitted uses, fees and state availability are subject to written program terms and lender approval. FHA financing remains subject to underwriting, property eligibility, mortgage insurance, funds-to-close requirements and all applicable agency guidelines. This is for educational and marketing purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #1413036 | Company NMLS #1446745
