OneEthos targets small commercial solar with $350k instant loans
Following its growth in residential solar lending, OneEthos, powered by Climate First Bank, introduces FastTrack, the first instant-approval financing tool for small commercial solar projects in the U.S., offering 100% financing, no dealer fees, and fixed terms.
OneEthos, the fintech affiliate of Climate First Bank, is extending its bank-backed lending model into the small commercial solar market. The certified B Corp introduced FastTrack, which it describes as the first instant-approval financing solution for U.S. commercial solar projects. The tool allows businesses to receive credit decisions in real time — up to $350,000 — through a soft credit check of the owner that does not affect their credit score.
“FastTrack by OneEthos reflects our commitment to rewriting the script on small commercial solar,” said David Radzihovsky, Head of Growth, Commercial at OneEthos. “By combining speed and simplicity, FastTrack enables small businesses to invest in a sustainable future without needless headaches and frustrating paper chases.”
Building on the residential platform
Solar Builder previously spoke with OneEthos leadership on an episode of The Pitch, regarding its residential lending platform, which offers 30-year fixed-rate solar loans with no dealer fees in 27 states.
That product line was designed to make payments more affordable in the face of rising interest rates while also expanding access for low- and moderate-income (LMI) households through partnerships with local green banks.
Executive VP Chris Cucci explained then that OneEthos’ edge is structural: “Our competitive advantage [is that] OneEthos is a lending platform that is powered by a bank. Climate First Bank is not a vendor; it’s not a relationship that we’re at risk of losing. OneEthos and Climate First Bank are both under the same holding company … and we were built with the intention of feeding off of each other.”
With FastTrack, the company is applying the same model of speed and inclusivity to small commercial projects, a segment that has historically lacked dedicated financing products.
FastTrack loan terms and structure
- Instant approvals for projects up to $350,000
- 100% financing with no dealer fees or prepayment penalties
- 25.5-year fixed term at an 8.99% interest rate
- Unlimited re-amortizations for added flexibility
Loans are available nationwide for for-profit, owner-occupied businesses. By tying underwriting to the owner’s personal credit, the platform sidesteps some of the complexity that has long hampered commercial solar finance.
Bank-backed and mission-driven
OneEthos is powered by Climate First Bank, which was founded with environmental impact as a cornerstone. The bank operates branches with LEED Platinum certifications, incentivizes employees to go solar or drive EVs, and publicly reports its carbon footprint. Unlike many fintech entrants, OneEthos is regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank, offering the compliance and oversight of a traditional lender.
CEO Marcio de Oliveira underscored the market potential: “Look at any business park and you’ll see acres of flat, sun-soaked, naked rooftops. They shouldn’t be — and with FastTrack, they won’t be. Commercial buildings will be powering American jobs and energy independence.”
