When done correctly and transparently, advocates say, third-party ownership is no different from a form of securitization: You unlock some of the equity in your asset and only pay the lender back when you sell up.

WSJ: Third-Party Ownership: How to Stud a Soccer Player

Bill Heskett, managing director of asset-backed securities for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, is also bullish on solar securitization.

FORBES: The Asset-Backed Security On Your Roof