A company that helps homeowners, businesses and other facilities install solar paneling on their roofs has begun leasing operations in Washington, D.C., published reports indicate.

Customers of Sol Lease, an arm of Sol Systems, will save about 15 percent on utility bills and they will pay no upfront costs for solar panel installation on their roofs. Rather, they'll pay monthly per the terms of a contract as their utility bills go down in price.

"We are proud to be able to offer Sol Lease, and we see this as a turning point," Yuri Horwitz, chief executive officer of Sol Systems, said in a statement. "Success for the solar community means innovation in technology, but it also means innovation in finance. Sol Lease helps our installer partners change the equation and provide solar energy to many that otherwise couldn't secure it."

He said the company is based in DC, noting the employees reside in the neighborhoods where they're investing.

Offered on a pilot basis in D.C., Sol Lease intends to widen its offerings and explore additional markets.