Photovoltaic panels can set you back thousands of dollars in upfront costs.

That's the stopping point for many people.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie thinks he has a way to make it more affordable.

“This program will allow consumers to take advantage now and pay for it over the long run, while having the immediate benefits," said Abercrombie in his state of the state address Tuesday.

Every month when consumers pay their electric bill, a portion goes into what's called a public benefits fund.

That pot of money goes to pay for clean energy rebates for efficient appliances and compact florescent light bulbs. 

The governor proposes tapping part of that to secure low- interest bonds to provide $100 million dollars in clean energy financing.

That's money customers can use to borrow to buy photovoltaic systems and then pay back the loan as part of their monthly bill.

The Sierra Club, which is suing the state over a move to limit solar credits, is embracing this new idea.

"The idea is good because it will pay for itself. There is no additional tax money, no additional government money and essentially the people who want to borrow the money will be able to do so if they have not been able to do it before," said Robert Harris.