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Solar Information

Solar Installation Financial Assistance

PACE Commercial Financing

  • Provides local property owners access to affordable financing for energy- and water-efficient improvements
  • Amount of financing available is determined by the property’s assessed value
  • Paid back annually over, up to 20 years, and is transferrable if the property is sold or transferred

The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Loan Program, or On-Bill Financing (OBF), lets you make facilities improvements without large outlays of cash. PG&E will finance the project, and you pay the loan – interest-free – through your monthly utility bills. Loan funds must be used to purchase and install qualifying energy-efficient equipment. You can use a contractor or install the equipment yourself. PG&E will inspect your facility before you remove old equipment and again after the new products are operating. Loan terms and monthly payment amounts are determined based on your estimated monthly savings from the new products. Business customers may qualify for loans between $5,000 and $100,000, with loan periods of up to 60 months.

Energy Efficient Upgrades

Making energy efficient upgrades to your home or business is affordable with HERO Financing. HERO offers a low-interest, long-term, tax-deductible financing option that is repaid through your property taxes. Approvals are not based on credit scores and applying is simple. Just pick the energy efficient upgrades and select the registered contractor that are right for you and get your project started!

Homeowner’s Guide to Financing a Solar PV System

This guide provides an overview of the financing options that may be available to homeowners who are considering installing a solar electric system on their house. Also discussed are the benefits of going solar as well as key terms and definitions to be familiar with.

Buyer’s Guides to Solar Power

These consumer guides published by the US Department of Energy answer frequently asked questions about solar energy systems and go into detail about the benefits, system basics, choosing a system, financial incentives, warranty, and insurance issues. Each hyperlink displays a different consumer guide.

Solar Education

Get Some Sun Educational Webinar Series

‘Get Some Sun’ webinars feature fresh perspectives from industry leaders on solar policies, market reports, innovative market development models, tools, and other great resources. Visit the source link below to access the webinar series.

Solar in K-12 Curriculum

Incorporating solar energy science into the K-12 curriculum at local schools educates not only children but also the community. Visit the source link below to access free educational resources to help teachers and parents educate their children about renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, including hands-on projects and curriculum suggestions. The hyperlink below provides additional case studies as well as implementation tips and options.

Solar in K-12 Curriculum at solarroadmap.com

Job Training

Looking to get a job in the Solar Industry?  One of the best ways to get experience is to engage in a local training program and get hands-on experience installing solar systems.     Locally, Grid Alternatives, a non-profit that provides solar panels to low-income households, utilizes volunteers to install panels.  This allows you to gain valuable on-the-job experience that puts you on track to be a certified installer.