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Energy Financing

Community Development Agency

Property owners in Marin have multiple options for financing energy improvements. Choosing the best financing option depends on the type of project, amount of money financed, and individual situation of the borrower. You can discuss financing options for residential energy efficiency projects with a Home Upgrade Advisor by calling (866) 878-6008.

Go Green Financing Tool - The Go Green Financing website allows California residents to view different financing products side-by-side to easily compare different loan types and terms and rates. 

Go Green Financing  

 


Some things to consider before using financing for a project:

  • Interest rates — different products (PACE, home equity, line of credit) can have different interest rates. Be sure to evaluate all your options.
  • Fees — there can be up-front and annual fees.
  • Property Tax Re-assessment — some projects may trigger re-assessment while others (like solar PV) are excluded from re-assessment.
  • Existing mortgages — in some cases you may have too pay off the assessment or loan before refinancing or selling your home.
  • Tax deductibility — be sure to talk to your tax advisor before claiming any tax deductions.

 

Property Assessed Clean Energy

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing - Property owners can secure upfront funding for energy efficiency, water efficiency, renewable energy, and seismic improvement projects which are repaid through an up to 20-year special line item on their property taxes - instead of traditional consumer credit. The program is open to property owners in all Marin jurisdictions and unincorporated Marin County. PACE programs require jurisdiction approval to operate. See below to find operating PACE programs in your city or town.

For more information on PACE financing visit the PACE Nation website or our PACE Frequently Asked Questions.

Unincorporated Marin, Fairfax, Larkspur, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Belvedere, Sausalito

Corte Madera, Ross

Secured Loans

Secured Loans
A secured loan is a loan in which the borrower pledges some asset as collateral for the loan, which becomes a secured debt owed to the creditor who gives the loan.

Benefits of Secured Loans:
  • Longer loan terms
  • Larger loan amounts
  • Lower interest rates than many unsecured loans
Eligibility Requirements: Varies by lender, credit score, income and debt, and equity in property are important.

Improvements: Varies by lender. Many allow a wide range of improvements.

Examples of Secured Loans:
Visit the California State Sponsored Go Green Financing Page to view secured loan product terms and rates.

Go Green Financing

Unsecured Loans

Unsecured Loans
Unsecured loans, or debt, refers to any type of debt or general obligation that is not tied to

Benefits of Unsecured Loans:
  • Fast approval
  • No assets required
  • Ideal for smaller loan amounts
  • Special loan rates and terms may be available for "green loans"
Eligibility Requirements: Varies by lender. Credit score, income and debt levels are important. Some "green loans" may require participation in an incentive program.

Improvements: Varies by lender.Many allow a wide range of improvements.

Visit the California State Sponsored Go Green Financing Page to view various unsecured loan product terms and rates.

Go Green Financing

Solar Loans

Redwood Credit Union Solar Loans - Redwood Credit Union offers fixed and variable rate loans to finance solar for the home. Learn more by calling (800) 479-7928 or visiting the Redwood Credit Union Solar Loans web page.