A Home Energy Score provides single family homeowners with a 1 to 10 'score' that indicates how efficient a home is compared to a comparable-sized home. The program was developed by the US Department of Energy and takes data from Home Scores across the entire country. Homeowners can expect to learn about how their home uses energy and recommendations on home efficiency projects. Each score is done by a participating Home Energy Score Assessor. You can search for Assessors in your area here.
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) provides a $200 rebate for each Home Score to offset the total cost. Funding is limited.
The Rising Sun Center for Opportunity Green House Call
The Green House Call, provided by the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, is a no-cost program for all residents in Marin County. It provides no-cost 'Green House Calls', which consist of installation of LED light bulbs, faucet aerators, shower heads, and smart power strips and an energy and water use evaluation.
The Green House Calls are done by local college and high school-aged youth on their summer breaks from school. The local youth get summer jobs with a paycheck, job training in the green economy, and residents get no-cost energy and water evaluations and installation of resource-saving equipment, a true win-win! Visit their website or call (510) 665-1501 ext. 300 get on the wait list for Summer 2019.
Getting Work Done - Rebates and Technical Assistance
Not sure where to start? Getting a home energy assessment is a great way to learn about the energy use in your home and what you can do to make the biggest improvements and which investments will produce the best return. Like most home improvement projects, you can solicit the help of a professional or do some research, roll up your sleeves and DIY. The following programs can help:
BayREN Home+ Rebate Program
The BayREN Home+ program provides rebates of up to $5,000 for homeowners making energy efficiency improvements to the home including: smart thermostats, insulation, building envelope air sealing, duct sealing, efficient furnace water heater replacements, and more. You can start looking for participating contractors here.
Home Energy Advisors - Technical Assistance
The Home Energy Advisors are available to provide no-cost technical support for Marin residents exploring energy efficiency projects. They can help you find participating contractors offering rebates, review bids, navigate the rebate program, and answer questions about home energy efficiency projects. They are not financially tied to any work you do, so they can offer true third-party technical support.
Contact a Home Energy Advisor by calling (866) 878-6008.
Electrify Marin Rebate Program
As more people install solar on their homes and the grid in California gets supplied with more renewable energy, switching appliances from fossil fuel to electric-powered options is one way to continue reducing local greenhouse gas emissions. The County of Marin is offering rebates for homeowners for switching out gas appliances with electric options. Eligible projects include heat pump space and water heaters, induction cooking, and electrical service panel upgrades.
Visit the Electrify Marin page for more information or call (415) 473-3069.
Right now, Marin homeowners can take advantage of two rebate programs for up to $1,250 to help convert existing gas stoves to induction. Learn more about induction cooking and the available rebate programs on our Induction Cooking page.
There are special financing products in the market for energy efficiency, water efficiency, and solar home improvement projects. It is important to carefully review your options and loan terms before financing any projects. The Home Energy Advisors (available at (866) 878-6008) can answer questions about the following financing programs.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing allows property owners to 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. Visit our Energy Financing page for more information.
Residential Energy Efficiency Loan (REEL) and Go Green Financing
Go Green Financing and REEL are financing programs provided by the Investor Owned Utilities (like the Pacific Gas & Electric Company) and the State of California.
Learn more about REEL on their webpage or on our Energy Financing Page.
Income Qualified Programs
Visit the Income-Qualified Program page for information on the programs and providers serving Marin residents.
Marin Solar Program
Visit our solar page for information on Marin County solar installations and resources for property owners looking to go solar.
Marin Green Building Program
Visit the Marin Green Building Page for information on the Wood Stove Rebate Program, green building requirements for remodel and new construction projects, and the Construction and Demolition Reuse and Recycling Ordinance.
Marin Water District Rebate and Conservation Programs
Check with your water district for available water conservation and rebate programs. Incentives may be available for low flow toilets, grey water systems, removing lawns, hot water recirculating systems, and more. The water district websites also provide valuable information on do-it-yourself water surveys, community classes, water-saving products and practices, and more.
Resources and Community Engagement
Resilient Neighborhoods
Join a Resilient Neighborhoods Climate Action Workshop. These free workshops are offered online and in-person throughout Marin County. The 5-meeting series brings people together and empowers them to reduce their household carbon emissions and create communities resilient to the impacts of climate change. RN workshops offer a range of actions to choose from and are ideal for anyone who is concerned about climate change and wants to do something about it. These popular *free* workshops are offered year-round.
"Welcome to Your Home" Kit
This 12-page booklet contains everything information on sustainability related programs available in Marin County. Information includes: how to go solar, energy efficiency programs and rebates, how to find your waste hauler, water conservation, community volunteering opportunities, and more. View the online PDF below or call our office to request a hard copy (415) 473-2698.
Marin Sustainability Magazine Vol. 1
In September, 2019, the Marin County Sustainability Team published the first volume of Marin Sustainability Magazine as an insert in the Point Reyes Light weekly newspaper. This document is meant to inform Marin residents on home sustainability and indoor air quality.
Link to Marin Sustainability Magazine Volume 1
Marin Sustainability Magazine Vol. 2
In 2020, the Marin County Sustainability Team published its second volume of Marin Sustainability Magazine as an insert in the Point Reyes Light weekly newspaper. Marin Sustainability Magazine Vol. 2 shared information on energy efficiency as a resiliency strategy, home battery back-up systems, and tips for getting your home ready for wildfires.
Link to Marin Sustainability Magazine Volume 2
For Your HOA, Congregation, or Community Group
Our office is available to come out and present sustainability program information to your community group. Presentations can be catered towards residents (homeowners and renters), industry (realtors or contractors), and businesses. Contact us to learn more.
San Rafael Home Upgrade Case Study
Read about this San Rafael family's experience with upgrading their furnace and duct system. They were able to secure a $1,900 rebate through the Bay Area Regional Energy Network and Energy Upgrade California™ Home Upgrade and now have a modern heating system that is quiet, efficient, and supplies better air quality to the home.
Resources for Realtors
Are you a Realtor working in Marin County? Visit out
For Realtors page for information on training programs for Realtors, current home energy efficiency programs, and how to help your clients get the most out of their homes.