- What is a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program?
- Is it all one program?
- When will the San Diego area programs be available?
- Is there a waitlist?
- If my municipality is not signed on for PACE, what can I do to change that?
- What types of properties will qualify?
- Will property owners be able to choose between programs?
- Can I install any measures other than Solar PV?
- How do I qualify for the loan, and is there a way to become pre-approved?
- How much can I finance?
- How does my contractor get paid for the work performed?
- Besides the PACE programs, what other sources of funding are available to me?
What is a Property Assessed Clean Energy ( PACE) Program?
Property Assessed Clean Energy is a type of program that enables a municipality to provide financing for energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy improvements on privately-owned properties. The property owner voluntarily opts into the program, installs eligible measures, receives funds and then repays the loan through their property tax bill. The loan is tied to the property and not the property owner, so if it is sold the new owner will be responsible for repaying the loan.
Is it all one program?
No. The best way to think about PACE is as a type of program. There are two PACE programs currently being developed for the San Diego region.
- The City of San Diego is developing a PACE program that is set to launch in late summer 2010.
- San Diego County is participating in a statewide PACE program, called CaliforniaFIRST that will be launching in fall 2010. Visit www.californiafirst.org for more information.
When will the San Diego area programs be available?
The City of San Diego Clean Gen Program is scheduled to launch summer 2010, while the CalifroniaFIRST program for the County of SD is scheduled for fall 2010.
Is there a waitlist?
There is currently no formal waitlist for either program. If a contractor tells you that they can put you on a waitlist they are giving you misleading information. If you are interested in receiving updates please send a request to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Additionally, you can visit the CaliforniaFIRST Web site (www.californiafirst.org) and sign up for updates specific to that program.
If my municipality is not signed on for PACE, what can I do?
We suggest you let your local government representatives and officials know that you are interested in taking part in a PACE financing program in your area. You can contact your city manager’s office or your elected representative. For a complete list of cities and counties participating in the CaliforniaFIRST program please visit www.californiafirst.org.
What types of properties will qualify?
PACE programs typically include existing residential buildings (single-family, and multifamily up to four units). New construction generally does not qualify. Visit a program website to confirm www.californiafirst.org or the City of San Diego Clean Gen website (when available)
Will property owners be able to choose between programs?
Residents will only be eligible for the program available in their location and will not have the option to choose between the programs.
Can I install any measures other than Solar PV?
Yes. PACE financing programs generally allow customers to install a suite of measures. For example, CaliforniaFIRST will include energy efficiency measures, while the City of San Diego program will include energy efficiency and water conservation measures. Both will include renewable energy technologies (e.g. Solar PV). Visit a program website to view eligible measures (www.californiafirst.org or the City of San Diego Clean Gen website when available)
How do I qualify for the loan, and is there a way to become “pre-approved”?
A property owner can submit required documents to become pre-approved (once programs begin accepting applications). The specific underwriting criteria is still being developed, however the Department of Energy has released their recommended best practices for PACE program development found here (
ARRA Guidelines for Pilot Pace Programs).
How much can I finance?
Every PACE program will have limitations on the loan amount. For programs in the San Diego area loans start at $5,000 and go up to $50,000 - $75,000.
How does my contractor get paid for the work performed?
Contractors who choose to participate in a PACE program will be expected to carry the cost of the project until after all measures are installed and verified. Once the installation is complete, proper documentation submitted and verification conducted, funds will be dispersed. The property owner may choose to authorize direct payment of the loan funds to the contractor in order to expedite the process.
Besides PACE, what other sources of funding are available to me?
PACE is one of many financial options available to a property owner. Depending on the measures to be included in your project, you may qualify for a number of state and/ or federal rebates. For a more detailed look at which programs are available in your area, please visit our Retrofit Central page www.energycenter.org/retrofit .
I want to contact an actual person who can answer my questions. What should I do?
Contact CCSE at 858-244-1177 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
