A number of cities and counties across the U.S. are launching programs to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses. RAEL is supporting these efforts through research, consulting, and the creation of educational tools. This project focuses on what we call Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) which covers the up-front costs for energy efficiency improvements and installation of solar energy systems for residential and commercial properties within a city or county. The property owner then repays the cost of these installations over 20 years through a special fee on their property tax bill.
Listserve: We occasionally send out new resources and information on financing, you can join the listserve HERE.
Resources & How To Guide
We offer a How to Guide for launching a PACE program in your community. We have also compiled resources and documentation from cities and counties that are implementing Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs.
Seminar on Financing
RAEL hosted a seminar for local government leaders on Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE).
Presentations and video from the event
FAQs
RAEL created a FAQ to answer questions about Berkeley's municipal financing program.
FAQ document
Financial Calculator
We offer a calculator to help homeowners understand the financial impacts of financing solar PV, solar thermal, and energy efficiency.
Berkeley Calculator
Papers
Toward a Low-Carbon Economy: Municipal Financing for Energy Efficiency and Solar Power (Environment Jan/Feb 2009) link
Enabling Investments in Energy Efficiency: A study of energy efficiency programs that reduce first-cost barriers in the residential sector (CIEE 2008) link
The RAEL Team:
Dan Kammen, Professor and Director, RAEL
Merrian Fuller, Haas School of Business, Energy and Resources Group
Cathy Kunkel, Energy and Resources Group
Gogi Kalka, Energy and Resources Group