Last DSIRE Review: 04/07/2009
Program Overview:
| State: |
California |
| Incentive Type: |
Local Loan Program |
| Eligible Efficiency Technologies: |
Water Heaters, Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors, Furnaces , Heat pumps, Air conditioners, Caulking/Weather-stripping, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Windows, Roofs, Motors |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Pool Heating |
| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Multi-Family Residential |
| Amount: | Minimum financing amount is $2,500 | | Maximum Incentive: | No stated maximum | | Terms: | Loans are repaid through a special assessment on property tax bills. Loans between $2,500 and $5,000 will be set for repayment in 5 or 10 years. Projects over $5,000 may be repaid over 10 or 20 years, at the property owner’s discretion. Projects of $60,000 up to $500,000 will require approval by the Program Administrator. Projects valued at $500,000 and above will require specific approval by the Board of Supervisors. |
| Web Site: |
http://www.sonomacountyenergy.org/
|
Summary:
Sonoma County's Energy Independence Program gives property owners the option of financing energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bills. The program is similar to others in California authorized by AB 811 of 2008. Eligible equipment must be permanently attached to existing buildings, new construction does not qualify. The property tax assessments are attached to the property, not the property owner. If the property is sold, the assessment stays with the property.
Sonoma County expects to offer fixed rates which are at or below the rates participants could otherwise receive on home equity loans from financial institutions. An exact interest rate will be determined at the time the contract is signed. Once the contract is signed, the interest rate will be fixed for the life of the assessment, although the county may reduce the rate if it is able to do so after negotiating long term financing for the program. The Energy Independence Program can be combined with utility and state rebates, but financing will only be available for the post-incentive cost. Tax credits, on the other hand, will not affect the amount of financing available.
The following improvements are eligible for funding through the Energy Independence Program: - Photovoltaic systems
- Solar water heater systems
- Cool roof systems
- Reflective roofs and coatings
- High efficiency HVAC systems and HVAC system sealing
- Duct and home sealing
- Evaporative coolers
- Efficient natural gas storage water heaters
- Tankless water heaters
- Attic and wall insulation
- Reflective insulation or radiant barriers
- Whole house fans and attic fans
- High efficiency windows and glass doors
- Window filming
- Weather stripping
- Efficient skylights
- Solar tubes
- Additional building openings to provide addition natural light
- High efficiency lighting installation
- High efficiency pool equipment
- Electric vehicle plug-in stations
- Geothermal exchange heat pumps
- Solar thermal systems for pool heating
- Custom efficiency improvements at commercial and industrial facilities
Commercial and industrial properties must first have Pacific Gas and Electric perform an energy audit before participating in the program. Energy audits are not required for residential participants, but they are strongly recommended. Prospective participants should fully review the program website for additional requirements and restrictions. |
