PACE Financing Available for Efficiency and Seismic Improvements

El Cerrito property owners have an exciting, new financing option for residential and commercial renewable energy; energy and water efficiency improvements; electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and seismic improvements.

In March 2015, the City Council took action to make four Property Accessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs available to El Cerrito property owners. PACE financing allows property owners to finance certain upgrades through a lien that can be repaid through an assessment on their property tax bills. (Read the full agenda bill.)

What is property assessed clean energy financing?
PACE financing allows property owners to fund energy efficiency, water efficiency, and renewable energy projects with few, if any, up-front costs. In some cases, seismic and other upgrades may also be eligible. Any property owner who qualifies for financing can choose to participate in the program.

What products and improvements can be financed with PACE?
Improvements are considered eligible if they will become a permanent part of the property and reduce on-site electric, gas or water consumption. Some examples include attic insulation; heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; solar photovoltaic and thermal systems; and low-flow toilets. To be eligible, installation must be performed by a contractor participating in the PACE program.

How do I get started on a PACE-approved project today?

PACE providers finance different improvements. Contact individual providers for more information on eligible products.

El Cerrito Property owners can choose from the following PACE programs:

• CaliforniaFIRST PACE Program
• AllianceNRG
• Figtree PACE program
• Ygrene

Contractors can also perform an energy assessment that will help you find ways to save money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.