Press Release / Environment / Largest PACE Program in the US Comes to SLO County

Largest PACE Program in the US Comes to SLO County

Atascadero, CA, July 28, 2014 -- San Luis Obispo county government recently approved PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program in San Luis Obispo County. Every homeowner will now be able to go solar, reduce energy use and save money through this innovative public-private financing partnership.

SLO County’s PACE program is administered by CaliforniaFIRST. CaliforniaFIRST offers affordable long-term financing that a homeowner can repay on his/her property taxes. CaliforniaFIRST financing doesn’t rely on a homeowner’s credit rating and they don’t need to put any money down. With California in a severe drought and facing higher energy costs, this is a win-win for everyone and a better solution to the lease or PPA (Power Purchase Agreement).

CaliforniaFIRST is currently available in 17 California counties and 167 cities, and makes energy and water efficiency projects more affordable and accessible for millions of California homeowners. “We’re super pumped to be a solar energy partner for CailiforniaFIRST. Finally there’s a better option to a bank loan or a high interest lease,” says Kristian Emrich, president of Solarponics Solar Energy Co in Atascadero, CA. The CaliforniaFIRST program currently has over $300 million in available funding for California projects. “This isn’t just an energy saving program, it’s a job creator, a game changer,” says Emrich, who has added another install crew to keep up with demand.

CailoforniaFIRST is not just for solar energy either. Under the program, there are over 150 energy and water efficiency categories that qualify for funding. Under the CaliforniaFIRST program administered by Renewable Funding, homeowners will be able to choose an approved contractor and install a custom-tailored clean energy project—including the purchase and installation of HVAC systems, solar panels, low-flow toilets, home insulation, windows and roofs. Through CaliforniaFIRST, property owners’ repayment is secured through a special tax assessment repaid by the homeowner through the property tax bill over up to 20 years.

“PACE enables homeowners to buy solar panels, install low-flow toilets and make other smart investments that save energy and water without breaking the bank. As California confronts a severe drought and a rapidly changing climate, this program gives homeowners another opportunity to do their part,” commented California Governor Jerry Brown.

The greatest benefit is that CaliforniaFIRST doesn’t rely on a homeowners’ credit rating. The upgrade is tied to the property, not the individual, which opens up energy savings for thousands of homeowners who would not otherwise qualify.

CaliforniaFIRST is offered thru Solarponics for solar electric and a select group of local energy and water efficiency contractors in SLO County and will roll out fully in September of this year. For a complete list of eligible energy and water saving products, or to find a program-eligible contractor, visit Solarponics.com or CaliforniaFIRST.org.

Solarponics is the Central Coast’s go-to solar energy installer, helping businesses and homeowners save money and achieve energy independence. The longest continuously owned and operated solar company in California, Solarponics is privately owned and locally operated. For more information, visit solarponics.com, or like them on Facebook.

Contact:
Frank Scotti
Solarponics, Inc
4700 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
805-466-5590
frank@solarponics.com
http://www.solarponics.com