Financing Green Building Improvements

Energy efficiency upgrades can make your home or building healthier and more comfortable, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The links below include energy efficiency programs that may qualify you for high performance recognition and exemption for Berkeley's Building Energy Saving Ordinance along with energy-saving rebates, financing, and assistance.

Incentives for energy efficiency improvements

Rebates for single-family homeowners

BayREN provides thousands of dollars in rebates for energy efficiency and electrification upgrades to improve the health, safety, and comfort of your home. Find a participating local contractor and learn about available incentives, financing, and energy-saving tips. For free assistance contact a Home Energy Advisor at (866) 878-6008 or fill out an online contact form.

Switch is On is a great starting place to learn about home electrification. Switch is On also provides free technical assistance to answer your questions about heat pumps, solar, and battery storage.

At Clean Energy for All learn about Federal tax credits to upgrade your home with rooftop solar, insulation, and energy efficient windows, doors and electric appliances such as heat pump HVAC systems and water heaters.

Rebates for multifamily property owners

BayREN offers energy efficiency rebates, no-cost energy consulting, and low interest financing for multifamily property owners. Reduced energy use lowers operating costs for property owners and increases comfort and energy affordability for tenants. 

TECH Clean California also offers incentives for multifamily property owners.

Rebates for small & medium businesses

BayREN offers HVAC, refrigeration, and lighting upgrades that can cut your operating expenses up to 25 percent. BayREN offers free energy assessments, no up-front cost equipment installation, and remote monitoring.

Income-qualified programs

Income-qualified homeowners can take advantage of one of the free programs below:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Spectrum Energy Services offers bill payment assistance and free weatherization services (weather stripping, attic insulation, and caulking) and energy efficient refrigerators to income-qualified residents
• PG&E's Energy Saving Assistance Program Income qualified homeowners are eligible for a free home energy assessment and subsequent energy improvements from an energy specialist

Loans for energy efficiency improvements

GoGreen Financing

GoGreen Financing offers loans for homeowners, affordable multifamily building owners, and small business owners. Administered by the State of California, GoGreen provides attractive financing for central heating and air conditioning, efficient windows and appliances, cool roofs and many other home improvements. Up to 30% of the financing can be used for non-energy improvements of your choice, such as drought-tolerant landscaping or window coverings.

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing

Property owners can borrow money to pay for green building improvements and spread the cost out over time with PACE financing. You pay back your PACE loan with a special assessment added to your property tax bill.

Benefits:

• No upfront costs
• Long-term, fixed-cost 100% financing
• Loans secured by the property rather than the owner's credit standing
• Assessment may be passed on to the next property owner in the event of sale
• Can be combined with rebates

Sign up for PACE financing with any of the providers listed with the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) Open PACE program. For additional providers, contact sustainablity@cityofberkeley.info

Subscribe to sustainability newsletter