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 an exemption from Berkeley's Building Emissions Saving Ordinance, as well as energy-saving rebates, financing, and assistance.

Incentives for BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION & energy efficiency improvements

Rebates for single-family homeowners

The Switch is On is a great starting point for learning about home electrification, including heat pumps, induction cooking, solar, and battery storage. The Switch is On also hosts a contractor database and a comprehensive incentive finder.

Rebates for multifamily property owners

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

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.

The PG&E Simplified Savings program supports small business customers in reducing energy bills through no-cost or low-cost facility assessments and building upgrades. Simplified Savings serves hard-to-reach small businesses or those operating within disadvantaged communities.

Income-qualified programs

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

• BayREN EASE: BayREN's Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EASE) Home Program helps eligible single-family homeowners improve comfort and lower energy bills through upgrades such as insulation and duct sealing. BayREN covers 80% of project costs, with households paying no more than $1,000 total, and manages the process from start to finish. Eligible homes must have been built before 2010 and have a household income at or below 120% of AMI.
• 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.

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