# Name   
      1 Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)

(Energy Policy Act of 1992,

Sec. 1212; 10 CFR 451)

Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)
(Energy Policy Act of 1992, Sec. 1212; 10 CFR 451)
Type: annual incentive payments
Terms: 1.5 cent/kWh (adjusted for inflation) incentive payments to qualifying renewable energy
generation facilities that started operations between October 1, 1993 and September 30, 2003.
Facilities are eligible for annual payments for the first ten-year period of their operation, subject to
the availability of annual appropriations in each fiscal year.
Available To: State-owned electric production facilities, municipal utilities, nonprofit electric co-ops
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal, wind, geothermal, or closed-loop biomass
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
      2 Business Energy Tax Credit (26 USC Sec. 48) Type: tax credit for solar energy property
Terms: Up to 10% of the purchase/installation (or investment) amount of qualified solar energy property
can be claimed when filing annual tax returns. This credit was permanently extended as part of
the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Available To: commercial
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information: and instructions for IRS Forms 3468 and 3800
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
      3 Business Rebate Tax Exemption (Energy Policy Act of 1992) Business Rebate Tax Exemption (Energy Policy Act of 1992)
Type: tax abatement
Terms: As of 1996, only 35% of the total value of utility rebates for solar systems and energy efficient
appliances is taxable.
Available To: commercial, industrial
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric

 
      4 Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (26 USC Sec. 168) Type: 5-year accelerated depreciation for solar equipment
Terms: A 5-year depreciation schedule, using a 200 percent declining balance method. Without this legal
provision, depreciation for solar equipment would be done over the standard 20-year period.
Available To: commercial
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric

      5 Residential Rebate Tax Exemption (Energy Policy Act of 1992) Residential Rebate Tax Exemption (Energy Policy Act of 1992)
Type: tax abatement
Terms: Establishes that utility rebates for residential solar systems and energy efficient appliances are not taxable.
Available To: residential
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      6 PROPOSED Solar Tax Credit (by Vice President Gore)* PROPOSED Solar Tax Credit (by Vice President Gore)*
Type: tax credit
Terms: Credit equal to 15% of the cost of a rooftop solar system -- up to $1,000 for solar water heating
systems, and up to $2,000 for PV panels. Applies to systems put in place between 1999 and 2003
(for solar water heating systems) and 2005 (for PV panels).
Available To: residential, commercial
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric

      7 PROPOSED Energy Efficiency Tax Credit (by Rep. William Thomas)*
“The Energy Efficient Affordable Home Act of 1999” (H.R. 1358)
PROPOSED Energy Efficiency Tax Credit (by Rep. William Thomas)*
“The Energy Efficient Affordable Home Act of 1999” (H.R. 1358)
Type: tax credit
Terms: A homeowner who improves the energy efficiency of his/her home by 30%
would qualify for a tax credit of 20% of the cost of the improvements ($2,000 limit).
A homebuilder who constructs a new home that exceeds the 1999 IECC by 30% or more
would be eligible for a flat tax credit of $2,000.
Available To: residential (for energy improvements),
homebuilders (for constructing new energy efficient homes)
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric


      8 Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)

(Energy Policy Act of 1992, Sec. 1212; 10 CFR 451)

Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) (Energy Policy Act of 1992, Sec. 1212; 10 CFR 451)
Type: annual incentive payments
Terms: 1.5 cent/kWh (adjusted for inflation) incentive payments to qualifying renewable energy
generation facilities that started operations between October 1, 1993 and September 30, 2003.
Facilities are eligible for annual payments for the first ten-year period of their operation, subject to
the availability of annual appropriations in each fiscal year.
Available To: State-owned electric production facilities, municipal utilities, nonprofit electric co-ops
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal, wind, geothermal, or closed-loop biomass
Additional Information:

 
      9 Department of Agriculture (USDA):

Rural Business-Cooperative Services (RBS)

Department of Agriculture (USDA): Rural Business-Cooperative Services (RBS)
Type: loans and grants
Terms: RBS offers various loans and grants to promote rural economic development and job creation.
Funding is available through the following programs:
1. Business and Industry Guaranteed and Direct Loans,
2. Intermediary Relending Program Loans,
3. Rural Business Enterprise Grants,
4. Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants, and
5. Rural Technology and Cooperative Development Grants.
Available To: rural utility services, public agencies, cooperatives, corporations, municipalities, nonprofits,
Indian tribes
Eligible Technology: potentially photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      10 Department of Agriculture (USDA):

Rural Housing Service (RHS)

Department of Agriculture (USDA): Rural Housing Service (RHS)
Type: loans and grants
Terms: RHS works with Farmer Mac to provide loan and grant programs for purchase, construction,
repair, and improvements of homes and community facilities. Among other programs, RHS offers
1. Community Facilities Loans,
2. Home Improvement and Repair Loans and Grants,
3. Home Ownership Loans, and
4. Resource Conservation and Development Loans.
Available To: rural residential, municipalities, nonprofits, Indian tribes
Eligible Technology: potentially photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      11 Department of Agriculture (USDA):

Rural Utility Services (RUS)

Department of Agriculture (USDA): Rural Utility Services (RUS)
Type: loans and grants
Terms: RUS has two loan programs that are related to PV:
1. the Generation and Transmission loan Program and
2. the Direct Loans Program.
The Generation and Transmission loan Program, which has $300 million in available funds,
is a 100% loan guaranty program with an interest rate based on the Treasury Yield Curve (20-30 years).
The Direct Loan Program is based on appropriations from Congress.
The interest rate is based on the municipal bond rate.
RUS borrowers are also eligible for the
1. Rural Economic Development Loan Program and
2. Rural Economic Development Grant Program, which are administered by RBS.
Available To: rural generation and transmission (G&T) companies, cooperatives,
the Navajo Tribal Utilities Authority, others
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric

 
      12 Department of Energy (DOE):

Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)

Department of Energy (DOE): Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
Type: Federal ESPCs
Terms: The President has directed Federal agencies to reduce their energy use by 30% from 1985 levels by the year 2005.
As a result, FEMP has intensified its efforts to deploy solar energy systems in Federal facilities.
Congress has explicitly authorized agencies to use Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) to fund these investments.
In a federal ESPC, an energy service company (ESCO) pays the up-front cost of implementing energy conservation measures in a facility.
The government then repays the ESCO a share of the related savings over the life of the contract,
which can be up to 25 years. FEMP is also promoting regional and technology-specific Super ESPCs,
which streamline the process of an agency acquiring solar equipment with a simple delivery order.
Available To: Federal agencies/facilities
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric


      13 Department of Energy (DOE)/

Utility Photovoltaic Group (UPVG):

Team-Up Initiative

Department of Energy (DOE)/Utility Photovoltaic Group (UPVG): Team-Up Initiative
Type: grants
Terms: The Team-Up initiative stands for building Technology Experience to Accelerate Markets for Utility Photovoltaics.
It provides grants to help develop sustainable markets and opportunities for PV applications.
Industry is currently investing four to five dollars for every dollar invested by the U.S. taxpayer.
Available To: teams made up of utilities, independent power producers, industry, others
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      14 Department of Energy (DOE):

Municipal Energy Management Program

Type: grants
Terms: This program provides grants up to $75,000 for applied energy research and demonstration projects,
and up to $25,000 for technology transfer projects.
Cost-sharing and partnerships between and public and private entities are required.
Available To: local governments, municipalities, cities
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric

 
      15 Department of Energy (DOE):

Weatherization Assistance Program

Department of Energy (DOE): Weatherization Assistance Program
Type: grants
Terms: DOE provides grants to states which subgrant to local agencies to install energy conservation equipment in low-income households.
Each state must submit a plan to spend the funds.
DOE can exercise a limited amount of control over the technologies implemented by
“encouraging states to examine specific energy alternatives.”
Available To: state agencies through DOE, residential (single/multi-family low-income) parties through the state agencies
Eligible Technology: solar water heating systems
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric





      16 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Community Development Block Grant Program
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Community Development Block Grant Program
Type: loans, grants, and subsidies
Terms: This is HUD’s primary neighborhood support program, distributing more than $4.5 billion/year to local governments.
Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and installation of power generating and distribution facilities are eligible projects.
Programs that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy are encouraged.


The CDBG program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Beginning in 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously run programs at HUD. The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to 1180 general units of local government and States.

Available To: nonprofits, local development corporations
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      17 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Energy Efficient Mortgage Program
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Energy Efficient Mortgage Program
Type: loans
Terms: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is a part of HUD, insures home mortgages and allows an increase in the base loan amount of up to 5% of the appraised value of the property to include cost-effective energy saving measures ($8,000 limit).
This program is eligible for both existing homes and new construction, and requires a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) inspection.
In 1978 Congress authorized HUD to exceed by 20% the maximum loan limits for home ownership and property rehabilitation
to allow for the installation of passive and active solar water heating systems.
This authorization is currently being revised to include PV systems.
Available To: 1-4 unit residential properties
Eligible Technology: solar water heating systems
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      18 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
HOME Investment Partnership Program
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
HOME Investment Partnership Program
Type: loans
Terms: Through this program, more than $1 billion/year is provided to applicant state and local governments for investment in
long-term-affordable housing for low-income families.
Funds can be used for housing rehabilitation, including energy conservation measures.
Available To: state and local governments, joint ventures by state and local governments, public utility companies, nonprofits
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:  http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      19 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

Hope VI Program

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Hope VI Program
Type: grants
Terms: Hope VI provides funding to public housing authorities for planning, revitalization, and demolition projects
that improve public housing buildings.
Any new construction must meet the Council of American Building Officials (CABO) Model Energy Code Standards.
This program should provide opportunities to demonstrate solar energy systems.
Available To: public housing authorities (except Indian housing authorities).
Eligible Technology: potentially photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information: http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      20 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guaranty Program
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guaranty Program
Type: loans
Terms: Guaranteed loans for acquisition or rehabilitation of both existing and new homes.
Available To: Native Americans, Indian Housing Authorities
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information: http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      21 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Title I Property Improvement Mortgage Insurance
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Title I Property Improvement Mortgage Insurance
Type: loans
Terms: HUD/FHA Title I insurance enables approved lenders to make property improvement loans to creditworthy borrowers
with little or no equity in their homes ($25,000 limit for single-family homes).
These second mortgages do not require energy efficiency calculations and can help finance solar installations
that otherwise might not be eligible under a first mortgage. HUD/FHA insures property improvement loans for up to 20 years.
Available To: residential
Eligible Technology: photovoltaic, solar thermal
Additional Information: http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      22 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
Mortgage Loan Guaranty Program & Energy Efficient Mortgages
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
Mortgage Loan Guaranty Program & Energy Efficient Mortgages
Type: loans
Terms: Guarantees mortgage loans for veterans and servicepersons to enable them to obtain loans with favorable terms,
usually without a down payment.
This program allows veterans to buy, build, or renovate a home, and increase their mortgages for energy-related improvements.
The maximum loan amount is $203,000 with the interest rate determined by a negotiated rate structure
(currently 7.5% to 8.25% on 30-year fixed rate).
A veteran may also refinance an existing VA loan to retrofit a home with energy efficient measures (limits $3,000 to $6,000).
In the case of new construction, PV or solar water heating systems can be included in the sale price of the home.
Available To: veterans, servicepersons, certain unremarried surviving spouses
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information: http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      23 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Energy Star Mortgages Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Energy Star Mortgages
Type: loans
Terms: EPA’s Energy Star program offers
mortgage financing that enables consumers to purchase a home that is at least 30% more efficient
than the 1992 Model Energy Code at a lower total monthly cost than a standard house.
Financing for this program is done through a private Energy Star partner.
Available To: residential
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Info:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric


      24 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Energy Star Loans Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Energy Star Loans
Type: loans
Terms: Through this program, consumers can obtain
lower interest rate fixed term loans for high efficiency residential heating and space conditioning equipment.
Available from Energy Star loan partners.
Available To: residential, contractors
Eligible Technology: solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      25 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

Environmental Justice Through Pollution Prevention Grant

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Environmental Justice Through Pollution Prevention Grant
Type: grants
Terms: Funds up to $250,000 for pollution prevention/source reduction projects
that have a direct impact on minority/low-income/tribal communities.
Available To: state and local governments, nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, national/regional organizations
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information: http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      26 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI)
Type: grants
Terms: Funding to promote public health and environmental protection by advancing the development and use of
innovative pollution prevention and other environmental technologies.
Available To: public-private partnerships
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      27 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

Performance Partnership Grant

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Performance Partnership Grant
Type: grants
Terms: Multi-program grant funds that can be used for programs including pollution control and prevention.
Available To: state agencies, Native American tribes
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      28 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

Sustainable Development Challenge Grants

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Sustainable Development Challenge Grants
Type: grants
Terms: Competitive grants to leverage private and public sector investment in sustainable communities.
Demonstrations or development of pollution prevention or environmental protection processes are eligible projects under this grant program.
Available To: state and local governments, Native American tribes, U.S. territories, schools, nonprofits
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      29 Federal Emergency Management Act:

Disaster Preparedness Assistance

Federal Emergency Management Act: Disaster Preparedness Assistance
Type: grants
Terms: $50,000/state is available to write disaster preparedness plans and provide disaster training.
An opportunity exists for states to incorporate language in their disaster plans to include PV as an emergency power supply system.
Available To: state governments
Eligible Technology: potentially photovoltaics, solar.
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      30 Small Business Administration (SBA):

7(a) Standard Small Business Loan

Small Business Administration (SBA): 7(a) Standard Small Business Loan
Type: loans
Terms: Through this program, SBA provides financial assistance to start-up and existing small businesses
in the form of loan guarantees. SBA will guaranty both short- and long-term loans.
Eligibility requirements for this program are as broad as possible so that a wide variety of financing needs can be accommodated.
There is no loan maximum dollar amount for a 7(a) loan, but SBA’s share may not exceed $750,000 to any business and its affiliates.
SBA will guaranty up to 80% of a loan for $100,000 or less, and a maximum of 75% for loans of more than $100,000.
Generally the interest rate cannot exceed 2.75% over the prime lending rate,
except for loans less than $50,000, where the rates may be slightly higher.
This program will permit any small business to purchase a PV or solar thermal system
only if the energy savings will positively affect the company’s cash flow.
The payback period is required to be less than 10 years.
Available To: small businesses
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric

      31 Small Business Administration (SBA):

7(a)(12) Energy & Conservation Loan

Small Business Administration (SBA): 7(a)(12) Energy & Conservation Loan
Type: loans
Terms: This program is designed to help finance the production of energy or the implementation of energy efficient measures.
Loans are available for designing, engineering, manufacturing, distributing, marketing, installing, or servicing energy devices
or techniques that conserve U.S. energy resources.
Note that this program is not available to the end-user (the business that wants to acquire and use the energy measure itself).

7(a) Energy & Conservation Loan
End-users can finance energy measures by obtaining a basic 7(a) loan.
Terms for working capital are 7 years, equipment 10 years, and building 25 years.
The interest rate and maximum loan amount are the same as they are for the 7(a) program.
Available To: small businesses
Eligible Technology: photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      32 Small Business Administration (SBA):

Pollution Control Loan

Small Business Administration (SBA): Pollution Control Loan
Type: loans
Terms: This program, which is a subsection of the 7(a) loan, assists businesses that are
planning, designing, or installing a pollution control facility.
The facility must prevent, reduce, abate, or control any form of pollution.
End-users can use this program to help finance most real or personal property that will reduce pollution.
SBA can guaranty up to $1 million under this program, less any outstanding balance due on other SBA loans.
Available To: small businesses
Eligible Technology: potentially photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      33 Small Business Administration (SBA):

New LowDoc Loan Program

Small Business Administration (SBA): New LowDoc Loan Program
Type: loans
Terms: This new program streamlines the process of making loans of $150,000 or less
with a one-page application and electronic loan processing.
SBA will respond to loan requests within 36 hours.
Maturity generally is 5 to 10 years, but can be up to 25 years for fixed-asset loans.
The interest rate is negotiable (fixed or variable) but is tied to the prime rate.
Available To: small businesses
Eligible Technology: potentially photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      34 Small Business Administration (SBA):

The SBA Express

Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA Express
Type: loans
Terms: Lenders who qualify to become SBA Express Lenders can take most servicing actions without prior approval from SBA.
For example, SBA Express Lenders can use their own forms and processes to approve loans of $150,000 or less,
while providing minimal paperwork to SBA to obtain a 50% guaranty on the loan.
This program makes it easy for lenders to provide smaller revolving loans.
With SBA Express, lenders can approve unsecured lines of credit up to $25,000. SBA will respond to loan requests within 36 hours.
Available To: small businesses
Eligible Technology: potentially photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      35 Small Business Administration (SBA):

Certified Development Company (504) Loan Program

Small Business Administration (SBA): Certified Development Company (504) Loan Program
Type: loans
Terms: A Certified Development Company (CDC) is a nonprofit corporation that contributes to the economic development
of its community or region. There are about 290 CDCs nationwide.
CDCs work with SBA and private sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses.
Typically at least 10% of the loan proceeds are provided by the borrower, at least 50% from an unguaranteed bank loan,
and the remainder by a SBA-guaranteed debenture.
The maximum SBA debenture is $1 million. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including the purchase of
long-term equipment, construction of new facilities, modernization of existing facilities, and implementation of utility projects.
Available To: small businesses through CDCs
Eligible Technology: potentially photovoltaics, solar thermal
Additional Information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      36 DSIRE --

National Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy

DSIRE -- National Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) initiated this database with funding from DOE’s Office of Utility Technologies.
DSIRE surveys, organizes, and disseminates information on financial and regulatory incentives that are designed to promote the application of renewable energy technologies in each state. Every incentive is cataloged by type, state, end-use sector, and technology.
The North Carolina Solar Center is the principal subcontractor to IREC for collecting and preparing this information.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      37 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN)
EREN is the DOE’s primary information source on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
As part of its web presence, EREN provides useful information on the progress of renewable energy in each of the 50 states,
as well as links to other DOE websites. EREN also maintains a site called Financing Solutions, which provides useful links to
energy efficient and renewable energy financing resources.
Financing Solutions is divided into the following 7 categories to address specific end-users:
1. homeowners,
2. small businesses,
3. industry, utilities,
4. state/local programs,
5. federal buildings, and
6. international.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      38 Energy Information Administration (EIA) Energy Information Administration (EIA)
EIA, DOE’s statistical agency, provides policy-independent data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making,
efficient markets, and public understanding regarding energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.
EIA’s website contains a comprehensive profile of the solar energy industry in the U.S.,
as well as financial data and analysis for each specific energy type.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      39 City of Tucson City of Tucson
The City of Tucson has committed to the installation of 25,000 rooftop PV units by 2010,
an impressive 2.5% of President Clinton’s Million Solar Roofs Initiative.
City Authorities made this commitment in response to the widespread, grassroots support of solar energy in Tucson,
lead by the Tucson Coalition for Solar.
The Coalition receives cost-sharing from DOE/UPVG’s Team-Up Initiative.
In its efforts to stimulate the PV market in Tucson, the Coalition has established a community task force to
address the key barriers to the sustainable commercialization of solar energy. It also recently announced its
Community Energy Fund,
a campaign to raise funds toward the purchase of solar energy appliances for low- and modest-income families.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      40 Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Company Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Company
TEP’s Energy Services Division conducts Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC).
As part of this service, TEP proposes an energy conservation package and guarantees the savings.
The energy conservation measures are financed out of a percentage of the savings for a fixed-term, with no downside risk for the property owner. TEP has installed a series of mid-sized PV systems in Tucson and has taken an active role in the development of
Civano, Tucson solar village project.
Finally, in 1996, TEP formed Global Solar Energy with ITN Energy Systems, Inc., of Denver.
Global Solar expects to manufacture up to 1.5 megawatts of thin-film (CIS) solar cell material.
The company has claimed that, once in full-scale production, it will be able to manufacture this material at
one-half to one-third of the cost of manufacturing other existing solar energy technologies.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      41 CoBank CoBank
CoBank is a $20 billion cooperative bank that is the leading lender to U.S. agriculture and rural America.
CoBank specializes in cooperative, agribusiness, rural utility, farm credit association, and agricultural export financing
by offering a range of loan programs and financial services.
Although rural co-ops have the potential to become big players in U.S. solar market, CoBank’s Electric and Water Division
works exclusively with gas powered utilities and currently does not provide any financial services to solar related projects.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      42 Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC)
CFC is a large non-government lender that provides financial services to more than 1,000 cooperative utility owners,
serving more than 32 million end-users with electricity.
CFC administers a family of financial programs called EC Community Solutions for customers of member co-ops.
The EC Commercial program offers loans to businesses for equipment purchases and upgrades;
the EC Home program provides mortgages; and the EC Home Improvement program makes loans for energy-related home upgrades.
First International Bank N.A. (FIBNA) of Hartford is CFC financial partner in EC Community Solutions.
FIBNA actually makes and services the loans. According to the Director of the EC Home Improvement program,
CFC might be willing to finance solar projects, but has not received any requests to do so from member co-ops.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      43 Fannie Mae -- Federal National Mortgage Association Fannie Mae -- Federal National Mortgage Association
Fannie Mae, formerly known as the Federal National Mortgage Association, is a congressionally chartered, share-holder owned company and
the nation’s largest source of home mortgage funds. In addition to its conventional first mortgages,
Fannie Mae offers four products that can be used to finance solar thermal and/or PV systems.

1. The Consumer Energy Loan is an unsecured loan program that was created about 5 years ago. It is designed so that utility companies can offer their customers low-interest rate loans for energy efficiency improvements. Fannie Mae has issued more than
40,000 loans through this program, ranging in size from $1,000 to $20,000.

2. The second product line, the Energy Efficient Mortgage Program, has just been revised and is in its pilot-stage.
The revisions were made because very few loans were issued under the original program. The revisions include:
eliminating the requirement for additional money down,
thus allowing 100% financing of the energy improvements (up to the LTV limitations);
recognizing multiple rating methods and prescriptive programs to determine the energy efficiency of a home;
and allowing sample ratings of “like-built” properties for new construction projects, thus reducing the “per house” cost of energy ratings.

3. The third product, which has just been developed, is a second mortgage option called the “Remodeler.”
This loan, which has a limit of $50,000, allows homeowners to make energy improvements without really changing
the financial structure of their mortgage.

4.Finally, Fannie Mae has just announced plans to work with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
to promote green building initiatives that emphasize the efficient use of resources such as energy and water.
This program is being piloted in six cities: Atlanta, Columbus, Albuquerque, Denver, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      44 Freddie Mac -- Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Freddie Mac -- Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
Freddie Mac, formerly known as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, is a secondary mortgage lender.
Freddie Mac purchases mortgages from primary lenders, packages the mortgages as securities, and sells the securities
(guaranteed by Freddie Mac) to investors such as insurance companies and pension funds.
Like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac is a congressionally chartered institution that is privately owned by its shareholders.
Freddie Mac’s programs are also similar to Fannie Mae’s.
Freddie Mac encourages energy efficiency by providing specific criteria for energy efficient mortgages that the
company is willing to buy on the secondary mortgage market.
Appraisers are allowed to consider the value of energy improvements in the property value.
However, appraisers are often reluctant to do so because of a lack of good comparables.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      45 First Financial Funding First Financial Funding
Created in 1981, First Financial Funding, provides debt consolidation loans, home improvement loans,
appraised value loans, and advanced loan automation.
It allows customers to apply for loans on-line, and responds to applications within 24 hours.
First financial Funding is an approved lender under Fannie Mae’s unsecured Consumer Energy Loans Program.
It also services loans under SEIA’s Solar Finance Program.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      46 GE Capital GE Capital
GE Capital operates a small-scale leasing program with PowerLight Corporation for commercial PV applications.
However, the several people at the company’s headquarters in Connecticut had never heard of this program.
Additional information:
 http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      47 GMAC Mortgage GMAC Mortgage
GMAC Mortgage Corporation has committed to being a major player in the Million Solar Roofs Initiative.
As such, it has worked with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to develop its Energy Efficient Program,
which allows consumers to finance solar installations with their first mortgage or home equity loan.
PV systems are not financed alone, but as part of the home mortgage.
The program applies to both new construction and retrofits of existing homes.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      48 Nations Bank Nations Bank
Nations Bank is involved in a loan program with Austin Energy. Additional research is required on this item.
 
      49 Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET) Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET)
RESNET is a national network of:
1. mortgage companies,
2. real estate brokerages,
3. builders,
4. appraisers,
5. utilities,
6. and other housing and energy professionals.
Its mission is to improve the energy-efficiency of the nation’s housing stock
and to qualify more families for home ownership
by expanding the national availability of mortgage financing options and home energy ratings.
Its main sponsors are
1. GMAC Mortgage Corporation, and
2. PMI Mortgage Insurance.
RESNET provides up-to-date news and information about
energy efficient mortgages and Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS).
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      50 SolarBank Program SolarBank Program
SolarBank International is being planned as a global capital fund for the financing of the end-use markets for solar energy.
When established, it will have affiliated SolarBank funds in each of the countries where there is a substantial market for Solar PV.
Sources of capital will be 50% from SolarBank International and 50% from in-country investors, lenders, and institutions.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      51 Volt VIEWtech Volt VIEWtech
Volt VIEWtech was the first Fannie Mae authorized loan provider in the energy efficiency industry.
It has served as the primary lender for financing programs sponsored by
1. Southern California Gas,
2. Pacific Gas and Electric,
3. Tampa Electric, and
4. Yankee Financial.
Volt VIEWtech also helped create the Edison Electric Institute E-Seal and the
Solar Energy Industries Association’s Solar Finance Program
(described in the following section).
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      52 BP Solar BP Solar
A wholly owned subsidiary of The British Petroleum Company p.l.c., BP Solar employs over 600 staff world-wide.
It recently bought Solarex (now BP Solarex) based in Frederick MD.
BP Solarex currently administers two buydown programs for the mid-Atlantic region in collaboration with
the Virginia Alliance for Solar Energy (VASE) and DOE/UPVG’s Team-Up Initiative.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      53 Golden Genesis Company Golden Genesis Company
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      54 PowerLight Corporation PowerLight Corporation
PowerLight was formed in 1991 and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with representative offices in New York and Hawaii.
PowerLight provides a variety of:
1. project development,
2. management, design,
3. construction, and
4. analysis services for its clients.
It has completed numerous PV projects around the world, including the largest roof-integrated PV
systems in the U.S. In collaboration with GE Capital,
PowerLight administers a small-scale leasing program for PV systems on commercial buildings.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      55 Siemens Solar Siemens Solar
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      56 Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

Solar Finance Loan Program

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA): Solar Finance Loan Program
SEIA initiated a program called Solar Finance in May 1997. This program is available to SEIA’s
national and state chapter members for a fee of $500/year.
SEIA is also working with UPVG so that its members will also be able to participate.
Volt VIEWtech and
First Financial Funding
service the unsecured loans, which offer a one-day approval turn-around.
The Solar Finance program provides 100% financing for solar equipment up to $25,000
with terms running between 5 and 15 years at competitive fixed interest rates.
Additional information:
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      57 energy efficiency and renewable energy incentives in
the entire US
 
      58 alternative
fuels/transportation laws and incentives
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      59 commercial
buildings tax deductions and software requirements
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      60 Residential tax credits (EPACT 2005) this one
is basic info and also includes info on commercial buildings, appliance
manufacturers and home builders
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      61 Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) residential, commercial,
transportation, manufacturers info -
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      62 Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association residential products that qualify for EPACT tax credit
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      63 Fuel Economy transportation credits
http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
 
      64 IRS forms http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric 
      65 Arizona state info http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric 
      66 Veterans Administration Application http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric
       67 Energy Efficient Mortgage Worksheet http://www.InternetNEWSNETwork.com/FreedomSolarPowerElectric