Franklin County PUD - Solar Energy System Loan

Summary

Since 1998, Franklin PUD has offered a residential loan program to customers making energy efficiency improvements. To qualify, the customer must own the home and the land, must use electricity as the primary source of heat and must have the PUD confirm the conservation measure is an efficiency upgrade. Solar water heating systems only qualify when replacing or adding to an existing electric water heating system. Solar water heating systems must have a minimum collector area of 40 square feet. Solar photovoltaic systems must be at least one kilowatt in capacity. Loan amounts range from $400 to $7,000 for a single-family residence and up to $10,000 for a multi-family building. The interest rate is 3% Annual Percentage Rate (APR). There is a $90 program fee per loan and a minimum monthly payment of $35. Customers may qualify for loans for a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, including photovoltaics, solar water heating systems, heat pumps (air, water, ductless, and ground source), insulation upgrades, window upgrades, and electric water heaters (see separate DSIRE entry for energy efficiency loan information). Solar water heating systems only qualify when replacing or adding to an existing electric water heating system. Franklin PUD offers residential rebates for the items listed above, as well as for many Energy Star appliances, duct sealing, and whole-home measures (for Energy Star Homes Northwest). Customers must complete the application portion of the Residential Conservation Program packet, and return it to the PUD for review. Once approved, the PUD will send a letter of acceptance. Customers must then arrange to receive proposals from contractors on the PUD's approved list. The PUD must sign off on a final agreement before installation begins. Note that loans and rebates may not be combined. Click here for information about Franklin PUD's solar rebate.