WSHFC Sustainable Energy Program

July 29, 2025

Summary

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s (WSHFC) Sustainable Energy Trust (SET) provides low-interest loans for energy-efficiency or renewable energy projects. The Commission can finance up to $1 million at favorable interest rates (subject to underwriting. SET loans are typically issued for the three categories of projects listed below.

New construction of high efficiency single-family homes

Eligible projects must exceed Washington State Energy Code by at least 12%. Construction loans are available to housing developers. Individuals seeking financing for their own homes are not eligible.

Energy and water efficiency upgrades for multifamily housing and nonprofit facilities

Eligible projects must reduce utility consumption by at least 10% for existing buildings. Loans are typically structured so that payments are less than the utility savings, resulting in immediate financial savings for the property owner. Property owners of multifamily housing and/or nonprofit facilities are eligible for this loan.

Clean Energy

Eligible projects include wind, solar (including community solar models), biodigesters, biomass, combined heat and power, or other clean energy technologies. Loans are available to property owners and developers, with the exception of single-family homeowners.

For projects costing more than $1 million, the WSHFC may be able to assist in identifying other financing options.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Financial Incentive
State:	Washington
Incentive Type:	Loan Program
Web Site:	http://www.wshfc.org/energy/index.htm
Administrator:	Washington State Housing Finance Commission
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Photovoltaics Biomass Combined Heat & Power Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building Custom/Others pending approval Other EE Wind (Small) Other Distributed Generation Technologies
Maximum Loan:	$1 million
Loan Term:	Maximum term is 10-15 years
Interest Rate:	Varies

Authorities

Name:	RCW 43.180.260
Effective Date:	07/26/2009

Contact

Name:	Sustainable Energy Trust
Organization:	WSHFC
Address:	1000 2nd Ave, Suite 2700 Seattle WA 98104
Phone:	(206) 254-5359
Email:	energy@wshfc.org

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.