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Sustainable Energy Trust

Seeking to build green, retrofit a building, or create renewable energy? We can help.

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers several ways to affordably develop energy-efficient buildings, upgrade existing buildings, and create or conserve energy. Download and share our program brochure (PDF).

To request a Sustainable Energy Trust Application, please email energy@wshfc.org.

SEATTLE SOLAR PROGRAM

Are you a Seattle City Light customer? Add solar to your building and start saving right away through our new collaboration.

Here's a chance to watch the free webinar again or if you missed it – Solar Panels Don’t Have To Break The Bank

Read about the program...

ATTENTION HOME BUYERS    Energy Spark

If you are looking to buy a new efficient home, or want to improve the efficiency of a home before you move in, check out the Commission’s Energy Spark Home Loan. If you have questions about the Energy Spark program, please call us at 206.464.7139 or toll free at 800.767.4663 or email dietrich.schmitz@wshfc.org.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRUST LOANS UP TO $1 MILLION

The Commission’s 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 following types of projects:

New Construction of High Efficiency Single-Family Homes. Eligible projects must exceed Washington State Energy Code by at least 12 percent. 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 percent 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. Where available, loans may be repaid through the local utility bill, keeping the loan as an operational expense.  Download our Multifamily Housing Fact Sheet (PDF) or Nonprofit Facilities Fact Sheet (PDF).
 

Clean Energy Projects. 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. Download our Clean Energy Fact Sheet (PDF)

 

ENERGY PROJECTS OVER $1 MILLION

For larger energy projects, a tax-exempt or tax-credit bond may be an excellent tool for your project. We’re happy to help you review your bond financing options. For example, tax-exempt Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (IDBs) may work for certain infrastructure costs. Nonprofit organizations may take advantage of tax-exempt 501(c)(3) bonds for improvements to their facilities. Depending on the project, we may be able to participate with other lenders to issue a loan.

Don’t see a fit? Ask us.
If your energy-related project doesn’t seem to fit any of these categories, call us anyway. We can help you identify options and resources.

APPROVED ROSTER OF ENERGY MODELING CONSULTANTS

Approved Roster of Energy Modeling Consultants
Request for Qualifications: Energy Modeling Consultants
The Commission has an ongoing Request for Qualifications from engineers, energy consulting firms, and utility consumption analysts to qualify for the Commission’s referral list for such services. Respondents with successful submissions will be placed on the Approved Roster of Energy Modeling Consultants from which organizations seeking financing may engage.

RESOURCES

Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Commission’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Incentives (PDF) 12/2021

Tax Incentives and Strategies for Renewable and Distributed Energy Finance (PDF) 12/2017

Sustainability Resources for Multifamily Housing 10/05/2017

On-Bill Repayment in Washington Webinar (MP4) 04/26/2017

Expanding Solar Access for Multifamily Affordable Housing (PDF) 12/2016

WHY ENERGY?

Why does the Commission finance energy projects? First of all, it’s good for the community. Energy-efficient buildings are more sustainable over the long term, and cost significantly less to operate over time. Lower energy costs also help homeowners. In fact, owners of energy-efficient homes are 32 percent less likely to default on their mortgages (Institute for Market Transformation, March 2013). And finally, because the state legislature asked us to. In 2009, they empowered us to establish our sustainable energy program and the Sustainable Energy Trust.

  

 
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