Contact Us:
Kate DeCramer
206-254-5359
kate.decramer@wshfc.org
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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
ATTENTION HOME BUYERS
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.