Government Program Eliminates Barriers to Going Green - Attend the Redlands Solar Luncheon to Learn More

Recognizing the need to expand the affordability and adoption of renewable energy and sustainable retrofits, the San Bernardino County Associated Governments offers a program for property owners to finance clean energy upgrades through their property taxes with no credit score requirement. The innovative Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing initiative, called Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO), offers property owners low-cost and low-interest financing options for energy and water efficiency upgrades.

"We are excited to make HERO available to residents and businesses in communities throughout San Bernardino County," said Janice Rutherford, SANBAG President and San Bernardino County Supervisor, "Now homeowners can make upgrades that lower their utility bills, which in turn improve their property values, while reducing demand for energy, stimulating local economic growth, and lowering emissions."

HERO financing is an alternative for property owners who would rather own their solar panels without paying a high upfront cost. Property owners can finance the installation between 5 to 20 years, they get to keep 100 percent of the federal tax credit, and the solar loan is tied to their home if they move, not the individual.

“By eliminating the credit score requirement, the HERO program is adding significant economic value to Redlands and the surrounding communities,” explained Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, whose mission it is to change the way communities generate power, “The opportunity to go solar is now wide open to many property owners who previously could not afford energy upgrades due to a low credit score.”

Sullivan Solar Power is working in partnership with HERO representatives to educate the community and are hosting a free solar 101 seminar on Saturday, July 19 at the Redlands Community Center (111 W. Lugonia Ave, Redlands 922374) from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The presentation will cover solar technology, incentives, financing options, pay-back periods, how to evaluate solar companies and full details of the HERO program. The seminar is open to the public and lunch will be provided. To RSVP or to learn more, call 1.800.SULLIVAN.