Willows Homeowners Now Have Access to PACE Financing for Energy Efficient Upgrades

Homeowners in Willows Have New Financing Options for Energy Efficiency

The City Council of Willows recently made a pivotal decision by unanimously voting to grant homeowners access to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. This innovative financing method allows residents to fund essential home improvements that promote energy efficiency and water conservation. The initiative, facilitated by Home Run Financing, marks a significant step in enhancing the quality of life for Willows residents while addressing the urgent challenge of rising energy costs and climate change impacts.

Benefits of PACE Financing

Homeowners in Willows can now finance a wide variety of projects under PACE, including upgrades for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, roofing, renewable energy installations such as solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and water-saving features. As the Central Valley faces increasing temperatures and severe drought conditions, these home improvements are essential for ensuring that residences are both energy and water-efficient.

Robert Giles, CEO of Home Run Financing, emphasized the need for such financing as more residents seek solutions to mitigate their utility bills. “As the Central Valley continues to get hotter and drier, people need access to financing to make their homes more energy and water efficient,” stated Giles. This initiative becomes particularly relevant in a state where millions of residents are grappling with rising living costs and looking for sustainable alternatives that can ease their financial burdens.

The Impact on the Community

Councilmember Gary Hansen praised the City Council's decision, remarking on how it allows Willows residents a greater opportunity for home enhancements. He noted, “Adding PACE financing to our toolkit is going to help build our community resilience and upgrade our housing stock.” This sentiment reflects a broader strategy aimed at improving the overall infrastructure of Willows through sustainable practices.

With nearly 40 percent of California’s population being Hispanic or Latino, the initiative also emphasizes inclusivity. Recognizing that many residents speak Spanish as their primary language, Home Run Financing has committed to making all materials available in Spanish. This includes user-friendly documents such as financing contracts, contractor guidance, and an accessible website. They also provide bilingual customer service to ensure effective communication and support throughout the financing process.

Robust Consumer Protections

PACE financing is unique in that it offers several consumer protections designed to safeguard homeowners. Registered and trained contractors must carry out financing, adhering to strict guidelines set by state legislation and the Department of Financing Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Homeowners will benefit from identity verification measures, confirmations of financing terms in both English and Spanish, inspections by third parties post-completion, and ongoing oversight of contractors. Such regulations promote transparency and trust within the financing ecosystem.

After operating in California for nine years, Home Run Financing has made a significant mark in the state’s home improvement sector, providing over $600 million in PACE financing for more than 19,500 projects. These efforts have led to substantial environmental gains, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing nearly 53,800 cars from the roads for an entire year and conserving millions of gallons of water that could fill 12,000 backyard pools. This demonstrates a clear impact on both the local community’s economy and the environment.

Looking Ahead

As Willows embarks on this new chapter of energy efficiency through PACE financing, it opens the door for residents to make vital upgrades that yield long-term benefits for them and the environment. The collaboration between the city council, Home Run Financing, and the residents illustrates a community coming together to build a more sustainable and resilient future. Homeowners interested in these financing options can learn more and access resources by visiting Home Run Financing's website.

In conclusion, this initiative is not merely about accessibility to financial resources, but it is also about fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility in Willows, positioning it as a leader in the Central Valley for innovative home improvement financing.