Request for Materials for HP Financing Article [RE-wrenches]

[Allan Sindelar]

Fellow RE folks,
For as long as we-end users, installing dealers, and Home Power-have been
working to encourage the use of renewable energy, obtaining financing has
remained a barrier in many instances. Mortgages for off-grid homes have been
notoriously difficult to obtain, and financing options for system upgrades
have been unavailable to all but the people who don't need financing. Now we
also have need for financing for grid-tied systems on existing homes.

Recently I refinanced our family's off-grid home near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
I worked with one of several local private mortgage brokers who market to
off-grid as well as mainstream homeowners. I have talked with this broker
about collaborating on a proposed Home Power article about financing of
home-scale renewable energy. I envision an article that is an overview of
the various ways to find the money for RE projects. The broker would focus
on how the lending process works, how off-grid and other types of atypical
properties are handled, how to find and work with a lender, etc.

His first cut at a focus for the article is as follows: Will major lenders
finance "off grid" homes? Yes, if ... That's the big "if." Ultimately,
lenders care only about a borrower's ability and willingness to repay a loan
and in the security of the collateral offered. Several loan elements must
come together for the loan to be acceptable. Borrowers can do much to
improve the likelihood of loan acceptance. This article will form a how-to
guide for borrowers seeking financing for their off-grid home. Whether
building, buying, or refinancing, readers will find this article to be
informative and actionable.

I have also been aware of two options for financing PV systems themselves,
as distinct from mortgage financing. This would serve, for example,
homeowners who want to install a grid-tied PV system on their home. One
option is the financing program that Xantrex has developed for their
Certified Dealers. The other option is the Permaculture Credit Union (PCU),
a new member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution that is founded on
the basic permaculture principles. The PCU sees its role as being a
financial resource for fostering all types of sustainability, including
renewable energy, energy efficiency, water catchment, fuel-efficient cars,
and the like. Already, two of our clients have financed grid-tied systems
through the PCU. (In the interest of full disclosure, I am a volunteer
member of the PCU Board of Directors).

Home Power has responded with encouragement. I am looking for information
about financing options and resources of all kinds that you may know about,
anecdotes, success and horror stories, and anything related that would help
the article to be as comprehensive as possible. In particular, I could use
more grid-tied resources, as we're not in a state with incentives. We'll
stick to the U.S., I think.

Please reply offlist to allan at positiveenergysolar.com. Thank you.

Allan

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