Now widely available in California, Renovate America’s HERO program is the fastest-growing energy efficiency financing program throughout the United States. Since 2011, the Home Energy Renovation Opportunity HERO program has funded over $500 million in homeowner property upgrades in California alone. HERO funding is offered through the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, and is quickly turning California residents into sustainability and conservation heroes.
Enabling homeowners who want to upgrade the energy and water efficiency of their homes, PACE allows people to pay for these HERO upgrades through their property taxes, spreading payments over as many as 20 years. Not only does this provide significant and timely economic advantages to residential areas, HERO PACE helps bring efficiency upgrades within reach for homeowners without other financing options available. Cities and regions clearly benefit as well, because efficiency upgrades help mitigate global warming by reducing carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions.
Los Angeles, California Joins HERO PACE
With a recent vote to make HERO PACE available in Los Angeles County, this brings the largest county and second largest city in the U. S. into the HERO program. In California, this move joins the City of Los Angeles and the other 83 cities in Los Angeles County to the growing network of over 280 HERO cities and counties.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis said, “The HERO Program provides a long-term payment option for local homeowners who would like to make energy and water efficiency upgrades to their properties.” She continued, “Our local economy will also get a boost from the jobs the HERO program creates by increasing work for local contractors. This is a win-win for local residents, the economy and the environment.”
“It’s good to see the LA County Board of Supervisors helping to conserve energy by approving the Residential PACE program that will help Angelenos conserve water, use less electricity, and harness renewable energy at home,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Our collaboration with the County on this program will be another engine driving the creation of local green jobs while saving Angelenos money on their utility bills.”
Tax-Deductible Interest and Carbon Emission Offsets
The HERO program is 100 percent voluntary for both local government agency and homeowner participation. Widely popular, especially since the interest is tax-deductible, this financing tool has helped fund over 27,000 residential projects. Its carbon offsets record is equally impressive, as HERO is directly responsible for 926,000 tons of CO2 emissions already offset. Advanced Energy Economy Institute named HERO as one of the top 10 reasons for accelerated job growth in the advanced energy market.
Energy and Water Efficiency Products are Trending in California
Through the HERO PACE Program, property owners are offered a wide array of energy and water efficiency products. Solar panel power system options are especially popular, along with water-saving options. For example, HERO offers over 50 product lines to help save water during California’s extended drought. Some of HERO’s most popular products include:
- Solar panel installations.
- Whole-home heating and cooling (HVAC) systems.
- Energy-saving roofing and insulation.
- Energy-saving windows and doors
- High-efficiency toilets, faucets, and shower heads.
- Gray water systems.
- Rainwater catchment systems.
- Drip irrigation systems.
- Drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Artificial turf.
Saving Money Through Energy and Water Conservation
Dustin Reilich, Director of Municipal Development for the HERO Program, said “HERO is committed to helping cities and counties reach their energy and water reduction targets by bringing these types of investments into reach for most property owners.” Reilich continued, “When more homeowners invest in these types of improvements, it creates jobs and stimulates the local economy.” Summing up the elegant simplicity and appeal of the HERO program, Reilich points out, “HERO will make it easy and affordable for local homeowners to save money by using water and energy more efficiently.”
In 2014, the HERO program received the Clean Air Award from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the Clean Tech OC’s Van Vlahakis’ Environmental Excellence Award. It has also been the recipient of the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, the Urban Land Institute Best of the Best, and the Southern California Association of Governments President’s Award for Excellence.
With over half a billion dollars in HERO PACE projects funded in California alone, and over 4,300 jobs created as a direct result, this innovative and helpful financing program is well-positioned for wider growth. View elected officials, contractors, and homeowners speaking out about HERO on the company’s HEROFinancing YouTube channel.
