A Home Energy Audit from Affordable Solar Solutions is an extensive home energy efficiency evaluation Performed by a Certified HERSHome Energy Rating ...
There is a big push toward energy efficiency nationally but also in the Central Valley. Federal, state, and local governments are moving toward large scale programs to address energy efficiency in the “built environment” (existing homes). Not only can energy efficiency retain significant dollars in the local economy (through reduced utility costs), it can also create much needed jobs. The benefits to consumers can be increased property values, a more comfortable home, and improved indoor air quality.
Below is information on some of these programs. This page will be updated as details are available.
Energy Efficiency Programs in the Fresno area
California First Municipal Financing
The City and County both passed resolutions to participate in a pilot program that will allow home owners to finance energy efficiency measures and solar (up to $75,000) on their property taxes. This program, also known as AB811, has been successfully implemented in Berkeley, SonomaCounty, and PalmDesert. The program will be administered through California Communities Joint Powers Authority and Renewable Funding, LLC.
CaliforniaFIRST Pilot Program
Allows property owners to voluntarily finance solar and energy efficiency retrofits and make payments via their property taxes over a period of 10 to 20 years
Future plans include water efficiency retrofits
CaliforniaFIRST Pilot Program will handle bond financing and loans
FresnoCounty is one of 14 counties for the pilot phase 12 of the County’s 15 cities plan to participate
Benefits to Property Owners
Can finance solar, energy efficiency and water efficiency retrofits over a period of 10 to 20 years at competitive interest rates
Energy and water savings on utility bills
Payments transfer with the sale of the property
Benefits to the Local Economy
Energy and water savings
Creates jobs in the green energy and construction fields
May enhance opportunities for manufacturers
Energy savings can be passed on to other sectors of the economy
Cash for prescriptive measures (insulation, air sealing, etc.)
Whole House Performance Program (WHPP)
Cash for performance measures (HVAC systems, ducting etc., identified through software, requires third party verification)
Middle Income Direct Install (MIDI)
For the first time allows middle income households to benefit from no cost measures, similar to the established Low Income Energy Efficiency program (LIEE)
HOME STAR provides two types of consumer incentives:
1. The SILVER STAR prescriptive path provides a near-term incentive for specific energy saving investments that is simple to administer and easily introduced into the existing marketplace. Homeowners receive between $1,000 and $1,500 for each measure installed in the home, or $250 per appliance, with a benefit not exceeding $3,000 or at least 50% of total project costs (whichever is less). Covered measures include air sealing; attic, wall, and crawl space insulation; duct sealing or replacement; and replacement of existing windows and doors, furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters and appliances with high-efficiency models. The legislation will utilize existing standards for qualifying products at a level sufficient to significantly increase consumer demand for highly energy efficient building materials and mechanical systems. SILVER STAR improvements may be implemented by any appropriately licensed and insured contractor, but all participating contractors will receive information about opportunities for accreditation and training programs.
2. The GOLD STAR performance path offers an incentive to households that choose to conduct a comprehensive energy audit and then implement a variety of measures that are designed together to provide greater total returns in energy savings. This performance path represents the future of home efficiency: state-of-the-art building science is used to identify problems, present solutions and deliver verifiable energy savings, generating confidence among homeowners and investors alike. This technology-neutral approach is based on performance, not specific products, so market forces will direct funds to solutions that achieve the best results. A certified professional with accreditation from the Building Performance Institute (BPI), the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) or an approved equivalent conducts an energy audit before work begins, and a test-out when the performance retrofit is complete. Consumers receive $3,000 for modeled savings of 20%, plus an additional $1,500 incentive for each additional 5% of modeled energy savings, with incentives not to exceed 50% of project costs. Contractors implementing the GOLD STAR performance path must be BPI accredited.
FresnoCounty Workforce Investment Board
Through ARRA funding, the FCWIB is conducting “green collar” training for entry level energy efficiency workers. The courses lead to nationally recognized certification for the student and offers employers a certified individual ready to work. See the no-cost certificate level training opportunities here.
80/20 and other on-the-job training incentives
Contractors looking for employees can take advantage of programs that pay the new hire’s salary for a time. Some programs will pay worker’s comp as well and sometimes for the new hire’s tools or uniforms. There are also programs for Youth that will be in place summer 2010. All of these programs are designed to lessen the burden for local employers and to give opportunity for those that are unemployed, many of whom have been in the trades. The 80/20 program, for example, pays 80% of a new hire’s wages until September 2010. Read more about 80/20 here.
Contractors are encouraged to sign up for updates on these programs to stay informed of current and new programs.
Green Earth Equities
There is a business model that is working in the Fresno area and being replicated nationwide. The idea is the brainchild of Dave Robinson, a longtime HVAC contractor and Building Performance expert based in Clovis. By getting a team of investors, Real Estate professionals and subcontractors Mr. Robinson is "flipping" houses. The benefits to the community, the new home owner, and investors have been reported to be a success and all of this without using government funds! More information about this model and how you can learn can be found on the Green Earth Equities website.
Building Performance Institute Training and Certification
In order to take advantage of many of the incentive programs coming our way contractors will be required to be certified by BPI. There are several training organizations in California that train and test for this certification with the dominant player being the California Building Performance Contractors Association.
The San Joaquin Valley Regional Green Jobs Coalition is involved with outreach to local government leaders, community based organizations, and other non-profits in the region. The Green Employers Council is being developed to serve as a resource for these non-profit organizations but mainly to local business. Oftentimes the “missing link” between the private sector and the public sector is communication. For example, communicating the challenges the private sector faces can greatly help the public sector to direct its resources toward a solution. Marketing efforts aimed at increasing the quality of workers and the quantity of work is in everyone’s best interest and the Green Employer Council is working toward this. The Green Employer Council is “think tank” where action can be taken on ideas, help for business, marketing, and other issues. All aimed toward the benefit of our community and our local businesses.
If you would like more information on the Fresno County Green Employer Council please email john at calhers.org with your contact information and details will be provided.
If you would like to be on a contact list for updates for consumer incentives, local policy, or workforce incentive opportunities programs please email john at calhers dot org and you will be notified of the latest developments via email.
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