Complicated loan application and approval processes cause delays for customers wanting to upgrade their homes. Programs can minimize this process barrier by working with their lending partners, contractors, and customers to improve the loan application and approval process (e.g., lower-cost, quicker, simpler, easier). Strategies include reducing the number of requirements that homeowners must meet to secure a loan, pre-qualifying applicants, and shortening the turnaround times between loan application and approval. With improved processes in place, programs can increase their assessment to upgrade conversion rate and lower the cost of customer acquisition by minimizing customer drop-offs as a result of lack of financial resources.
Learn more with the following resources:
Topical Resources
-
This website provides an overview of financing as it pertains to state, local, and tribal governments who are designing and implementing clean energy financing programs. Residential financing tools include residential PACE (R-PACE), on-bill financing and repayment, loan loss reserves and other credit enhancements, revolving loan funds, and energy efficient mortgages.
-
This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency resource is intended to help state and local governments design finance programs for their jurisdiction. It describes financing program options, key components of these programs, and factors to consider as they make decisions about getting started or updating their programs.
Examples
-
In this video interview segment, Tessa Shin of AFC First discusses the importance of making the loan application process simple for both homeowners and contractors.
-
This case study describes Austin Energy's short-term, comprehensive rebate/financing offer to jump-start participation and valuable lessons learned along the way.
-
This case study highlights Clean Energy Works Oregon's (now Enhabit) low interest, on-bill financing and alternative underwriting practices which have achieved a low rejection rate while also maintaining a low loan default rate.
-
This presentation from Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) covers their "One-Stop Shop" Home Energy Remodel process where customers were guided through a four-step process: apply, assess, finance, and transform. This simple process gave customers access to a comprehensive package of services that included assistance from an independent energy advisor.
Tips for Success
Handbooks
-
See the step: Decide on your program’s financing activities. This step provides information on how to determine if enhancements to existing financing products or the development of new products are necessary.
-
See the step: Launch your financing activities and manage them over time, including adjustments to program design based on feedback from stakeholders. This step discusses how to launch your financing activities in coordination with the other aspects of your program.
-
See the step: Make decisions to improve your financing activity processes. This step focuses on the continuous improvement of your financing activities by modifying strategies when needed.