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Property Assessed Clean Energy Program & Solar Energy Loan Fund

In order to assist homeowners in improving the resiliency and energy efficiency of their homes, Martin County has executed agreements with PACE providers and the SELF organization authorizing them to operate within the county.

These programs offer different financial options to allow property owners to accomplish the desired repairs and improvements to their homes utilizing licensed and approved contractors.  Below you will find information and links to the programs to help you decide which is best for you.

The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program has been authorized in Florida since 2010 (Section 163.08, Florida Statutes). The program provides a funding mechanism, through the local tax collector’s office, that enables property owners to install energy efficient, renewable energy, and water-saving improvements to their properties, without any initial investment.  

In May of 2018, Martin County enacted an ordinance establishing the PACE program. The ordinance detailed the conditions under which PACE would operate within the county.  The next step in the authorization process requires providers to have an approved agreement with the county.

A list of providers, currently authorized in Martin County, can be found below. 

With PACE, residential and commercial property owners can get 100% financing based on the available equity in their property. The amount financed, plus interest and any applicable fees, is then added to property taxes and paid over a predetermined length of time on the annual or semi-annual property tax bill.

PACE financing is secured with a continuing lien on your property. This means that, should you sell you home before the lien is paid in full, you would have to pay the balance at closing or the buyer would have to agree to assume the balance of the lien.

No minimum FICO score is required. However, property owners must have at least 10 percent equity available in their property, must be up to date on mortgage payments and taxes, and cannot be in bankruptcy (some jurisdictions require being clear of bankruptcy for a certain number of years).

A variety of improvements qualify for PACE financing. Among the more common are solar panels, roofing, HVAC systems, impact-resistant windows and doors, siding, drought-tolerant landscaping, and many more. 

For those residents who may not qualify for PACE financing, the county has also contracted with the Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF). SELF is a non-profit that provides energy expertise and financing to help property owners identify and make cost-effective home energy improvements.

The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) provides low cost financing options and energy expertise to help lower your energy bills. Through the program, a comprehensive energy assessment will be performed at your home or business. This process will help identify the best practices and clean energy technologies that will deliver the greatest savings and return on investment for your particular property.

Their energy and financial experts work with residents to finance the most cost-effective energy investments, through low-interest, no-money-down loans. The program also assists you with selecting contractors from SELF’s Approved Contractor list to complete the work. 

 

Instructions

To see if you quality for PACE and to apply, visit the websites for approved PACE program providers via the buttons below. If you have an issue with a specific project that is being funded by a PACE program provider or by SELF, please select the “Submit a Request for Help or Information” button to submit an inquiry online and let us know.