Fact Sheet
Building Decarbonization Fact Sheet
November 30, 2023
Fact Sheet
Property Assessed Clean Energy
Overview
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a financing tool used to provide property owners affordable, long-term capital to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. Thirty-six states and D.C. have enabled commercial PACE, and several others are considering legislation despite attempts to roll back the program. PACE financing is attached to the property rather than the owner, enabling PACE financing terms to reach as long as 20 years, making projects much more affordable in many cases. Since 2008, residential PACE financing has been available in a few jurisdictions in states such as California and New York, and at least four states now offer residential PACE financing. After original Federal Housing Administration (FHA) objections, the FHA released residential PACE guidance (PDF) for properties with FHA- insured mortgages, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released updated Residential PACE Best Practices.
Key Points
Key Point 1
As of 2019, over 200,000 homeowners have made $5 billion in energy efficiency and other improvements to their homes through PACE financing. (U.S. Department of Energy)
Key Point 2
PACE financing stays with the building upon sale and 100% of the cost is repaid for up to 20 years as an assessment added to the property’s tax bill. (U.S. Department of Energy)
Key Point 3
Commercial PACE has been successfully implemented in 33 states. Residential PACE programs have had a slower start, but are starting to gain traction after revised FHA guidance. (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
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