Contractors

Arlington C-PACE for Renewable Energy Contractors

How often does your sales team identify a potential new client, only to have that would-be client walk away because he’s skeptical of your savings projections? If this sounds familiar, you’ll be happy to learn that there’s a new way to develop solar PV projects—and it’s proving very attractive to building owners. It’s called Arlington C-PACE, and it focuses on developing cash-flow-positive projects. It also enables you to deliver energy savings and cash-flow projections that:

• Are reviewed and confirmed by independent, third-party experts
• Integrate long-term (25-year) financing
• Incorporate ITC and MACRS depreciation to maximize cash flow (where applicable)
• Include an assessment amount that does not accelerate at the time of sale

Arlington C-PACE benefits building owners in three primary ways. With C-PACE, they can:

• Lower their energy costs
• Increase the value of their building
• Increase their cash flow

This innovative, county-sponsored financing program removes the barriers that stall solar PV projects, enabling you to grow your business while helping your customers save on energy costs.

What is C-PACE, and how does it work?

Commercial property assessed clean energy, or C-PACE, is a financing program that has been adopted by more than 40 states, including Virginia. It removes the barriers that stall projects by enabling building owners to finance 100 percent of eligible improvements through a long-term, fixed-rate financing tool that requires no upfront costs and no personal guarantee. Repayment is secured by a voluntary special assessment, which is similar to a sewer district assessment, that is recorded on the improved property. In some cases, the energy savings exceed the assessment payment, enabling a cash-flow positive project! And because the assessment is tied to the property, it automatically transfers to the next owner if the property is sold.

Which improvements are eligible?

Nearly anything that lowers the utility cost of the building and remains with the property is eligible. In addition, renewable energy feasibility study costs, roof replacement needed to support a solar PV system, and other costs are also eligible. See a list of eligible improvements.

How do I get started?

To participate in the program, you must first become an Arlington C-PACE-registered contractor. Registration is free and requires your attendance at a training workshop, where you’ll learn more about the program.

Once you’re registered, at no cost to you, our C-PACE experts will help you:

• Identify eligible properties
• Prepare a proposal for the property owner that includes the benefits of the C-PACE program
• Develop an optimized project incorporating C-PACE financing backed by third-party technical projections
• Present the project to the owner and mortgage holder
• Source capital providers to determine “best-fit” financing

Register today.

What are the key steps in the C-PACE life cycle?

Below is an overview of the key steps in the Arlington C-PACE project life cycle. Click on the “>” icon associated with each step to view details.