IS
EASY TO RETROFIT YOUR PROPERTY WITH THE “PACE” PROGRAM
By: Maria M.
Hernández
H & H Design and
Construction Inc.
LEED AP ID+C,
CGC#1515897, Building Analyst
I remember it was in 2008, when I first read
and learned about the “PACE" program as California had just approved it.
Meanwhile, in Florida, our properties were under water caused by the burst of
the housing bubble, whereas in California the sun was shining on this new
solution for renewable energy installation to property owners.
At that point I realized that the future of
the real estate market for the USA will be, GREEN, SUSTAINABLE and EFFICIENT,
but with a long road ahead.
After so many years of waiting, the future
could not be brighter for the Sunshine State. Finally the PACE program brings
great hope to Florida and a solution for energy independence. It is a way out
that will eliminate the burden of upfront cost for energy improvements, making
easier to finance a sustainable path with economic, ecological and social
benefits.
On June 14, 2016 Broward County approves
countywide the PACE program to offer to more than 1.8 million residents, a
financing option for the retrofit of their residential and commercial
properties.
The current cities of Broward County that
have already confirmed participation in the PACE program are: Coconut Creek,
Cooper City, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lighthouse Point, North Lauderdale, Oakland
Park, Plantation, Tamarac, Wilton Manors, Plantation and WESTON!!!!
WHAT IS
PACE?
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a
voluntary innovative mechanism for financing that allows property owners to
make improvements in their residential or commercial properties, such as:
energy efficiency; water conservation; renewable energy; and wind mitigation.
The property owner repays the improvement cost through property assessments
over a period of 10 to 20 years.
One advantage of the PACE assessment is a:
“debt of property”, meaning the debt is tied to the property as opposed to the
property owner(s), so the repayment obligation may transfers with property
ownership.
On the other hand, the cost to implement the
energy efficiency improvements will pay by itself with the energy savings that
will produce the new technology, while at the same time will increase the
property value.
QUALIFYING
IMPROVEMENTS:
The list of improvements is extensive, but I
want to highlight some of the most important: Energy efficient impact-resistant
windows, solar heaters, solar panels, thermal insulation for walls and
ceilings, Smart irrigation systems, high efficient HVAC systems (heating,
ventilation and air conditioning), new roof, LED lights and many more.
The time is now to retrofit your home or
business to enjoy the savings, safety and comfort that will offer a high
performance property with solar PV systems.
As a Weston resident, contractor for the
State of Florida certified for the PACE program specialized in Sustainable
construction, I Thanks the City of
Weston for their decision to adopt and support the PACE program. I believe,
PACE will help not only homeowners and businesses owners reduce their
electrical bill by retrofitting their properties and installing solar panels
but also will provide a huge door of opportunities to local contractors in the
industry that will ultimately will contribute to our local economy and will
reduce greenhouse gas emissions protecting our environment.
As a certified professional I'll be glad to
help you identify potential areas for improvement and carry out the complete
transformation of your property through the PACE program.
For
more information about the program and how you can transform your property with
no upfront cost and 100% financing, I invite you to send me an email to floridaleedap@gmail.com. Also,
you can register for my next conference or webinar.
