Loans

Residential weatherization, solar hot water systems, heat pump installations and tune-ups…beat the high cost of power with one of our conservation loan programs. And be sure to try the Home Energy Calculator - an easy way to calculate your home's energy costs. You can also see how your home's energy usage might be affected by changes you make to your home.

Weatherization

The Residential Weatherization Program retrofits existing houses and mobile homes with new or additional energy saving measures, such as insulation and new windows.

To Qualify
Only electrically heated stick-built homes and mobile homes qualify for the program. Emerald Energy Services (EES) offers a zero-interest loan of up to $4,000 in partnership with the First Tech Credit Union. A rebate of $500 is also available.

What's Available
Where needed, our contractors can install insulation in the attic, floor, and walls, add appropriate ventilation, install a moisture barrier, wrap hot water pipes and duct work, and weatherstrip windows and doors. A zero-interest loan of up to $4,000 is available to pay for the work, with an added incentive of up to $500.

To Get Started
The first step to getting your home weatherized is to call EES and schedule an energy analysis. An Energy Analyst will visit your home to determine what measures are needed, a process that takes about two hours. We have limited funds for weatherization, and each year the budget is quickly committed to customers' projects. Contact us right away to reserve your spot in the program. To receive more information on how to get your home started on this program, email us or call us at 746-1583.

Low-Income Discount
EES is also working with the Housing Authority and Community Services Agency of Lane County to weatherize low-income customers in our service district. Qualifying households can have up to 100% of their weatherization costs paid for.

Home Duct Sealing
Most homes with forced-air systems have leaky heating system ducts. Emerald Energy Services (EES) offers a zero-interest loan and a rebate of $500 to seal and repair them. Leaky ducts can make your heating system work overtime, and by sealing them you can save as much as 30% on your heating costs. To receive more information on this program, email us or call us at 746-1583.

Heat Pump Program

Emerald Energy Services (EES) can help you install a heat pump in your home. We offer a zero-interest loan of up to $7,500 for qualifying Energy Star heat pumps. In addition, EES offers a rebate of up to $800. State and Federal tax credits are also available for the installation of qualifying heat pumps. For more information, email us or call us at 746-1583. You may also download forms by clicking on the links below:

Heat Pump Program Step by Step

Heat Pump Program Description

Heat Pump Proposal Form

Heat Pump Contractor List

Loan Documents: Loan Instructions and Term Guidelines; Loan Application

Solar Water Heater Program

Adding a solar water heater to your house can save you money by reducing your water heating costs. A cash incentive and a zero-interest loan are available from Emerald Energy Services (EES) to help you purchase a solar water heating system. Loan instructions and term guidelines are available here. There is also a state tax credit available.

We will provide you with a list of approved installers from whom you can obtain bids. The contractor you choose will verify that you have electric water heating and will give you information about our program and about their systems. The contractor also checks the site for adequate solar access. When you decide to purchase a solar system, we will review and approve the installation contract and process a loan application if necessary. The contractor secures the necessary building permits and installs the system on your rooftop. EES will inspect the system to ensure you have a proper installation. Once we approve the installation, EES will issue a check for the incentive and process your loan application. Eligible solar systems qualify for a cash incentive of $600 from EES. Qualified customers may also receive an EES zero-interest loan of up to $7,500. You can take up to 60 months to repay the loan. A state tax credit is also available for qualified systems, for up to $1,500. We can assist you in obtaining the tax credit.

To get more information about the program, call us at 746-1583.