Placer County Finances Green Improvements

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I live in a 1600 square foot single level ranch style home. It was built in the late 70”s. All of the ceilings are 8 ft except for the living- room, which has a vaulted ceiling.

When I bought the old place I spent thousands of dollars in an attempt to make it energy efficient. I replaced the single pane windows with dual panes and weatherized it to keep the winter drafts from coming in. I had the attic insulated to R30. The old HVAC system was completely replaced ducts and all.

I chose function over aesthetics by installing an extra efficient Country woodstove insert into the opening of the old rock fireplace. I almost cried when they cut out the old flu. My home is heated entirely with wood. The new $13,000.00 furnace has never been turned on.

In the summer the AC is used probably two months out of the season. An irrigation pump from my pond runs a minimum of an hour per day from June to August. The irrigating creates more maintenance but it keeps things cooler.

The spa is a new efficient Sundance model that runs on an energy saving timer. The endless pool is heated with propane. The filter and circulating pump run on a timer.

Having said all of this, my average monthly PG&E bill still runs approximately $360.00.00 per month. That doesn’t include the cost of propane or firewood. The PG&E rate continues to increase by an average of 4-41/2 % per year. Try as I might, I can’t seem to get my PG&E bill down.

I have considered solar as an alternative energy source over the last five years or so. My first bid was $100,000.00. My last bid was $65,000.00. I kept doing the math and kept coming up with the same conclusion. It’s cheaper to pay the PG&E bill.

I considered financing a solar system over 20 plus years. If I sold and moved in three to five years, the new buyers would have the benefit of being PG&E free and I would still be paying for it. The Solar guys insisted that it would be worth it because I would get my money back in the sale because of the increased value of my home. I wasn’t convinced.

Last week I read a notice in the Auburn Journal. Placer County has a new financing program for property owners. I was really excited about it so I attended yesterdays meeting. Placer County Treasurer, Jenine Windeshausen, along with her lovely assistants, gave a very informative Power-Point presentation. Details, including how to apply for the financing, can be found on line.

The program known as PLACER mPOWER allows placer county homeowners to apply for financing for water and energy efficiency improvements as well as power generation improvements like solar photovoltaic and other alternative energy generation systems. The financing can be used for a number of improvements including but not limited to tank-less water heaters, Smart irrigation systems, whole house fans, HVAC systems, duct replacement, dual- pane windows, doors, skylights, attic fans, and even lighting.

The financing is extended to commercial, residential, industrial and agricultural properties. A Placer County property owner is allowed to apply to finance more than one property. For example I own an industrial building that I lease out. Under the program I can apply to finance a solar system and charge the tenant for power as part of the lease agreement.

The financed debt is on the property tax bill. I love it. It’s payable twice a year at a current rate of 7.25%. The financing term is based on the useful life of the improvement, 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. A list of financing qualifications and financing terms can be found on line.

If one finances a water system with a five- year life span the financing is for five years. If one finances a solar system that has a projected twenty- year life span the financing is for twenty years. Very smart!

If I decide to sell and move on the debt stays with the property. The unpaid amount stays on the property tax bill and the new owner assumes payment of the balance on the property tax bill each year. That makes perfect sense to me.

I am very proud of the fact that Placer County is the second County after Sonoma to initiate this program. Furthermore, as a resident, I really appreciate the economic boost while gaining energy independence. mPOWERS motto: Save money. Conserve Energy. Create Jobs. It’s a matter of good home dollars and sense.