Renewable Energy Finance Program

Now Accepting Applications

The typical American family spends more than $1,600 a year on home utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. However, most of us can do a lot to reduce our energy use, eliminating waste and making improvements that will make our homes more comfortable and more efficient. Being smart about your energy use is good for the environment as well. The less electricity you use, the lower your home’s impact on the environment will be. You can do even more to protect the environment by incorporating energy from clean, renewable resources.

In an effort to demonstrate our commitment to a strong local conservation ethic while demonstrating the effectiveness of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable resource development, we are now offering you a uniquely innovative renewable energy financing program called “Save Some Green”. This program is designed to financially assist you with the cost of purchasing and installing qualified renewable energy systems and efficiency improvements on your property. To accomplish this goal, a loan pool has been established to offer low cost financing to residential customers, with annual installment payments collected through annual property tax bills.

Since this is a first-of-its kind program, the information may be time-sensitive and/or modified on a regular basis. To assure that you have the latest version of incentives, forms, etc., you are highly encouraged to contact Mike Noreen at 715-426-3467 prior to starting any project being considered for this program.

On behalf of the community of River Falls, we plan to establish River Falls as a model in the state and region by implementing community-wide sustainability initiatives, such as “Save Some Green”. Thank you for your interest in this first-of-a-kind Renewable Energy Finance Program.

We look forward to working with you to make a difference.

To learn more about this program, simply follow these Step by Step tips.

Step 1. Review of Program Guidelines regarding Renewable Energy Finance Program. Customer to contact Mike Noreen 715.426.3467.

Step 2. Complete Focus on Energy Home Performance with ENERGY STAR in-home energy evaluation.* ($300 cost, but required to qualify for the Focus on Energy - energy efficiency incentives.) Customer to contact Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077 or www.focusonenergy.com.

Step 3. Obtain bid proposals (including down payment requirements) from approved installer/assessor and complete Project Finance Application ($300-600 cost for wind site assessment.) Customer to contact installer/assessor.

• PV Solar Electric
• Solar Hot Water
• Solar Thermal
• Wind Energy
• Geothermal
• Efficiency Projects

• Focus on Energy Home Performance with ENERGY STAR in-home energy evaluation
• Bid Proposal (including down payment requirements and detailed project information)
• Project Finance Application

Step 6. Sign required documentation, receive notice to proceed, and obtain building permit. Utility to contact customer.

• Finance Program Loan Agreement
• Promissory Note
• Mortgage document
• Standard Distributed Generation Application **
• Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement **

• Contractor signs and submits installation affidavit**

Step 9. Process payment directly to installer, record mortgage, and submit information for collection on property taxes. Utility responsibility.

Step 10. Pay property taxes, including renewable energy loan portion. Customer responsibility.

* Not required if home is certified as ENERGY STAR home or previous evaluation was performed.
** Only required for Solar Electric and Wind.

For additional information, please contact Mike Noreen at 715-426-3467.

For additional information regarding Focus On Energy fact sheets, incentives, etc., simply call 800-762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.