Clean Energy Financing Toolkit for Decisionmakers
A toolkit of financing programs and policies by state and local governments and others that support investments in clean energy
This toolkit provides profiles of about a dozen types of clean energy financing programs that state and local governments are pursuing to catalyze investment in clean energy, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and efficient electrification. This introductory information is intended to help decisionmakers understand the basics of a range of financing programs across multiple sectors, view examples from state and local jurisdictions, and access additional resources to learn more.
Directions: Select characteristics to highlight relevant policies and programs that fund clean energy initiatives. Relevant policies and programs will be highlighted in green. Click on a policy or program to learn more about how agencies and others might approach creating and implementing it.
Target sectors: Commercial, Residential: Renters, Residential: Multifamily, Residential: Homeowners, Nonprofit, Public
Typically funded by: Private funds
Enabling legislation needed: Not required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: Low level of funding
Target sectors: Residential: Homeowners
Typically funded by: Public funds, private funds
Enabling legislation needed: Not required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: Moderate level of funding
Energy loans and credit enhancements
Target sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential: Homeowners, Residential: Multifamily, Public, Nonprofit
Typically funded by: Public funds, private funds, ratepayer funds
Enabling legislation needed: May be required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: High level of funding
Target sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential: Homeowners, Residential: Multifamily, Public, Nonprofit
Typically funded by: Public funds, private funds, ratepayer funds
Enabling legislation needed: May be required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: High level of funding
Target sectors: Commercial, Public, Residential: Homeowners, Residential: Renters, Residential: Mulitfamily, Transportation
Typically funded by: Public funds, private funds, ratepayer funds
Enabling legislation needed: May be required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: High level of funding
Municipal bonds and green bonds
Target sectors: Public, Industrial, Nonprofit, Residential: Multifamily
Typically funded by: Public funds
Enabling legislation needed: Not required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: Moderate level of funding
Target sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential: Homeowners, Public, Nonprofit
Typically funded by: Public funds, private funds, ratepayer funds
Enabling legislation needed: May be required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: High level of funding
Performance contracting and energy service agreements
Target sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Public, Nonprofit , Residential: Multifamily
Typically funded by: Private funds
Enabling legislation needed: May be required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: Low level of funding
Customer power purchase agreements
Target sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential: Homeowners, Residential: Multifamily, Public, Nonprofit
Typically funded by: Private funds
Enabling legislation needed: Required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: Low level of funding
Commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE)
Target sectors: Commercial, Nonprofit, Industrial, Residential: Multifamily, Residential: Homeowners
Typically funded by: Public funds, private funds, ratepayer funds
Enabling legislation needed: Required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: Moderate level of funding
Target sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential: Homeowners, Public, Nonprofit
Typically funded by: Public funds
Enabling legislation needed: Not required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: Low level of funding
Inclusive utility investments: tariffed on-bill programs
Target sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential: Homeowners, Residential: Multifamily, Residential: Renters, Public, Nonprofit, Transportation
Typically funded by: Public funds, private funds, ratepayer funds
Enabling legislation needed: May be required
Sponsor's level of funding needed: Moderate level of funding
This web content was prepared by the US EPA. Nothing contained in this Toolkit should be construed or relied upon as legal, tax, or accounting advice. Please consult legal, tax, and/or accounting advisors with respect to your particular circumstances.