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Council tables residential PACE solar financing and asks staff for community education
Summary
After hearing a company representative explain PACE consumer protections, the council agreed to continue item 6 and return with a public education plan and simple consumer pamphlet describing the program's lien structure, typical terms, and protections.
Councilmembers discussed a proposed Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program item that would allow residents to finance solar and energy upgrades through a voluntarily-assessed property tax lien. Rachel Hobbs, representing Homerun Financing, described program safeguards required under California law and industry practice: contractor registration and six-hour training, recorded English/Spanish telephone disclosures, geo‑tagged asset verification, permits review, and written disclosure that PACE assessments are recorded as a lien on the property tax bill.
Hobbs told the council that California permits financing for measures up to the useful life of the improvement and that terms may range up to 30 years (for 30‑year assets), with shorter options available. She also noted additional federal consumer-protection rules in effect that include waiting periods and ability‑to‑pay tests.
Council members voiced concerns about homeowner understanding of lien obligations, potential interest costs, and contractor sales tactics. The council moved to table the item and directed staff to return with an outreach and education plan for residents and a simple informational pamphlet summarizing: that PACE financing places a voluntary assessment (lien) on the property tax bill, typical term options, the requirement for permits and asset verification, and instructions for shopping and comparing estimates.
Next steps: Staff will return with an outreach and consumer-education plan and informational materials before formal consideration of a local PACE participation agreement or program administrator selection.
