Unsecured financing provided by specialized financial institutions (and often marketed by partner energy contractors) require review and approval based on the personal credit of the borrower and other factors.  Secured financing options, like a home equity line of credit or second mortgages, use the property or other assets as collateral for the lender. Secured financing often leads to lower interest.  It’s important to review all available options and understand the relative benefits and risks before making a financing decision. 

Business owners served by PG&E (including customers of CleanPowerSF) can receive "on bill financing", which can provide up to $4 million per premise at 0% interest to fund energy saving equipment including heat pumps. The business pays the funds back with a level, amortized charge on their normal bill. Projects are designed to generate savings and corresponding financing payments that match pre-retrofit utility bill charges.

Other innovations in financing options for commercial owners include Energy Services Agreements, or ESAs. ESAs closely resemble solar power purchase agreements, where a private entity finances, installs, owns, and maintains certain energy installations, and through special agreements with the owner, receives payments set at or below their pre-retrofit utility costs.  This unique structure makes it possible to finance deeper retrofits at minimal liability to the property owner, and may allow for favorable accounting treatment.