The LoanSTAR Program

State Loan Program
Eligible Efficiency Technologies:

  • Lighting,
  • Chillers,
  • Furnaces,
  • Boilers,
  • Heat pumps,
  • Air conditioners,
  • Heat recovery
  • Energy Mgmt. Systems/Building Controls,
  • Building Insulation,
  • Custom/Others pending approval

Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:

  • Passive Solar Space Heat
  • Solar Water Heat
  • Solar Space Heat
  • Photovoltaics
  • Wind
  • Geothermal Heat Pumps

Applicable Sectors:

  • Schools
  • Local Government
  • State Government
  • Hospitals

Amount:
Varies

Maximum Amount:
$5 million

Terms:

  • Current interest rates are 3% APR.
  • Loans are repaid through energy cost savings.
  • Projects must have an average payback of 10 years or less.

Project Review/Certification:

  • Detailed Energy Assessment Report must be prepared according to LoanSTAR Technical Guidelines, available on the program website.
  • SECO performs design specification review.

Funding Source:

  • Petroleum Violation Escrow Funds
    Program Budget:
    $98.6 million (revolving loan)

Website:
http://seco.cpa.state.tx.us/ls.htm

Summary:

Through the State Energy Conservation Office, the LoanSTAR Program offers low-interest loans to all public entities, including state, public school, colleges, university, and non-profit hospital facilities for Energy Cost Reduction Measures (ECRMs).

Such measures include, but are not limited to: HVAC, lighting, and insulation. Funds can be used for retrofitting existing equipment or, in the case of new construction, to finance the difference between standard and high efficiency equipment.

  • The evaluation of on-site renewable energy options (e.g., solar water heating, photovoltaic panels, small wind turbines) is encouraged in the analysis of potential projects.
  • The LoanSTAR Program funds “Design, Bid, Built” or “Design, Built” projects.
  • All projects are approved based on the Detailed Energy Assessment Report, which must be prepared according to LoanSTAR Technical Guidelines or the Performance Contracting Guidelines.
  • SECO performs design specification review and on-site construction monitoring at the very minimum when the project is 100% complete.
  • Repayment of the loans does not begin until after construction is 100% completed.
  • As of November 2007, LoanSTAR had funded a total of 191 loans totaling over $240 million dollars and resulting in approximately $212 million in energy savings.
  • Applications are available on the program website.

The technical guidelines for the LoanSTAR program can be found here.

Source : DSIRE Database

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