Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program
Quick Summary
The HERO Program lets you finance energy and water efficiency improvements—such as solar, heat pumps, insulation, windows, and weatherization—through a special property tax assessment that typically stays with your home if you sell it. To participate, you must use a HERO-registered contractor or sign a Self-Install Agreement; note that this is a PACE program, and some mortgage lenders may restrict or not accept PACE liens, so confirm your lender's policy before applying.
AI-generated summary • Updated 7/12/2026
Program Details
- Program ID
- 5181
- Last Updated
- 1/15/2024
Eligibility
Program Summary
Note: In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage.
Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing and a comprehensive list of all PACE programs across the country. Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) is offering homeowners in WRCOG participating jurisdictions an opportunity to finance energy and water efficiency projects in their homes. The Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Program is a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program. PACE programs allow homeowners to finance energy improvements, and to repay the financing through special assessments on their property taxes. In most cases the property tax assessment will stay with the property if it is sold, though the buyer's lender may impose restrictions on the transfer. A wide variety of energy and water efficiency products permanently affixed to the property can qualify for this program. Light bulbs, appliances, and other products not permanently affixed to the property are ineligible for this program. Only contractors registered with the program or a property owner who has signed a Self-Install Agreement may install the financed equipment. See the web site above for complete details.
Contact & Resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.