If you’re a homeowner or own commercial property, you may already be familiar with California’s HERO Program. It’s a great way to finance home or business building improvements that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable and can save you money on water and power, too.
The Home Energy Renovation Opportunity program is the nation’s top energy efficiency financing program, aimed at encouraging investment in energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy products by making them more affordable. The program finances 100% of the cost of purchasing and installing products eligible for the program.
The HERO Program is offered by municipalities and counties throughout the state, including Santa Clara, San Francisco and Alameda Counties.
Something for everyone.
There is an amazing array of products that can be installed using the HERO program -- more than 900,000, ranging from small items like a water-saving kitchen sink faucet to major investments such as a new HVAC system. Eligible products fall into one of these categories:
- Solar – photovoltaic
- Solar – thermal
- Wind
- Alternative energy (an electric vehicle charging station, for instance)
- Windows, doors and skylights
- Building envelope (for example, cool wall coating)
- High-efficiency water heating
- High-efficiency pool equipment
- High-efficiency lighting
- Indoor water efficiency
- Outdoor water efficiency
That last category makes it possible to obtain HERO financing to replace your water-guzzling lawn with artificial grass.
You have to use a HERO-registered contractor.
Actually, you can sign a Self-Install Agreement with the program, and that may be fine for smaller projects such as upgrading light fixtures and showerheads. But unless you’re a DIY “pro,” you want to work with a real professional. In that case, you must use a registered contractor.
Rather than being restrictive, this is good news, because contractors are well-vetted before being accepted into the program, giving you added confidence and peace of mind:
- They have to be properly licensed and bonded with the California’s Contractors State License Board.
- They must be insured.
- They have proven they offer eligible products and materials that meet the US Department of Energy’s efficiency standards.
- Their identification has been verified, so you know they are a bona fide business.
- They have participated in special training and orientation about the HERO Program.
So how do you find a qualified contractor near you?
There are more than 1500 contractors statewide registered with the HERO Program, 171 in Santa Clara County alone. With so many great local choices, you don’t have to look far to find a contractor who can do the work you have in mind. Some contractors are specialists, whereas others can perform a variety of home improvement services.
Here are a few local examples:
You’ll find lots of contractors who focus on photovoltaic solar equipment and installation, among them:
- SunStar Energy, Inc., Los Gatos
- Fidelity Home Energy, Hayward
- Clean Solar, San Jose
- SunPower Corporation, San Jose
- Sungevity, Oakland
- Lifestyle Solar, San Jose
A1 Solar Power in San Jose provides solar installations and related energy-efficiencies for electrical and HVAC systems, roofing, windows and doors and whole-house solutions.
Solar Technology Builders of San Jose also installs solar products and systems plus efficient electrical, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, windows and doors.
Home Depot stores throughout the Bay Area carry energy-efficient windows and doors.
Custom Exteriors in Pleasanton serves the East Bay with replacement windows and entry doors, HVAC and solar systems and stucco or stone façades.
Cooper Brothers, Inc., and Air Care Heating and Cooling in San Jose specialize in HVAC systems.
Service Champions in San Jose and Pleasanton is a roofing contractor.
And of course Heavenly Greens in San Jose specializes in installation of artificial turf for any purpose.
It’s up to you to choose which upgrades you want, then choose a contractor. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to get to work and start making valuable changes you and the environment will appreciate for years to come. You’ll be a HERO.
