PACE is an innovative way to finance energy efficiency, water efficiency, and renewable energy upgrades for residential and commercial buildings. PACE financing enables individuals and businesses to defer the upfront costs of energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements. PACE loans are paid over a long period of time while energy and/or water costs are simultaneously lower, which typically provides the property owner with net savings. PACE overcomes challenges that have hindered adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures for many property owners.

Property owners who participate in a PACE program repay the loans through a voluntary contractual assessment collected together with their property taxes. One of the most notable characteristics of PACE programs is that the loan is attached to the property rather than belonging to an individual. Therefore, when the owner sells the property, the loan may be paid off during the sale or stay with the property and be paid off by the new owner, who also benefits from the upgrades that were completed.

The following PACE programs are available to residents and business owners in Encinitas: HERO by Renovate America, California FIRST by Renew Financial, Dividend (formerly Figtree), Ygrene Works, California Municipal Finance Authority, and CSCDA Open Pace.