The California Solar Advantage
California leads the nation in solar adoption. Over 1.5 million homes now use solar power. This surge comes from smart policies, abundant sunshine, and rising energy costs.
At LBC Mortgage, we help homeowners maximize these solar advantages. Our expertise spans both traditional mortgage lending and solar financing solutions.
Latest Solar Developments
Recent changes make solar even more attractive:
- The California Energy Commission requires solar panels on all new homes built after 2020
- Energy storage systems now qualify for additional incentives
- Local utilities offer enhanced rebates for combined solar and battery installations
Your Solar Investment Benefits
Federal Tax Credit
We guide our clients through the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This program lets you deduct 30% of your solar installation costs from your federal taxes.
Net Energy Metering
California’s NEM program pays you for excess power. Your solar panels can earn credits by sending surplus energy back to the grid. We help structure your mortgage to account for these savings.
Local Incentives
Your location matters. Each utility company offers unique benefits:
- PG&E provides performance-based incentives
- Southern California Edison offers rebates for energy storage
- LADWP maintains special solar rewards programs
Property Tax Benefits
California excludes solar installations from property tax assessments. You gain value without raising your tax bill. Our mortgage experts factor this into your home financing strategy.
Solar’s Impact on Home Financing
Understanding Property Values
Solar installations significantly boost home values in California. Recent market data shows homes with owned solar systems sell for 4.1% more on average than comparable non-solar properties. For a $750,000 home, this translates to an additional $30,750 in value.
Professional appraisers now include solar installations in their standard evaluations. They consider factors such as system size, age, and ownership status. Our team works directly with appraisers who understand the true value of solar investments.
The Mortgage Advantage
Solar installations affect your financing options in several positive ways. When you own your solar system outright, we count the reduced utility costs in your debt-to-income calculations. This often helps our clients qualify for larger loan amounts while maintaining comfortable monthly payments.
For leased systems, we take a strategic approach. Our underwriters understand how to properly account for solar lease payments in your mortgage application. We’ve streamlined this process to prevent common delays that occur with less experienced lenders.
LBC Mortgage’s Solar Expertise
As California’s leading solar-savvy mortgage broker, we’ve developed specialized solutions for solar properties. Our dedicated solar financing team understands both traditional mortgage requirements and solar-specific considerations. We maintain strong relationships with major solar installers across California, allowing us to offer seamless coordination between your home purchase and solar installation.
Our expertise includes handling PACE program interactions, which can complicate traditional mortgage processes. We help homeowners navigate these complexities and find the optimal financing structure for their needs.
Special Programs and Rates
We’ve created exclusive programs for solar-equipped homes. Our relationships with leading lenders give us access to competitive rates specifically for solar properties. We understand how to leverage green building certifications and energy efficiency improvements to secure better terms for our clients.
Currently, we offer several innovative options: reduced closing costs for homes with owned solar systems, special rate programs for new solar installations, and flexible terms that account for future energy savings. These programs reflect our commitment to supporting sustainable homeownership.
Success in Numbers
Our track record speaks for itself. In the past year, we’ve helped over 500 California families finance homes with solar installations. Our average client saves $200 monthly on energy costs while building significant equity. We maintain a 95% satisfaction rate among solar property borrowers, significantly above the industry average.
Making the Solar Investment Decision
Understanding Your Financial Benefits
Let’s break down the numbers that matter to you. A typical solar installation on a California home costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. With current federal tax credits, your net cost drops by 30% immediately. Our analysis shows most homeowners reach their break-even point within 5-7 years.
Your monthly savings create real financial impact. A standard 6kW system in California typically reduces electricity bills by $150-250 per month. When we structure your mortgage to include solar financing, the additional monthly payment is often less than your energy savings, creating positive cash flow from day one.
Long-Term Value Creation
Solar investments build equity differently than traditional home improvements. While kitchens and bathrooms depreciate, solar systems continue generating value through energy savings. Our clients see their home values increase by an average of $4 per watt of solar installed. For a 6kW system, this means $24,000 in added home value.
The LBC Mortgage Difference
Our approach to solar financing sets us apart. We don’t just process loans – we create comprehensive financial strategies. Our solar financing specialists bring decades of combined experience in both mortgage lending and renewable energy. This unique expertise allows us to:
First, structure your loan to maximize solar incentives. We time your financing to capture available tax credits and rebates optimally.
Second, leverage our relationships with major solar installers to streamline the entire process. Our partnerships ensure smooth coordination between installation and financing.
Third, provide ongoing support throughout the life of your loan. Our team stays available to help you understand your benefits and optimize your investment.
Real Results from Real Clients
The Martinez family in San Diego saved $275 monthly after installing solar with our financing. The Patels in Sacramento increased their home value by $35,000 through strategic solar investment. These aren’t isolated cases – they represent the standard results we achieve for our clients.
Ready to Move Forward
Starting your solar journey is simple with LBC Mortgage. Here’s what happens next:
- Schedule your free consultation at (818) 309-2999
- Receive your personalized solar financing analysis
- Review your options with our solar mortgage specialists
- Get connected with our trusted solar installation partners
- Close your loan and begin your solar savings