The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE

Innovative Approaches and Key Insights in Solar Lending and Financing

Listen Later

On ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast we discuss green lending as a service with Bill Paulen, Founder & CEO of loanTERRA.  On episode 298 we explored Bill’s background in banking and credit unions, leading to the development of green lending as a service that enables financial institutions to offer solar loans without significant technology investment.

  • Accidental Entry into Solar Lending:
    • Bill’s background in banking and credit unions led to his accidental introduction to solar lending.
    • His credit union became one of the first to offer solar loan programs around 2014 through referrals from a local solar installer.
    • Transparent Solar Financing Model:
      • Green Lending as a Service offers transparent solar financing without hidden dealer fees.
      • Dealer fees traditionally inflate project costs by 20-40%, but their model presents a growth opportunity as the tax credit expires at the end of December.
      • Green Lending Platform Expansion:
        • The platform enables financial institutions to offer solar loans without the usual investment in technology and expertise.
        • It focuses on educating consumers about the solar industry and helping them make informed financing decisions.
        • The platform will launch in 45 states, with plans to expand to all 50.
        • Solar Sales Tactics to Watch:
          • Consumers should ask installers about cash and financed prices and be wary of low interest rates that may indicate hidden dealer fees.
          • Common sales tactics include exaggerated claims about government payments and elimination of utility bills.
          • Solar Energy and EV Systems:
            • Solar panels typically feed energy into the grid, and without battery storage, homes are not fully self-sufficient.
            • Batteries allow for time-shifting of energy usage and provide power backup during outages.
            • Solar panels can serve as a “gas station” for electric vehicles, though range anxiety still exists for some drivers.
            • Commercial Solar Financing Strategy Update:
              • Loan Terra currently does not offer commercial solar financing but is exploring partnerships for referrals.
              • Bill plans to discuss the importance of dealer fees at the RE+ conference in Las Vegas.

                • To be an Insider

                Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating.

                This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast.

                The post Innovative Approaches and Key Insights in Solar Lending and Financing appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

                ...more
                View all episodesView all episodes
                Download on the App Store
                The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLEBy The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE
                • 4.9
                • 4.9
                • 4.9
                • 4.9
                • 4.9

                4.9

                54 ratings

                More shows like The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE

                View all
                Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

                Freakonomics Radio

                32,039 Listeners

                The a16z Show by Andreessen Horowitz

                The a16z Show

                1,085 Listeners

                Energy Gang by Wood Mackenzie

                Energy Gang

                1,254 Listeners

                HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

                HBR IdeaCast

                1,837 Listeners

                Columbia Energy Exchange by Columbia University

                Columbia Energy Exchange

                396 Listeners

                Interchange Recharged by Wood Mackenzie

                Interchange Recharged

                502 Listeners

                SunCast by Nico Johnson

                SunCast

                175 Listeners

                Switched On by Bloomberg

                Switched On

                98 Listeners

                All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg by All-In Podcast, LLC

                All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

                9,901 Listeners

                Catalyst with Shayle Kann by Latitude Media

                Catalyst with Shayle Kann

                266 Listeners

                Truth, Lies and Work by HubSpot Podcast Network

                Truth, Lies and Work

                35 Listeners

                The Tucker Carlson Show by Tucker Carlson Network

                The Tucker Carlson Show

                17,042 Listeners

                BG2Pod with Brad Gerstner and Bill Gurley by BG2Pod

                BG2Pod with Brad Gerstner and Bill Gurley

                474 Listeners

                Prof G Markets by Vox Media Podcast Network

                Prof G Markets

                1,413 Listeners

                Open Circuit by Latitude Media

                Open Circuit

                139 Listeners