FUNDING SOLUTIONS

TPI TUG website logo

C-PACE Financing

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Financing

TPI Efficiency helps organizations access C-PACE financing — a powerful, low-cost tool for funding energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy upgrades.

business concept
solar panels

What Is C-PACE?

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is a financing structure that enables building owners to fund energy and sustainability projects through a property tax assessment.
 
Repayments are made over 10–30 years and stay with the property if it is sold, allowing businesses to pursue long-term improvements without upfront capital.
C-PACE is only available in jurisdictions with enabling legislation and active programs.
 
Financing can come from private capital providers or public sources, depending on local program design.

How C-Pace Financing Works

  1. Projects must be located within a county or municipality offering an active C-PACE program.
  2. Eligible upgrades typically include energy efficiency, renewable energy, or water conservation improvements.
  3. A PACE administrator manages compliance and coordination among the building owner, government, capital providers, and contractors.
  4. Following approval, project funds are disbursed, equipment is installed, and repayment begins through an assessment on the property tax bill.
  5. If the property is sold, the repayment obligation automatically transfers to the new owner.
C-PACE financing is repaid through a tax lien senior to most other debt, which helps attract long-term, competitively priced capital.

C-PACE FINANCING | BENEFITS

solar panels

Key Benefits of C-Pace

  • 100% Project Financing: Covers all eligible costs with no upfront payment required.
  • Long-term terms: Repayment periods range from 10 to 30 years, typically at fixed rates.
  • Positive Cash Flow: Energy savings often exceed monthly repayment amounts.
  • Transferable Upon Sale: The assessment stays with the property, not the owner.
  • Flexible Accounting Treatment: May qualify for on- or off-balance sheet treatment, depending on organizational needs.
  • Overcomes Split Incentives: Both landlords and tenants can benefit from shared cost savings.

Potential Considerations of C-Pace Financing

  • Availability: Only offered in jurisdictions with PACE-enabling legislation (currently active in over 30 states and D.C.).
  • Mortgage Lender Approval: Required when existing debt is in place, which can extend approval timelines.
  • Project Customization: Financing is structured on a property-by-property basis rather than portfolio-wide.

Is C-Pace Right for You?

C-PACE may be an attractive financing solution if your organization:
  • Owns or occupies facilities in a jurisdiction with an active C-PACE program.
  • Seeks lower monthly payments through long-term financing (10 years or more).
  • Plans to sell or transfer properties in the future.
  • Wants to invest in energy efficiency, resiliency, or reliability improvements.
  • Prefers to pilot smaller upgrades before scaling across multiple locations.
You can explore how C-PACE compares to other financing options by answering a few questions on the DOE’s Better Buildings Financing Navigator.

 

C-PACE FINANCING | OHIO

State of the C-Pace Market

Since launching in 2009, commercial PACE programs have financed over 2,400 projects nationwide, representing a total investment of more than $2 billion. Project sizes typically range from $75,000 to $750,000, though larger efforts are common for institutional and industrial facilities.
 
In Ohio, C-PACE enables commercial property owners to finance up to 100% of eligible energy efficiency improvements with competitive interest rates and repayment terms extending up to 30 years.
 
Typical benefits include:
  • No Down Payment
  • Off-Balance-Sheet Treatment (subject to accounting review)
  • No Personal Guarantee
  • Lease Pass-Through Potential
  • Fixed Rate and Fixed Payment Terms
  • 15–30 Year Extended Term Options

Partner with TPI Efficiency

TPI Efficiency connects organizations with available C-PACE programs, capital providers, and project management resources to make sustainable facility upgrades achievable and financially viable.
 
Whether you’re exploring a first project or seeking to scale energy improvements portfolio-wide, we’ll guide you through every step — from eligibility to final approval.
solar field

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

electricity lines at sunset

Energy Management Services

TPI consultants will review your spend and give you options to optimize your facilities’ energy consumption.

energy concept image

Green e-recs

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) contribute to reducing carbon emissions

solar panels

Renewable Energy Consulting

With lower costs and government incentives for renewable electricity generation, solar and wind generation is increasing across the globe.

geothermal

Thermal energy Storage

TPI Efficiency offers a comprehensive range of electrical solutions for various commercial and industrial needs.

EV energy concept image

Turnkey ev charging solutions

Is your building ready for electric vehicles?  Let us develop and install your EV charging solutions

solar energy concept image

solar energy solutions

Our experts will look at energy and usage rates as part of our risk-free audit. And we will advise of local, state, and federal incentives along with assessing your rooftop and solar field options.

meeting

Let's Craft Your Strategic Blueprint for Sustainability

At TPI Efficiency, we provide the strategic blueprint and expertise to help you meet your sustainability goals, comply with regulations, and exceed stakeholder expectations worldwide. Our team includes HVAC engineers, building surveyors, renewable energy specialists, and other subject matter experts dedicated to your success.

 

Every dollar saved on energy boosts your profit margin.

TPI Efficiency’s Energy Savings Calculator shows exactly where your business can reduce costs—without disrupting operations or requiring upfront investment.

Get your custom benchmark report and see how optimization could improve your ROI immediately.

Calculate your opportunity today and uncover your hidden savings potential. 

Get Started! Find Your Savings >>