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Fannie Mae programs provide incentives for multifamily solar

Codes and Standards

Fannie Mae programs provide incentives for multifamily solar

Affordable housing projects can find PV installations to be cost-effective.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | September 10, 2020

Courtesy Pixabay

With green lending programs that spur energy efficient construction in the multifamily sector, Fannie Mae has been supporting environmentally friendly projects for several years.

The lender’s Green Rewards Program can also be used to defray the cost of installing solar panels on multifamily properties including affordable housing projects. Fannie Mae’s Multifamily Green Rewards mortgage loan financing program is for borrowers who have elected to reduce energy and water usage of their property by a combined 30%. At least 15% of the savings must be attributed to energy savings.

The Green Rewards program already offers several benefits, such as lower interest rates, up to 5% more loan proceeds, and free Energy and Water Audit Reports. Fannie Mae recently expanded the program to include a free technical solar assessment of the property for those interested in adding solar power generation.

Fannie Mae, along with Freddie Mac and HUD, offer increasingly competitive green lending products for borrowers, lenders, and anyone involved in the acquisition or re-financing of multifamily properties.

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