Homeowners and businesses in Orlando, Winter Park and Longwood have new options to finance loans for energy-efficiency improvements, such as air conditioning, roofing, hurricane windows or solar panels.

National finance company Renovate America is rolling out loans under the Property Assessed Clean Energy program for the first time in Florida. It joins three other private companies now arranging PACE loans for residents in those Orange County cities and elsewhere in Florida.

"It's a great solution for middle- and lower-income homeowners because it's not dependent on your credit," said Remo Eyal, CEO and part-owner of Superior Solar Systems contractors. "As long as you have equity in your home and are current on payments." The interest qualifies for a tax credit, he said.

The goal is to lower the utility bill at a property and use those savings to help pay back the loan. PACE loans stay with the property, so the homeowner doesn't keep paying for the improvements if the house is sold.

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