Energy efficiency loan financing is proving to be a stable, low risk investment with low default rates and large-scale potential, according to What Have We Learned from Energy Efficiency Financing Programs?, a study released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). A review of 24 energy efficiency loan programs finds extremely low default rates ranging from 0-3% throughout the life of the financing program. Default rates for efficiency loan programs have also remained largely unchanged, even during the near collapse of the real estate market over the past few years.

"Energy efficiency loans are proving to be a winning investment in a time of economic uncertainty. Based on these findings, now is the time to scale-up to serve many more homeowners and businesses," said ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel.