Colorado RENU Loans and Solar Energy Financing

Upgrading your home with solar panels, new windows, or energy-efficient appliances can save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but the upfront costs often stop people from taking the leap.

That’s where financing options like Colorado RENU Loans come in. Designed to make clean energy projects accessible, the RENU program offers affordable solar loans and other energy efficiency financing so homeowners can start saving without draining their savings account. If you’re curious about RENU solar projects or looking for flexible solar energy loans, understanding these options can help you get the best value while investing in a brighter future for your home.

What is the Colorado RENU Loan Program?

The Colorado RENU Loan program is a statewide financing option that helps homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable. RENU stands for Residential Energy Upgrade, and it was created through a partnership between the Colorado Clean Energy Fund and local credit unions like Westerra. The goal is simple: give Coloradans access to low-cost financing for projects that improve efficiency and sustainability.

With a Colorado RENU Loan, you can:

• Finance up to 100% of your project costs with no money down.

• Borrow up to $75,000 for upgrades like solar panels, efficient heating and cooling systems, new windows, and insulation.

• Choose flexible repayment terms up to 15 years (or up to 20 years for solar PV projects).

• Take advantage of low, fixed interest rates with no prepayment penalties.

If you’re exploring RENU solar financing or considering other solar energy loans, the program is designed to make big upgrades possible without putting your budget at risk.

What Can You Use a Colorado RENU Loan For?

A Colorado RENU Loan can be applied to a wide variety of home improvements that make your space more energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable. Whether you’re interested in solar or other upgrades, RENU makes it easier to invest in your home.

Some of the most common uses include:

• Solar projects – Install rooftop solar panels or a solar PV system to lower your long-term electricity costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

• Heating and cooling upgrades – Replace outdated furnaces, boilers, or AC systems with high-efficiency models.

• Windows, doors, and insulation – Improve your home’s comfort while reducing heating and cooling bills.

• Water-saving improvements – Upgrade to high-efficiency water heaters or install water conservation fixtures.

• Appliance replacements – Choose ENERGY STAR–certified appliances that use less electricity and water.

The flexibility of RENU Loans means you don’t have to put off these projects. Instead, you can spread the cost over time with affordable, fixed payments while starting to save on your utility bills right away.

Benefits of Choosing a Colorado RENU Loan

Choosing a Colorado RENU loan gives you access to a program designed specifically to make energy efficiency improvements easier and safer for homeowners. One of the key benefits is that projects must be completed by a RENU-certified contractor, ensuring that the work meets professional standards and qualifies for financing.

Other advantages of a RENU loan include:

• Affordable financing – Low, fixed interest rates and no money down make it easier to start projects without draining your savings.

• Generous loan amounts – Borrow up to $75,000, giving you flexibility for both small upgrades and larger investments like solar energy loans.

• Flexible terms – Choose repayment options up to 15 years, or extend to 20 years for RENU solar projects.

• No prepayment penalties – Pay off your loan early if you want to save on interest.

• Trusted local program – Because RENU is a statewide initiative supported by the Colorado Clean Energy Fund and local lenders; you’re working with partners who understand the needs of Colorado homeowners.

By using a Colorado RENU loan, you gain access to financing that’s tailored for solar panels, energy efficiency upgrades, and other improvements that will lower your bills and boost the comfort of your home, all while helping preserve Colorado’s natural beauty.

Colorado RENU Loan vs. Westerra Energy Efficiency Loan

At Westerra, we offer two powerful ways to finance your home energy improvements, the statewide Colorado RENU loan program and our own Energy Efficiency Loan. Both options are available through us, making it easy to choose the financing that best fits your project.

Colorado RENU Loan

• Available exclusively through participating credit unions like Westerra

• Requires a RENU-certified contractor for added quality and reliability

• Loan amounts up to $75,000

• Terms up to 15 years (20 years for RENU solar projects)

• No money down and no prepayment penalties

• Ideal for large-scale projects such as solar installations, HVAC replacements, or full-home efficiency upgrades

Westerra Energy Efficiency Loan

• Offered directly through Westerra with no certified contractor requirement

• Loan amounts up to $50,000

• Terms from 5 to 20 years

• Fast, straightforward approval process

• Perfect for smaller projects like ENERGY STAR appliances, insulation, or upgrades to secondary or vacation homes

By financing through Westerra, you can choose the loan option that matches your needs, whether it’s the structure and scale of a Colorado RENU loan or the flexibility of our in-house Energy Efficiency Loan. Either way, we’ll help you make energy improvements affordable and stress-free.

How to Get Started with a RENU Loan or Energy Efficiency Loan

Getting started is simple and Westerra is here to guide you through every step.

1. Plan Your Project

Decide which home energy improvements you want to make. For RENU loans, you’ll need to choose a RENU-certified contractor to ensure your project meets program requirements.

2. Connect with Westerra

Whether you’re considering a Colorado RENU loan or Westerra’s Energy Efficiency Loan, begin by reaching out to us. Our team can explain both options and help you decide which loan best fits your project and budget.

3. Apply for Financing

Submit your loan application directly with Westerra. We’ll walk you through the process, including loan amounts, terms, and eligibility.

4. Start Your Upgrades

Once approved, your contractor (if RENU-certified) or chosen installer will get to work. You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your financing is in place and your project is moving forward.

Invest in Your Home’s Future

Investing in energy efficiency for your home is one of the smartest decisions you can make. By opting for a Colorado RENU loan with a certified contractor or Westerra’s in-house Energy Efficiency Loan, you can access affordable, flexible financing options, including solar loans, to make upgrades that not only save you money but also contribute to a cleaner future.

Ready to get started? Visit our lending page to learn more or click here to start your application.