Zero-Interest Financing for Home Energy Upgrades
Hingham Light customers may be eligible for up to $25,000 in zero-interest financing for qualifying home energy upgrades through DOER’s new MLP Z-Loan Program. Learn how the program works, what improvements may qualify, and how to apply.
DOER Zero-Interest Financing
Hingham Light customers may be eligible for 0% interest financing for qualifying energy efficiency and electrification improvements through the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER) MLP Z-Loan Program.
The Z-Loan is designed specifically for customers of Massachusetts municipal light plants who are not eligible for Mass Save financing. Eligible homeowners can finance $500 to $25,000 for up to five years at 0% interest for qualifying improvements recommended through a home energy assessment.
If natural gas is your home’s primary heating fuel, please click here for information about the Mass Save Heat Loan.
What Can the Z-Loan Cover?
Only improvements recommended through a qualifying home energy assessment are eligible for Z-Loan financing.
Schedule a no-cost home energy assessment now.
Eligible projects may include:
- Heat pumps
- Heat pump water heaters
- Insulation improvements
- Weatherization barriers (e.g., electrical upgrades, structural issues, or mold or vermiculite abatement)
Solar PV systems, electric vehicles, and EV chargers are not eligible.
Who is Eligible?
The program is available to eligible residential property owners served by a Massachusetts municipal light plant, including Hingham Light customers.
Customers must also meet the program’s heating-service requirements and complete a qualifying home energy assessment before beginning any work. Projects must be recommended through the assessment, meet applicable program requirements, undergo post-installation verification, and be completed by a licensed contractor.
Final eligibility and loan approval are determined through the DOER Z-Loan program and participating lenders.
Loan Terms at a Glance
- Interest Rate: 0%
- Loan Amount: $500–$25,000
- Maximum Term: 5 years
- Repayment: Made directly to the participating lender
- Disbursement: Two-party check issued to the homeowner and contractor
How to Apply
1. Complete a Home Energy Assessment
Before beginning your project, you must complete a qualifying home energy assessment. The assessment will identify energy efficiency and electrification improvements that may qualify for financing.
Schedule your assessment here: www.hmlp.com/energy-assessment
2. Get a Contractor Proposal
After completing your assessment, obtain an itemized proposal from a licensed contractor for the recommended work. Do not begin work until your loan has been approved by a participating lender.
HMLP does not require you to use a specific contractor. For large projects, we recommend getting at least 3 quotes and doing proper research. Here are some resources if you don’t know where to start:
- Heat Pumps: Abode Energy Participating Contractors
- Weatherization: Mass Save Independent Contractor List
For assistance with heat pump projects or comparing quotes, you can set up a free consultation with Abode Energy.
3. Apply for the Z-Loan
Visit www.myz-loan.com to submit your application.
Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation including their home energy assessment, contractor proposal or invoice, and confirmation of municipal electric service and home heating service.
4. Wait for Loan Approval Before Starting Work
Do not begin work until your loan has been approved by a participating lender.
Loan approval is subject to a credit check and is determined by the participating financial institution.
Learn More and Apply
For complete eligibility requirements, participating lenders, and current program information, visit the DOER’s webpage.
Ready to apply? Visit www.myz-loan.com.
The DOER MLP Z-Loan is a program of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant does not issue, approve, or administer Z-Loan financing. Loan availability, eligibility, terms, and approval are determined by DOER and participating financial institutions and are subject to program requirements and funding availability.