C PACE Savings Estimator
Enter project cost and projected energy savings to estimate the savings to investment ratio, payback, annual assessment, and preliminary state program fit.
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How the C PACE Savings Estimator Works
Enter the eligible project cost, projected annual energy savings, and expected useful life of the improvements. The estimator compares lifetime savings with project cost, calculates simple payback, and estimates a level annual C PACE assessment from the entered rate and term.
Lifetime Energy Savings = Annual Energy Savings × Useful Life
Savings to Investment Ratio = Lifetime Energy Savings / Eligible Project Cost
Simple Payback = Eligible Project Cost / Annual Energy Savings
Understanding the Savings to Investment Ratio
A ratio of 1.00x means projected lifetime energy savings equal the entered project cost. A result above 1.00x means projected savings exceed project cost before considering escalation, degradation, maintenance changes, financing fees, taxes, incentives, or the time value of money. Individual programs may define eligible costs, savings, and required tests differently.
State and Local Eligibility Still Matters
C PACE availability cannot be determined from state enabling legislation alone. The property generally must be in an active participating jurisdiction, the improvements must qualify under the applicable program, and existing mortgage lender consent is commonly required. The estimator displays verified program information for CapitalAx markets but does not issue an eligibility decision.
C PACE Savings Worked Example
A $1,000,000 eligible project expected to save $100,000 annually for 20 years produces $2,000,000 of simple lifetime savings and a 2.00x savings to investment ratio. At a 7.5 percent assessment rate over 20 years, the estimated level annual assessment is about $98,092, leaving about $1,908 of first year savings before other project effects.
Choosing Inputs and Reading the Screen
Use eligible project costs and savings estimates prepared for the proposed measures, not the full property budget. Useful life should reflect the measure documentation and applicable program rules. A ratio above 1.00x is only a preliminary screen because programs may use present value, escalation, degradation, engineering review, or different savings tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a C PACE savings to investment ratio?
It compares projected savings over the entered useful life with eligible project cost. A 1.00x result means simple lifetime savings equal project cost before financing costs, escalation, degradation, and the time value of money.
Does passing the savings screen make a project eligible?
No. Eligibility also depends on an operating program, participating local jurisdiction, qualifying measures, program review, property requirements, and commonly the consent of the existing mortgage lender.
How is the estimated C PACE assessment calculated?
This tool uses the entered rate and term to estimate level annual payments. Actual assessment schedules, fees, payment frequency, and capitalization vary by program and capital provider.