The short answer
Fairway's solar loan program pairs FHA financing — which allows the cost of a solar energy system to be financed with the mortgage — with an incentive of up to $13,000 (3.5% of the home's value, whichever is less) from the non-profit HOPER. Homebuyers who complete the program's education and participation requirements may apply the funds toward down payment, closing costs, or other home-related expenses.
Mortgage guidance with Jennifer Reich · NMLS 162239
Saving for a down payment is one of the most common hurdles in homebuying. This program addresses it from two directions: an FHA solar loan that finances eligible energy improvements with the mortgage, and an incentive of up to $13,000 offered by HOPER (Homeownership Opportunity, Planning, Education, and Resources), an Arizona non-profit administered by Attainable Housing Advocates, to buyers who complete its education and participation requirements.
Two things to understand up front: the incentive is not a gift or a grant — it is compensation you earn by completing required steps, and it is reported as income on a Form 1099. And it is never guaranteed. Eligibility depends on the property, a renewable-energy assessment, and the program's rules as they stand when you apply.
How does the up-to-$13,000 incentive work?
HOPER provides participating homebuyers an amount equal to 3.5% of the home's value, up to $13,000, in exchange for completing a pre-closing homebuyer education class, participating in a post-closing financial mentorship program, and taking advantage of savings from renewable energy — typically solar — at the property.
Per the program administrator, the funds may be applied toward down payment, closing costs, or other home-related expenses. How the incentive is structured in a specific transaction — and how it interacts with FHA guidelines — is something Jennifer will confirm for your exact scenario before you rely on it.
What does the solar piece involve?
FHA allows the cost of a residential solar panel installation to be rolled into the mortgage. Before that happens, a renewable-energy assessment determines whether a solar system would save you money at that specific property — that assessment confirming savings is part of program eligibility.
On the program's Plus structure, the solar costs are financed through the FHA solar loan rather than paid out of pocket, and the system is intended to reduce monthly utility costs over time. Actual savings vary by home, energy usage, and utility rates.
What are the requirements and costs?
The program is for a primary residence, whether purchased or refinanced. There are no income restrictions under the incentive program itself, but standard FHA qualification — credit, income, assets, and property standards — still applies.
The required pre-closing education course currently costs $149, and it is the program's main out-of-pocket expense; an optional post-closing financial mentorship course is also offered. Because the incentive is earned income, it is taxable and reported on Form 1099 — it is worth walking through the full economics with Jennifer and your tax professional.
Who may want to explore it
- Buyers with solid income but limited savings for down payment and closing costs
- Buyers open to an energy-efficient home with a solar system
- Households looking for an FHA-financed path with a non-profit incentive
Documentation & eligibility
- Enrollment and completion records for the program's education course
- Renewable-energy assessment for the property
- Standard FHA income, asset, credit, and property documentation
Benefits
- Incentive equal to 3.5% of the home's value, up to $13,000, upon completing program requirements
- Funds may be applied toward down payment, closing costs, or other home-related expenses
- No income restrictions under the incentive program
- Solar system financed with the mortgage rather than paid upfront
Tradeoffs
- The incentive is earned income, not a grant — it is taxable and reported on a Form 1099
- Education and mentorship steps must be completed to earn the funds
- A renewable-energy assessment must confirm solar savings for the specific property
- Availability and program terms can change; eligibility is never guaranteed
Questions to ask Jennifer
- Does the home I want qualify for the solar assessment?
- How would the up-to-$13,000 incentive be applied in my transaction?
- What are the total costs, including the education course and the solar financing?
- How does this compare with a standard FHA loan for me?
Solar Loan Program: common questions
Is the $13,000 guaranteed?
No. The incentive is up to $13,000, or 3.5% of the home's value, whichever is less, and it is earned by completing the program's education, mentorship, and renewable-energy requirements. Eligibility depends on the property assessment and the program's current rules.
Is this a grant I never have to account for?
No. It is compensation for program participation, not a gift or a grant. It is reported as taxable income on Form 1099.
Do I have to install solar panels?
The program is built around renewable energy at the property. A renewable-energy assessment must confirm that a solar system would save you money, and on the program's Plus structure the solar cost is financed through the FHA solar loan.
Utah mortgage guidance
A local conversation. A property-specific plan.
Jennifer serves borrowers in Davis County and Washington County from her Kaysville office. Eligibility depends on your financial profile, the actual property, and the loan program—not simply the city where you buy.
Office: 69 East 200 North, Suite A, Kaysville, UT 84037. Programs and terms are subject to underwriting and may change.