Yes, in order to become a Registered Dealer for our solar loans, they must go through a formal application, evaluation, and selection process. Our intention with this vetting process is to help improve the quality, longevity, and customer experience for our Members’ solar projects. That being said, Registered Dealers are independent contractors and are not affiliated with Clean Energy Credit Union. Clean Energy Credit Union does not endorse or make any representations or warranties with respect to the quality of work provided by Registered Dealers, and it is the responsibility of our Members and prospective Members to interview and select a solar dealer that meets their needs.

Yes, you can “invest” in Clean Energy Credit Union by either making a checking, savings, or money market account deposit or by purchasing a “clean energy CD.” Any such deposits or CDs are insured by the federal government up to $250k per person or per organization. The Credit Union does not have “owners” or “investors” in the same way that a for-profit bank would. Instead, the Credit Union is democratically owned by all of its members. Members then elect the Credit Union’s volunteer Board of Directors on a one-vote-per-member basis and earn “dividends” or interest on their deposits.

In addition, the federal government requires that all banks and credit unions be capitalized with $1 in “net worth” or “net assets” for every $14 that they can accept in federally insured deposits. As 501(c)(1) not-for-profit organizations, federally chartered credit unions like ours can only build their net worth or net assets in two ways: (1) via retained earnings (i.e. profit); and (2) via donations from supporters. Making a donation to a credit union is very similar to making a donation to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In the first few years, we intend to raise over $5M in donations and accept $50M in deposits. Click here if you’d like to make a donation.