Wheelhouse

Wheelhouse Credit Union is a San Diego–based federal credit union offering an Energy Efficient Loan Program for Solar, Energy Efficient Equipment (HVAC, roofing, windows, exterior coatings), and Water Conservation Improvements (artificial turf, drip irrigation, rainwater catchment). Available in California only.

Membership is required before funding. The most common path for Empower customers is a $10 Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) membership, which satisfies Wheelhouse's member-eligibility requirement. Existing Wheelhouse members can skip that step.

Loan Processors: energyloans@wheelhousecu.com · Fax 619.278.5878

Customer Support: 619.297.4835 · Toll-free 888.907.3628

Apply here: Wheelhouse Solar & EE Portal Application

The portal works on mobile and desktop. Rep can complete in-home, over the phone, or email the link for remote completion.

3 Steps:

1. Loan Info — Select purpose (Solar / EE / Water) → total project cost → term in months.
2. Personal Info — Applicant details (ID scan prefills name/address/DOB), contact + address, financial info (income, mortgage/rent, employment). Add co-applicant if applicable. If under 2 years at job or address, collect previous.
3. Review & Submit — Verify info with applicant. In the notes field, flag buy-down %, rental property address, or downpayment amount. Verbally deliver the disclosure, applicant clicks I Agree.

Outcomes:

• Congratulations screen → Instant Approved (tentative, subject to full guidelines).
• Thank You screen → complete application, manual underwriting decision within 24 hours.

If the applicant is not already a Wheelhouse member, purchase a $10 ADF membership on their behalf to unlock the Energy Efficient Program.

Steps:

1. Go to ADF's Wheelhouse membership page https://www.arborday.org/corporate-partnerships/wheelhouse and click JOIN NOW (do not click "Join Us" or "Donate").
2. The $10 one-time gift auto-selects. Click Donate.
3. Select "No, Keep my one-time $10 Gift" on the next screen.
4. Enter the primary applicant's name and email → address → payment → Donate.
5. Confirmation email auto-sends to the customer AND the Wheelhouse Lending Team.

Alternate eligibility paths: WheelhouseCU.com/join

• Credit Union membership (granted via Wheelhouse or Arbor Day Foundation)
• No prepayment penalty
• One-time principal reduction with option to re-amortize payment
• Online account access
• Subordination option available (conditions and fees apply)
• 24-hour contractor portal for loan submissions
• First payment deferral up to 90 days (Standard & Permanent Buy-Down programs)