§4–2004.

    (a)    Proceeds of a Program loan shall be used only for:

        (1)    property acquisition and development costs for the construction of a net–zero home or low–energy home; and

        (2)    settlement and closing costs.

    (b)    A Program loan shall be secured by a mortgage lien that:

        (1)    may be subordinate to other mortgage liens; and

        (2)    may include terms, including deferred payment of principal and interest, that the Department considers necessary to make the project viable.

    (c)    To apply for a loan under this subtitle, an applicant shall submit:

        (1)    a completed application in a form that the Department requires;

        (2)    information on projected energy usage, project design, and marketing data; and

        (3)    any other information or documentation that the Department considers necessary to make a determination on the loan.

    (d)    (1)    The Department may give a preference to an application for:

            (i)    a net–zero home; or

            (ii)    a project that includes financing from other sources in addition to the Program loan.

        (2)    In providing assistance under the Program for a net–zero home, the Department shall give preference to applications that will use the services of small, minority, women–owned, and veteran–owned businesses in the State in the clean energy industry, particularly businesses that provide employment for individuals trained through workforce development programs supported by the Strategic Energy Investment Fund under § 5–1501 of the Economic Development Article and through the Clean Energy Workforce Account under § 11–708.1 of the Labor and Employment Article.