The following are key online resources for information on federal, state, and local environmental tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives. Most of the incentives that are available are for installing energy-efficient equipment or renewable energy (e.g., solar) technologies.
FEDERAL
These are good directories of federal income tax credits, grants, other incentives for energy-efficient products—for consumers, as well as businesses, builders, and manufacturers:
Click here for a clear summary of the main tax credits currently available: essentially 30% of various energy-efficiency improvements (up to $1,500) and 30% of the cost of solar energy installations. For info on federal grants (to organizations and agencies), go to Grants.gov.
STATE AND LOCAL
Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for a compendium of options, organized by state. Also check with your municipality (city and county governments) and local utility companies. Many offer their own green rebates and incentives. And this is a great summary of energy-efficiency grants and funds provided to state and local agencies by the 2009 economic stimulus/recovery bill (ARRA).
CALIFORNIA
For those of you who are in California, there are numerous entities offering green rebates and other incentives. Take a look at these resources:
- California listing from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
- Flex Your Power’s listing of energy-efficiency rebates and incentives (including incentives for energy-efficiency HVAC equipment, appliances, lighting, roofs, water saving products, etc.)
- California Solar Center’s listing of solar incentives
- California Solar Initiative’s solar rebate application
- CEC Emerging Renewables Program rebates for wind or fuel cell installations
- PG&E’s rebates for efficient equipment and appliances
- Consumer loans for solar panel installations (Solar Home Equity Loan), from New Resource Bank
- California Economic Recovery, Energy-Related Programs
If you know of other useful directories or resources related to green financial incentives, or if you have made use of energy tax credits or other green incentives, please share your experiences or suggestions by leaving a comment below.
NEW (added 1/19/10): Also check out the directory of energy rebates and tax credits at EnergySavvy.com. Enter your zip code and the site will give you a list of applicable state, local, and federal incentives.
