subject: Solar Rebates & Incentives: Get Paid To Go Green [print this page] As we know, solar panels are growing in popularity as it is a highly efficient green energy source. One of the biggest concerns about solar panels is expensive startup costs, although they generally pay for themselves within a few years. In order to add an incentive and help more people go green and add these panels, solar rebates and incentives are offered.Almost all the states in the United States offer some sort of incentives to go green with various alternative energy sources.
In 1995, the United States Department of Energy founded the Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficient Energy Sources (abbreviated DSIRE). This database offers a wealth of information about renewable energy sources, as well as lists of tax incentives, low-interest loans, and grants available in different states.
As of May 2010, there were 34 states offering incentives that would pay for some of the cost of adding solar energy or solar heating systems to homes.Beyond this, eight states offer actual rebates for installing solar panels:
California: Offers four rebates, as part of the $3.2 billion California Solar initiative, the largest of which is the Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes program, which offers rebates to low-income homeowners.
Colorado: Because of its abundant solar resources, currently offering rebates up to $3,000 for solar panels or solar hot water systems through the Colorado Governor's Energy Office.
Connecticut: Offers rebates to homeowners through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, with a limit of $3 million for 2010, as well as the Solar Thermal Incentive Program, which has a limit of $4 million for 2010.
Maryland: With the Solar Energy Grant Program, it offers incentives for installing photovoltaics and solar hot water systems, as well as additional tax subsidies
Massachusetts: Offers $1 million every quarter towards financing photovoltaic installations with the Commonwealth Solar Stimulus plan
Minnesota: Because of the cold weather in this state, heating costs are usually high, which is why the state offers incentives for solar thermal heating as well as solar thermal water heaters. It also offers rebates on photovoltaic systems.
New Hampshire: Offers two incentives, one for solar water and air heating, and another through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Funds.
New Jersey: Currently offers three homeowner rebates for installing solar panels, to both consumers with existing homes or new homes.
These solar incentives are just for 2010, and they are changing on a regular basis, as states reallocate funds to and from greener living.Keep updated with the DSIRE webpage in order to see what new incentives and rebates might come to your area!
