Rebates

In South Carolina, taxpayers may claim a credit of 25% of the costs of purchasing and installing a solar energy system, small hydropower system, or a geothermal system for heating water, space heating, air cooling, energy-efficient daylighting, heat reclamation, energy-efficient demand response, or the generation of electricity in a building owned by the taxpayer. Effective July 1, 2009, SB 1141 expanded the scope of this credit to include small hydropower systems. Only hydropower systems installed after July 1, 2009 are eligible for the tax credit. HB 3874 of 2016 expanded the scope again to include geothermal energy projects.

The maximum

In South Carolina, taxpayers may claim a credit of 25% of the costs of purchasing and installing a solar energy system, small hydropower system, or a geothermal system for heating water, space heating, air cooling, energy-efficient daylighting, heat reclamation, energy-efficient demand response, or the generation of electricity in a building owned by the taxpayer. Effective July 1, 2009, SB 1141 expanded the scope of this credit to include small hydropower systems. Only hydropower systems installed after July 1, 2009 are eligible for the tax credit. HB 3874 of 2016 expanded the scope again to include geothermal energy projects.

The maximum

Black Hills Energy has a performance-based incentive (PBI) for photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 500 kilowatts (kW) in capacity. In exchange for a PBI, Black Hills Energy earns the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the PV-generated electricity for a period of time.

All incentive payments are subject to the availability of funds and a pre-installation site inspection. Black Hills Energy has established participation caps for each tier. The status of funding availability for each tier is available on the website above. PV installations are subject to on-site supervision by a NABCEP-certified professional to maintain a 3:1 ratio for the

The Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) Energy Efficiency Rebate Program provides rebates for energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, thermal envelope improvements and appliance recycling. The amount of the rebate varies by technology. All technology must meet specified energy efficiency requirements listed on the program website. Some technology rebates require pre-approval. All recycled appliances must be in working condition and be picked up by CFU. All receipts must be mailed to CFU along with a completed application. Contact CFU for more information on this program.

City Water Light and Power (CWLP) offers rebates to Springfield residential customers for increasing the energy efficiency of participating homes. Rebates are available for geothermal heat pumps, air source heat pumps, water heaters, rain barrels and high efficiency toilets. CWLP requires a post installation inspection before awarding rebates for equipment. Visit the web site for more details and application forms. Rebates are available only to CWLP electric customers.

Electric Power Board provides a financial incentive for residential customers to replace old water heaters with new ones which meet the minimum standards set forth by the DOE. The rebate is worth $50 and will be applied to the customer's utility bill. Along with the application, customers must mail in a proof of purchase and the manufacturer's description of the water heater (to ensure it is electric). Contact EPB for more program details.

Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) offers rebates on a variety of energy efficient improvements for residential customers. Customers should view the program brochure on the web site listed above for more information. Eligible measures include:

• Window film/solar screens
• High performance windows
• Building insulation
• Heat pumps
• Duct repair/replacement
• Electric Vehicle

To receive the rebate, a proof of purchase needs to be mailed to OU Customer Connection along with a completed application form. Rebates will be awarded as a credit to the customers OUC bill. 

The City of Tallahassee Utilities offers loans with an interest rate of 5% for a variety of energy-saving measures, including photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar water-heating systems. Under this program, customers may borrow up to $20,000 for PV systems. Various other systems can qualify for loans. Loan payments are to be made on monthly utility bills. Customers must first get a vendor price or a contractor's proposal and send it to the utility Energy Services. A city energy audit is required for all solar technology installations. Installation work should not begin until after a signed Loan Promissory Note has been

The City of Tallahassee Utilities offers several grant programs for its customers. These programs include: 

• Ceiling Insulation Grants
• Code Enforcement Rehabilitation Grants
• Energy-Efficiency Retrofit Grants

The City of Tallahassee has also received funding from the State of Florida to fund the entire cost of connecting residents to the city sewer system (rather than reliance on septic tanks).

Contact the utility or visit the program website for more details.

Groton Utilities offers a variety of rebates to residential customers for the purchase and installation of energy efficient equipment. All items must meet or exceed efficiency standards included in the program guidelines. Customers should view the program web site listed above for more application and equipment information.  For customers with electrically heated homes, Groton Utilities offers the Home Energy Savings Program which provides incentives for efficiency measures such as air sealing, duct testing and sealing, hot-water saving measures, rebates for appliance replacements, installation of CFLs, and insulation upgrades. 

Visit the program web site for more information and specific requirements