Rebates

Note: S.B. 33, enacted in February 2021, increased and extended the RPS. 

In 2005, S.B. 74 established a renewables portfolio standard (RPS) requiring retail electricity supplier to purchase 10% of the electricity sold in the state from renewable sources by compliance year (CY) 2019-2020.  S.B. 119 of 2010 increased the RPS to 25% by CY 2025-2026. The RPS was extended again by S.B. 33 of 2021. The RPS applies to the state's investor-owned utilities, retail electric suppliers, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives. Municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives are allowed to opt out of the RPS requirement if

Nevada provides a property tax abatement for new non-residential and multifamily residential green buildings, and existing buildings or structures which are renovated for use by a manufacturer to meet certain green building standards.

Property tax abatement for new non-residential and multifamily residential green buildings

Non-residential buildings and multifamily residential buildings that earn certification under the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program may be eligible for a partial abatement of property taxes. As directed by the statutes, the Director of the Office of Energy, through Adopted Regulation R116-07, selected the LEED rating system, but

In Minnesota, solar-energy systems purchased on or after August 1, 2005, are exempt from the state's sales tax. Solar energy systems are defined as:

"a set of devices whose primary purpose is to collect solar energy and convert and store it for useful purposes including heating and cooling buildings or other energy-using processes, or to produce generated power by means of any combination of collecting, transferring, or converting solar-generated energy." M.S. 297A.67, subd. 29.

Thus the exemption is very broad and could apply to solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water-heating systems and solar space-heating systems. All components of these systems

Loan Option Through the HELP program, a homeowner can obtain a five year loan to improve the energy efficiency of their existing home. “HELP loans function as standard unsecured underwritten residential loans. The lender makes and services HELP energy efficiency improvement loans of up to a maximum of $12,000.00 to participants who go through the normal underwriting process. Qualifying loan improvement measures are provided on a "Prescriptive List of Improvements", from which the borrower selects approved items. The LDNR loans one half (½) of the loan amount, through the lender to the borrower, for up to a maximum

*Note: The program is currently not accepting applications.

Through a public-private partnership with PowerSouth, Alabama's Local Government Energy Loan Program offers zero-interest loans to local governments, K-12 schools, and public colleges and universities for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements that will eventually have a payback through utility savings. Under the program, municipal and county governments, and colleges and universities may borrow up to $350,000 for eligible projects, and K-12 schools may receive up to $350,000 per campus or $500,000 per school system for eligible projects. The minimum loan amount is $50,000. Eligible renewable energy resources generally include biomass

The Home Energy Loan Program is a statewide program of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency administered by the Center for Energy and Environment Financial Resources. It offers low interest loans to homeowners who want to make energy improvements to their properties. Eligible improvements include water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, building insulation, windows, and doors. Custom improvements may be eligible as determined by the program administrator.

The property should be single-family (1-4 units) residential. Maximum qualifying income of $172,100 or $152,000, depending on where the home is located. Loans are secured through a mortgage on the property. 

Note: As of April 2015, capacity limits for both 476C and 476B tax credits had been reached or had applications pending approval that would result in the capacity limit being reached. Applications in excess of capacity limits will be placed on a waiting list. However, H.F. 645, enacted in June 2015 and effective beginning January 2015, added 10 MW of utility-owned (or contracted) solar for 476C eligibility. 

In June 2005, Iowa enacted legislation creating two separate production tax credit programs for energy generated by eligible wind and renewable energy facilities. An eligible facility can qualify for only one of the

The Texas LoanSTAR (Saving Taxes and Resources) low-interest revolving loan program finances energy-related cost reduction retrofits for state, public school, college, university, and non-profit hospital facilities. Borrowers repay loans through the stream of cost savings realized from their energy cost-reduction projects. The LoanSTAR Program Administrator should be contacted for information on current loan interest rates.

As of September 1, 2023, LoanSTAR has funded over 337 loans totaling over $600 million. 

Eligible Projects

Guidelines for project eligibility, fund availability and project funding and repayment are set forth in the administrative rules and the technical guidelines.

Process

Each April and October

The County of San Diego has established zoning guidelines for solar electric systems of varying sizes in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Photovoltaic (PV) systems which have their electricity consumed onsite are considered an accessory use in all zone types and are generally permitted as long as they meet the height and setback requirements. PV systems which generate power for offsite use and are located on parcels of land not larger than 10 acres may be allowed with an Administrative Permit in all zones. Applicable projects must follow the Administrative Permit Procedure and meet certain PV-specific requirements before

Before a development plan can be approved in the City of Santa Cruz, it must be found that the orientation and location of buildings, structures, open spaces and other features of the site plan preserve solar access of adjacent properties. In addition, buildings and structures should be designed and oriented to make use of natural elements such as solar radiation, wind and landscaping for heating, cooling and ventilation. Developers must also show that heating systems for hot tubs and swimming pools are solar when possible, and in all cases, energy efficient. The orientation and location of the fence or hedge