Rebates

Note: This template ordinance was designed to provide guidance to local governments that wish to develop their own regulations for the development of solar energy systems. While it was developed as part of a cooperative effort involving several state agencies, the template ordinance itself has no legal or regulatory authority. Questions about this template ordinance can be directed to one of the individuals listed in the template ordinance, which is linked above.    In December, 2013 the North Carolina Solar Center and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association published a template solar energy development ordinance to provide guidance for communities

The Division of Economic Development in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development is providing loans to purchase, construct and install alternative energy systems or energy conservation improvements in commercial buildings. The program defines an alternative energy system as a source of thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy that is not dependent on oil, gas, or nuclear fuel for the supply of energy for space heating and cooling, refrigeration and cold storage, electrical power, mechanical power, or heating of water. Applicants must be Alaska residents for the 12 months prior to the date of application to be eligible. If the

S.B. 1087 of 2013 established the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA) for the purpose of administering Green Infrastructure Bonds to secure low-cost financing for clean energy installations, including both renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. HGIA manages the Hawaii Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) Program, which is intended to create a sustainable financing structure through market driven public-private partnerships that will open access to financing for more Hawaii customers and democratize access to clean energy. HGIA has a goal of using 100% of funds to finance underserved households, defined as LMI households, renters, nonprofits, small businesses, and multi-family rental projects.

In Missouri, solar energy systems not held for resale are exempt from state, local, and county property taxes. As enacted in July 2013, the law does not define solar energy systems.

Burbank Water and Power is providing incentives for the purchase of solar water heaters. Incentives are only available to residential customers with electric water heaters. There is a limit of one solar water heater per year per property. Applicants must provide access to their residence for a pre-inspection to verify the existing use of an electric water heater. Customers must comply with all code and permit requirements. More information available at the website above. 

Florida provides a 100% property tax exemption for residential renewable energy property and an 80% property tax abatement for non-residential renewable energy property. 

Eligible renewable energy property includes solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar PV plus storage systems, wind energy systems, solar water heaters, and geothermal heat pumps installed on or after January 1, 2013. For the purpose of assessing property taxes for a home, an increase in the just value of the property attributable to the installation of this equipment should be ignored. The exemption applies to the following types of equipment used as part of a solar, wind or

Connecticut municipalities are authorized, but not required, to offer a property tax exemption lasting up to 15 years for qualifying cogeneration systems installed on or after July 1, 2007 (see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-81 (63)). Municipalities that adopt an ordinance to provide such an exemption may require a payment in lieu of taxes from the property owner.

Beginning in October 2013, a municipality may also adopt an ordinance to exempt commercial or industrial Class I renewable resources*, certain hydropower facilities**, or solar thermal or geothermal renewable energy resources. Only facilities installed between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013

The Iowa Economic Development Authority in partnership with the Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) is offering Iowa businesses and industries a low-interest financing option for energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy projects, energy management, and implementation plans. The establishment of the IADG Energy Bank Revolving Loan Fund is intended to provide an ongoing source of low interest financing for the implementation of cost-effective projects that will save energy and money, improve facilities and processes, and enhance job creation and profitability.

Under the Utah Industrial Facilities and Development Act, counties, municipalities, and state universities in Utah may issue Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) to promote industrial development and manufacturing facilities. In 2013, Utah extended eligible projects to include energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy systems. Municipalities may issue revenue bonds in order to finance eligible projects. Proceeds from the sale of bonds may be used to pay for or to reimburse the project owner, project user, or a lender for the costs of the project. With the added provision to allow reimbursement to lenders, the issuance of bonds may be used by

Note:  In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing