Rebates

Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) offers grants of up to $10,000 to congregations or faith-based communities, including faith-based schools. Grant funds may be used for energy conservation measures recommended after receiving the Power Wise Energy Audit through GIPL. Reasonable design fees (10%) can be included in applications for complex projects. GIPL does not fund HVAC system replacements.

Organizations receiving grants must provide an equal match of money toward the energy improvements. Matching funds can include creation care funds, capital improvements funds, building funds, tithes, loans or in-kind services. Grant funds must be used for the authorized projects within one year

With the passage of HB 3516 in June 2011, solar permit application approval is a "ministerial function", provided a system meets certain guidelines. To qualify for this simplified permitting process, a solar system must not expand the footprint or peak height of the residential or commercial structure that the system is installed upon. The system must also be aligned so that it is parallel to the slope of the roof.

This legislation also addressed permitting fees for solar systems.  Counties may not charge permit fees for solar permit applications specifically, but they can charge building permit fees for the project

To invest in a renewable resource, consider an ENERGY STAR Solar Thermal Water Heater and use free energy from the sun to heat your water. Marshall Municipal Utilities (MMU) offers rebates of $20 per square foot of collector area up to a maximum of $2,000 towards the installation of a qualifying ENERGY STAR Solar thermal water heating system. In addition to rebates, solar water heating systems are Minnesota sales and property tax exempt and currently qualify for a 30% federal tax credit.

For additional information regarding ENERGY STAR solar thermal water heating savings, rebates, and available tax incentives, see the

Property Owners' Associations (also known as Homeowners' Associations or HOAs) may not prohibit or restrict property owners from installing a solar energy device. There are, however, several exceptions that allow HOAs to enforce provisions that could prohibit the solar energy devices in certain situations.

Associations may prohibit solar energy devices if they are found to be illegal or violate public health and safety, as decided by a court. HOAs may prohibit or regulate solar on common property within the subdivision or property that is owned or maintained by the association. HOAs may also regulate (or prohibit) solar devices that are

In April 2011, the Virginia legislature created the Voluntary Solar Resource Development Fund. The fund is administered by the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME). All utilities are required to provide a link on their web site to the DMME web site, where customers can make contributions to the fund. Utilities must also provide opportunities for customers to donate through their paper newsletters, emails or bills.

The fund will be used to provide loans for residential, commercial, or nonprofit solar energy projects. Qualifying solar energy projects cannot be acquired, installed or operating before July 1, 2012.

The Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) was created in 1984 and provides financial assistance to local governments in Virginia for a variety of projects, including energy and energy conservation projects. In March 2011, H.B. 2389 added "renewable energy" to the list of eligible projects (though it may have already been technically eligible under the "energy" category). VRA offers a couple financing options, including the Virginia Pooled Financing Program and Revolving Loan Funds. Interested entities can use the contact form available on the VRA web site in order to discuss financing options with VRA staff.

In January 2007, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted rules to require that all new county buildings greater than 10,000 square feet be LEED Silver certified. All buildings authorized and fully funded on or after February 15, 2007 must achieve the certification. Certain buildings may be exempt from the requirement at the recommendation of the Chief Administrative Officer.

Note: The Regional Planning Commission is considering amendments to the requirements outlined here. See the website above for the most recent information related to this process.

In November 2008, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted a series of ordinances which created the Green Building Program. The ordinances included the Green Building Ordinance (2008-0065), the Drought Tolerant Ordinance (2008-0064), and the Low Impact Development Ordinance (2008-0063). These standards are updated periodically, and apply to new buildings constructed in Los Angeles County. If a reconstruction of a building exceeds 50% of its market value, it is subject to green building

First Energy Utilities (MetEd, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power) in Pennsylvania provide rebates to residential customers for purchasing and installing qualifying solar water heating systems. Eligible systems may receive a rebate of up to $500.  Applications must include a dated sales receipt from the contractor and a copy of the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) certificate indicating SRCC certification. Application forms, terms and conditions, and a list of eligible systems are available on the program website.

The Zoning Code (Chapter 25-2) of the Austin City Code provides a height limitation exemption for solar installations. Solar installations may exceed the zoning district height limit by 15% or the amount necessary to comply with a federal or state regulation, whichever is greater.

The Zoning Code also allows for preservation plans in historic districts to incorporate sustainability measures such as solar technologies and other energy generation and efficiency measures.