Rebates

Residential solar energy systems are exempted from property tax assessments in New Mexico in most circumstances. For the purposes of determining property taxes, the value of a property cannot increase by the greater of 3% of the previous year's assessment or 6.1% of the assessment from two years ago according to state law. An assessment may exceed these restrictions, however, if physical improvements are made to the property. Under H.B. 233, enacted in 2010, residential solar systems will not be treated as physical improvements and therefore will not increase the value of the property for property tax purposes. Future assessments

River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU) offers loans of $2,500 - $50,000 to its residential customers for the installation of photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal, geothermal, wind electric systems. The program will also support the installation of energy efficiency measures in connection with a qualifying renewable energy project, provided that the renewable energy portion of the project comprises at least 50% of project costs. Systems that generate renewable electricity must be connected to the RFMU distribution grid. Loan terms vary by project, but may range from 5 -20 years at a current interest rate of 4%. Actual loan terms will be determined

In New Jersey, under the Farmland Assessment Act, farmland actively devoted to an agricultural or horticultural use is assessed at its productivity value. This practice generally results in a lower tax burden for farmland owners compared to residential or commercial land owners. In January 2010 New Jersey enacted legislation (S.B. 1538), which among other things clarifies how farmland used for biomass, solar, and wind energy generation should be treated under the Farmland Assessment Act. Ultimately, the law states that the addition of a biomass, solar, or wind energy generating system to land that was assessed and taxed as

In March 2009 New Jersey enacted legislation (A.B. 1558) designed to support the integration of solar energy systems into new residential developments. The law requires that developers of residential developments with 25 or more dwelling units must "offer to install, or to provide for installation of, a solar energy system" when techinically feasible.

 Solar energy systems are defined to include systems that use solar energy to provide "all or a portion of the heating, cooling, or general energy needs of a dwelling unit, including, but not limited to, nocturnal heat radiation, flat plate or focusing solar collectors, or

In July 2009 the U.S. Virgin Islands enacted legislation creating Act 7075. This legislation requires that all new developments and substantial building modifications install energy efficient solar water heaters to provide at least 70% of the building's water heating needs. This is for all building types: residential, commercial and governmental.

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources may provide a waiver if a significant cost burden is shown. The Department will verify compliance with this requirement at the time development, construction and/or building permits are reviewed.

Eligible Technologies

Photovoltaic Energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, landfill gas, biomass, ocean and microturbine systems.

Requirements

In July 2009, the Virgin Islands (USVI) passed Act 7075. Among other provisions, the legislation establishes that the "peak demanded generating capacity" of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority* must be from renewables according to the following schedule:

• 20% by January 1, 2015
• 25% by January 1, 2020
• 30% by January 1, 2025

It further establishes that a "majority" of this generating capacity must come from renewables or alternative technologies beyond 2025. Joint rulemaking is to be undertaken by the Virgin Islands Energy

Under the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP), the Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy (OAP) offers grants for farms that incorporate energy efficiency into their operations. A wide range of energy efficiency technologies are eligible for grants, given they meet the energy savings criteria.* Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. See the OAP homepage for application materials, reporting forms, and program guidelines. New applications and guidelines are available for each calendar year. Customers may also contact the Office of Agricultural Policy about loans in addition to the grant.

Eligible projects include:

• Upgrades to farm equipment
• Energy efficient lighting
• Building Insulation

Southwest Gas is offering rebates to Nevada customers for solar water heating systems installed in private residential, small business, public and other properties. Rebates are based on the amount of therms expected to be generated by the system, and the rebate amounts decline based on each "step" of the incentive program reached.

See the website above for more information.

Through the Green Bank of Kentucky, executive branch state agencies may be eligible for three separate energy loan products, depending on the proposed energy conservation improvements. Prior to applying, all agencies are required to submit an energy survey (available on the Green Bank's web site). The Green Bank will then forward the loan application packet (including information regarding the additional required documentation) for the agency to complete and submit. All application letters must be signed by the agency head.

Initial funding for the Green Bank of Kentucky provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the Kentucky State

The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) offer the Enterprise Energy Fund. This revolving loan is funded through New Hampshire's State Energy Program allocation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The purpose of the fund is to help business owners and non-profit organizations in the state make energy improvements for their buildings. 

A wide range of activities are eligible for funding including energy audits, whole building improvements, equipment and appliance upgrades, lighting upgrades, heating and cooling upgrades, solar thermal technologies, and renewable energy installations, among others. The CDFA and Community