Solar Energy Grants

Where to Find Renewable Energy Grants

So you've decided to look into solar energy grants in an effort to make your home more energy efficient. Congratulations on making that first step! You're probably wondering where you should begin to look for help and information regarding green energy grants, tax incentives, or rebates, right?

The truth is that the realm of renewable energy grants can be daunting unless you know where to look for the most helpful information. However, it is not impossible and it can be done, so please read further.

The Good News!

Across the country and across the world, the realization has hit government officials that renewable energy sources are the key to making significant changes to the global economy. Given the ever-rising expense of fossil fuels and the damage the emissions from those fuels do to the environment, it's vital that we explore more ideas and technologies in solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.

As a result, more and more renewable energy tax incentives, solar energy grants, and green energy rebates are being offered not only at the federal and state levels, but also directly to homeowners.

Advantages of Investing in Renewable Energy Technology

• Environmentally friendly - no harmful emissions into the air, water, or soil
  
  
• Free energy - reap the benefits of enjoying free heat, hot water, air conditioning, and electricity, following the investment in your equipment
  
  
• Sell back power to your local power company
  
  
• Maintenance free equipment for the most part to reap these amazing benefits

Where Do You Look for Grants, Tax Incentives, and Rebates?

The first resource is your local government agency. They should be able to tell you what financial incentives might be available in your local area and possibly for your state.

Once you have talked to local government representatives, go online and see what else is available to you as a homeowner. Most of the solar power grants available today are designed to defray the initial cost of equipment and installation. Every grant varies, so be sure to research as many as possible to figure out which one is the best fit for you.

Online Resources for Solar Energy Grants, Rebates, and Tax Incentives

There are several online resources that may be helpful to you once you're ready to explore the world of solar energy rebates, grants, and tax incentives. We've provided a few here for you to get you started. If you know of a useful resource in your area that would be useful to others, please contact us to let us know!

1. The Borrower's Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems - this helpful (online) brochure outlines information on financing both solar electric systems and solar thermal systems. You can download this brochure in PDF format.
   
   
2. Rebates for Energy Star Appliances - this web page provides information for the homeowner who may be considering an investment in Energy Star(r) appliances for the home. There could be rebates provided by your state for adding these valuable energy saving appliances to your home.
   
   
3. DSIRE - Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - here you will find one of the most detailed and complete sources of information regarding U.S. incentives at the local, state, and federal levels. This website also outlines policies of which you should be aware when you're applying for solar energy tax incentives, rebates, or solar power grants.
   
   
4. U.S. Solar Power Incentives Map offered by Cooler Planet makes it a bit easier to find incentives in your area. Simply enter your address into the search box.
   
   
5. U.S. Department of Energy - this website has additional helpful information on tax incentives and rebates for the US homeowner.
   
   
6. Energy Saving Trust for UK and Scotland - this site lends helpful information for those living in the United Kingdom and Scotland in the area of solar energy grants for homeowners.