Energy Rebates & Incentives

State, local, and Federal governments, utility companies and non-profit organizations are offering incentives for energy saving lighting projects and purchases. These incentives are structured in a variety of ways, but include rebates, loans, tax credits, and grants. We suggest you begin your investigation into the availability and qualifications of these incentives by visiting DSIRE at www.dsireusa.org.

DSIRE is an acronym for Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. The site is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The site has links to international organizations, so the information available is even more far-reaching than their name suggests.

DSIRE is generally a place to research opportunities that are continuous and not those related to one-time funding opportunities or those with very short deadlines. For that reason, information on funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are not listed. For that information, go to www.recovery.gov.

Your local utility company may also offer incentives to encourage the use of energy-efficient lighting products such as lamps and controls. While these incentives aren’t the only reason to build with or switch to energy efficient lighting, they can shorten the payback period and increase your overall return on investment.

Finally, don’t hesitate to contact your state’s Energy Office and ask about the programs and resources available to residents and businesses that practice energy conservation. They will be happy to explain them and provide details as to what you may need to do to qualify.