In addition to the health and environmental benefits of a greener home, there also are many tax incentives and rebates available.
DSIRE, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The ENERGY STAR program provides users with an extensive list of federal tax credits for using energy-efficient products.
Go Solar California and New Solar Homes Partnership
In January 2007, the State of California launched the Go Solar California campaign, a $3.3 billion effort that aims to install 3,000 megawatts of new grid-connected solar by the end of 2016, and to transform the market for solar energy by dramatically reducing the cost of solar.
As part of the statewide solar effort, the California Public Utilities Commission initiated the investor-owned utility solar program, known as the California Solar Initiative (CSI). The California Energy Commission’s New Solar Homes Partnership is a component of the CSI which provides financial incentives and marketing support to home builders for new home construction.
To find new solar home communities in California, visit www.GoSolarCalifornia.org.
Learn more about the incentives for LEED® home building with this searchable database.
City of Palm Desert’s Energy Independence Program is taking applications for an innovative program that attaches a loan for any energy-efficient measure that is permanently attached to the property, including photovoltaic (solar) panels, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, efficient pool pumps, windows, to the home rather than the applicant.
The EPA’s Green Building section of ithe agency's site contains links to numerous sources of funding for green building. There is funding available for homeowners at the national, state and local levels.