DSIRE, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, contains the most current renewable energy and efficiency incentives and policies throughout the US - an important service in the constantly changing incentives field. When a consumer is ready to install a renewable energy system, a federal or state incentive program can significantly lower the obstacles to entry.
DSIRE was originally founded in 1995 and is currently operated by the North Carolina Solar Center at the North Carolina State University with support from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The program is funded by the US Department of Energy.
The DSIRE website has a search engine option that allows a consumer to search for incentives on specific projects (for things as specific as rebates for energy efficient refrigerators in Kentucky).
DSIRE organizes information on incentives and policies into two general categories: financial incentives and rules, regulations and policies.
Financial incentives include:
- tax incentives
- grants
- loans
- rebates
- industry recruitment/support
- performance-based incentives
- green building incentives
Rules, Regulations & Policies include topics such as:
- public benefits funds
- renewable portfolio standards
- net metering
- interconnection standards
- solar/wind access policies
- contractor licensing
This blog is part of an on-going series highlighting thought leaders in the Non Profit sector.
The Politics of Energy - Educated Voices Needed
The next two years will be challenging for advocates of clean energy in America.
The new Republican majority in Congress is threatening to rollback the progress of the past 6 years. Fossil fuels (tar sands oil, coal and natural gas) are their energy sources of choice - with renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal) pushed aside and starved of funding.
That is why the non-profit organizations we are highlighting in this series need your support. They have the means to educate - to inspire - to call to action - the people (like you) that can make a real difference in the debate - and keep us moving on the road to clean energy.
Visit here for a free quote to install solar on your residential or commerical property.