Home energy grants include funds for solar energy.
If you're looking for grants to help you heat, cool or improve the energy efficiency of your home, there are options for you at the federal, state and local levels. You can get assistance to weatherize your home or to keep your heat on, and you can find a number of incentive and loan programs for energy-efficient appliances and materials, or for alternative and renewable energy.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
This program covers residential energy audits and pays for a wide variety of home improvements that increase energy efficiency. These include improvements to the building envelope--windows, doors and insulation--as well as to heating and cooling systems, electrical systems and electrical appliances. It's managed by state governments, and the agencies that run it vary by state. The U.S. Department of Energy has a web page to direct you to the contacts and resources in your state.
Eligibility for the WAP depends on your income, and the rules vary by state. Contact your local weatherization program to learn whether you qualify.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
There's additional assistance in home energy for low-income or elderly people in paying for heating and cooling. LIHEAP is administered by individual states, using a combination of federal funds and funds from local utilities. Call your state's energy assistance director for information about assistance and qualifying.
Energy Star Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency
If you are not eligible for weatherization assistance, you may be able to benefit from the DOE's Energy Star tax credit for improving your home's energy efficiency. The tax credit covers materials and equipment, including windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC equipment, water heaters and biomass stoves. This credit is in effect for 2009 and 2010, for improvements installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. 30 percent of the cost of the materials or equipment, but not the cost of installation or labor, can qualify for a tax credit, for an outlay of up to $1,500.
In addition, renewable and alternative energy systems, including geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, and small wind energy systems, are eligible for a tax credit of 30 percent of their cost, with no upper limit, through 2016.
To get the tax credit, you need to file Form 5695 with your 2009 or 2010 federal tax return and include any receipts or Manufacturers Certification Statements with your return.
State and Utility Rebate and Incentive Programs
Some states and utilities offer tax incentives, loans and rebates for making your home more energy-efficient. These vary greatly by state, and often include funding to add renewable and alternative energy in addition to money for improving your home's energy efficiency. The North Carolina Solar Center has a national database, which includes information by state and city.
Tags: your home, energy efficiency, home energy, 2009 2010, alternative energy, Assistance Program
