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Energy Efficiency Incentives

U.S. Federal and state governments offer many rebates for becoming energy efficient.  Both corporations and individuals can benefit from energy-efficiency incentives.  The U.S. Department of Energy has created DSIRE, which stands for Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.  It’s an easy to use widget designed for users to search for applicable federal and state incentives.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, corporations can benefit at the federal level in four ways:

Federal Corporate Tax deductions

The Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction is a corporate deduction worth up to $1.80 per square foot available to owners of new or existing buildings who install qualifying interior lighting.

Federal Corporate Depreciation

Solar hybrid lighting technologies installed through 2012 may qualify for MACRS and bonus depreciation.

Federal Corporate Tax exemptions

According to Section 136 of the U.S. Code, energy conservation subsidies provided directly or indirectly to customers by public utilities are non-taxable.

Federal Corporate Tax credits

Solar hybrid lighting may qualify for the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

In addition to the tax incentives listed above, businesses should also investigate federal grant and loan programs like the following:

Federal Grant Program

  • Tribal Energy Program Grant
  • USDA – High Energy Cost Grant Program
  • USDA – Repowering Assitance Biorefinery Program
  • USDA – Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants

Federal Loan Program

  • Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
  • Energy-Efficient Mortgages
  • Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
  • U.S. Department of Energy – Loan Guarantee Program
  • USDA – Biorefinery Assistance Program
  • USDA – Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees

Contact us today for help in planning energy-efficient lighting solutions.  We’ll work with you to reduce your energy costs and we’ll even process your utility rebates for you.  For more information on federal and state specific tax incentives, visit DSIRE.