Idaho

Tax Deducation 63-3022C

​

DSIRE Summary:
“This statute allows taxpayers an income tax deduction of 40% of the cost of a solar, wind, geothermal, and certain biomass energy devices used for heating or electricity generation. Taxpayers can apply this 40% deduction in the year in which the system is installed and can also deduct 20% of the cost each year for three years thereafter. The maximum deduction in any one year is $5,000. The total maximum deduction is $20,000.

Eligible biomass energy devices include a pellet stove or EPA-certified wood stove if:

• it is in the taxpayer's residence,

• it replaces an old wood stove that does not meet EPA requirements,

• the purchase and replacement occurs within the same year, and

• the old wood stove is dropped off at a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)-approved site within 30 days.
  (Also applies to new natural gas or propane heating units that meet these criteria.)”

​

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=ID01F&re=1&ee=1

​

Low Interest Energy Loan Program
http://www.energy.idaho.gov/financialassistance/energyloans.htm

​

DSIRE Summary:
“The Idaho Office of Energy Resources administers low-interest loan programs for energy efficiency projects, and for active solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and biomass energy projects. The interest rate is 4% with a 5-year repayment term. Applicants must pay the fees associated with processing and closing a loan. Loans are available for retrofit only, with the exception of some renewable resources.”

“Residential customers may choose one of two loan options: the standard Residential Loan Program or the Home Performance with Energy Star program. Eligible energy efficiency improvements for residential customers under both programs include insulation, space heating upgrades and water heating system improvements. The Home Performance with Energy Star loan program also provides funds for improvements to windows and air conditioning.”

“Non-residential customers may undertake projects to improve insulation, windows and doors, heating systems, building commissioning, or custom-designed projects. Specific energy-efficient agricultural equipment may also be eligible. Note that the commercial and industrial loan has a minimum lending amount of $1,000, but loans for the agricultural and public sectors do not have a minimum loan amount.”

“Certain restrictions apply to this program. For existing homes or businesses, the savings from reduced usage of conventional fuel must be sufficient to pay for the project’s installation cost (i.e., simple payback of 15 years or less). For new off-grid projects, use of a renewable energy resource must be the least cost alternative. For grid-tied renewable energy projects, the payback period must be 15 years or less. Solar photovoltaic systems are not subject to this requirement; there is no payback requirement for solar photovoltaic systems, though loans for solar photovoltaic systems are limited to $15,000. Renewable energy projects that are intended to sell energy generated or the commodity produced are not eligible. While the program’s financing requires repayment within five years, a further stipulation for existing homes and businesses states that the project’s cumulative energy savings over a fifteen year period must be great enough to offset the cost of the project.”
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=ID02F&re=1&ee=1

​

Illinois

Green Permit and Green Homes Program
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/green_permit.html

​

DSIRE Summary:
“The City of Chicago encourages building design, construction and renovation in a manner that provides healthier environments, reduces operating costs and conserves energy and resources through their Green Permit Program. The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) Green Permit Program provides developers and owners with an incentive to build green by streamlining the permit process timeline for projects which are designed to maximize indoor air quality and conserve energy and resources.

​

Chicago Green Homes Program
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/doe/supp_info/chicago_green_homesprogramoverview.html

​

Summary:
“The Chicago Green Homes Program (CGHP) is a voluntary certification program for Chicago homeowners, residential builders, and developers looking to incorporate sustainable design into their residential building. The CGHP provides a flexible framework for innovative construction, while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living throughout the City.
The CGHP was modeled after U.S. Green Building Council guidelines, and grants certification to new and renovated, single and multi-family unit homes according to a point-based, three-star rating scale. Recognition opportunities are also available for condos and apartment buildings.
The CGHP strives to achieve sustainable environments, and lower carbon dioxide emissions in support of Chicago Climate Action Plan goals

​

Kansas

Efficiency Kansas Loan Program
http://kcc.ks.gov/energy/

​

DSIRE Summary:
Using money made available to the state through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Efficiency Kansas revolving loan program* allows homeowners and small businesses to receive financing to pay for energy improvements and renewable energy systems for their existing homes and buildings. Some utilities will administer the loan program for the state. Customers of utilities not participating in the program can contact a partner lender for direct financing. Homeowners may borrow up to $20,000 and small businesses may borrow up to $30,000, but monthly loan repayments may not exceed the estimated monthly energy savings. Participants will have up to 15 years to repay the loan.

Participants must first have an energy audit performed by a program qualified auditor to identify the best efficiency improvements to pursue. Participants are responsible for paying for the energy audit, but the cost can be rolled into the loan amount. Additionally, the first 1,500 participants may be eligible for a $100 audit. The $100 audit program ends April 1, 2011, or when all offers have been claimed. After receiving the recommendations from the audit, the participant must solicit bids from contractors. The participant must then submit the Energy Conservation Plan to the participating utility or lender who will then submit it to the State Energy Office for review and approval. If the State Energy Office approves the plan, the lender or utility may then proceed with the financing.

Program participants may also qualify for a $500 rebate toward the cost of thermal envelope improvements. Qualifying efficiency improvements may include caulking, insulation, weather stripping, window sealing, and door sealing. The first 1,500 energy audits submitted between August 1, 2010 and April 1, 2010 qualify for this rebate.

Homeowners or business owners participating through their utility will repay the loan directly through their utility bills. The loan is attached not with the individual but with the utility account. In the even the homeowner or business moves, the loan obligation will remain with the property. Participants are required to notify future occupants of the remaining loan repayment obligations associated with the property. Failure to make proper disclosure could result in the customer being responsible for immediate repayment of the remaining balance.