576 articles tracking every program

Solar and Energy Efficiency Grants for U.S. Homeowners

Federal tax credits, state rebates, and utility incentives that cut the cost of rooftop solar, heat pumps, insulation, and electrical upgrades for owner-occupied homes.

I installed 8 kW of solar and a battery last spring. The 30% federal credit knocked $9,600 off my taxes, and the NY-Sun program added another $2,400 upfront. My electric bill went from $180 a month to under $15.
David R., 52, Westchester County, New York homeowner

Who these grants help

Three common situations. Pick the one closest to yours — we'll show you the programs most likely to accept you.

The Solar Switcher

You want rooftop solar and battery storage but the $25,000 sticker price is steep.

Typically qualifies for:
30% federal credit, NY-Sun, SGIP

The Aging Furnace

Your gas furnace is on its last winter and you want to go electric without a huge bill.

Typically qualifies for:
HEEHRA, Mass Save, NYSERDA Clean Heat

The High-Bill Household

Winter heating costs are above $300 a month and the house leaks air everywhere.

Typically qualifies for:
HOMES, LIHEAP weatherization, WAP
51
Active programs
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Articles written
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States covered

Understanding solar & energy grants

Solar and energy efficiency incentives changed significantly after the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Homeowners can now claim the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on solar panels, battery storage, geothermal systems, and small wind turbines installed through 2032. There is no dollar cap on the credit, and it applies to both primary homes and second homes you own.

Beyond the federal credit, two IRA rebate programs are rolling out through state energy offices: the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) and the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program. HEEHRA covers up to $14,000 per household for heat pumps, induction stoves, heat pump water heaters, electrical panel upgrades, and insulation, with the full rebate available to households under 80% of Area Median Income. HOMES pays up to $8,000 based on measured or modeled energy savings, with no income cap in most states.

State and utility programs stack on top. New York's NYSERDA offers NY-Sun incentives for solar and up to $10,000 for air-source heat pumps through its Clean Heat program. Massachusetts residents can access Mass Save rebates of up to $10,000 for whole-home heat pump conversions, plus 0% HEAT Loans up to $50,000. California's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) pays for battery storage, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps cover bills and weatherization for households earning under 150% of the federal poverty line.

Applications typically require proof of ownership, recent utility bills, a contractor quote from an approved installer list, and income documentation for means-tested programs. Most rebates are paid at the point of sale or within 60 to 90 days after installation. Browse the programs below to see what applies in your state.

Typical eligibility

  • You own the home where the system will be installed
  • Household income under 80% or 150% of Area Median Income for the largest rebates
  • Work performed by a state-approved or utility-certified contractor
  • Equipment meets ENERGY STAR or program efficiency standards
  • Home serves as your primary residence for most state and utility rebates

How to apply

1

Check Federal Credits

Confirm the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit and 25C efficiency credit on your tax return.

2

Find State Rebates

Look up HEEHRA, HOMES, NYSERDA, Mass Save, or CSI programs running in your state.

3

Get a Certified Quote

Request bids from installers on the program-approved list and submit documents before work starts.

Articles about solar & energy

Top 12 of 576 articles in this category, sorted by popularity.

View all 576 articles
1

Texas Solar: Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates

Texas has a number of programs that encourage the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Because of its abundant sunshine and lower-than-average solar costs, it has been named in the top ten…

2

Texas Welcomes bp's New Solar Initiative as Construction Commences

HOUSTON – In a significant move bolstering the global shift towards more sustainable energy sources, bp has officially commenced construction on its Peacock Solar project.

3

Maryland Unveils $3M Solar Grant.

Empowering Marylanders with Affordable and Clean Energy: New Funding Announced Maryland Energy Administration Advances Community Solar Initiatives In a recent announcement, the Maryland Energy…

4

North Carolina Homeowners Can Get Up to $16,000 for Energy Upgrades — Program Now Available in All 100 Counties

North Carolina's Energy Saver program is now available in all 100 counties. Income-eligible homeowners can get up to $16,000 for insulation and HVAC upgrades, plus another $14,000 for electric appliances. Apply through your county today.

5

South Carolina Solar Incentives: Tax Breaks and Rebates for Homeowners

South Carolina homeowners can combine a 25% state solar tax credit, the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, property tax exemptions, and utility net metering to sharply reduce the cost of going solar.

6

Ohio Power Siting Board Greenlights Jackson County Solar Development

COLUMBUS—In a monumental move for renewable energy in Ohio, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has given the green light to Dixon Run Solar, LLC to...

7

Florida and Solar Batteries: A Cost-Benefit Analysis for Residents

So, you've decided to put down roots in Florida—the land of eternal sunshine, swaying palm trees, and breathtaking shorelines.

8

USDA Grants $10 Million to Enhance Clean Energy in Illinois Rural Regions

In Champaign, Illinois , the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development sector has announced a significant financial boost for the...

9

EPA's $27 Billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Boosts Green Energy

The EPA awarded $27 billion under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to accelerate clean energy, including $7 billion for Solar for All serving 900,000 homes.

10

Washington Gets $200,000 in Homeowner Grants for Solar Energy In Aberdeen

Via kxro.com $3.7 million will be coming for solar installations benefiting low-income communities, and Grays Harbor was highlighted.

11

South Carolina's Solar Advantages: Exploring Incentives, Tax Breaks, and Rebates

Solar energy adoption has been on the rise across the United States, with homeowners seeking sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional energy sources.

12

Expansion of Solar Programs for Economically Disadvantaged Residents through Federal Funding

The Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed in August 2022, is an unprecedentedly large commitment by the federal government toward addressing climate...

Your questions, answered

How much is the federal solar tax credit in 2026?
The Residential Clean Energy Credit is 30% of the total installed cost of solar panels, batteries with at least 3 kWh capacity, geothermal, and small wind systems. The credit stays at 30% through 2032, then phases down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.
Who qualifies for HEEHRA heat pump rebates?
Households earning under 80% of Area Median Income can get up to $14,000 in point-of-sale rebates on heat pumps, panel upgrades, and insulation. Households between 80% and 150% of AMI qualify for rebates covering 50% of project costs. Rollout timing varies by state.
Can I combine the federal credit with state rebates?
Yes, in most cases. The 30% federal credit is calculated after state and utility rebates are subtracted from the project cost, so stacking still reduces your out-of-pocket significantly. Check program rules, because some rebates count as taxable income.
Do I have to own my home to qualify?
For the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, you must own the home and the system. Renters cannot claim it, though landlords can on rental properties in some cases. Most state and utility programs also require ownership, but LIHEAP weatherization serves both owners and renters.
What counts as energy efficiency under the 25C credit?
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers 30% of costs up to $1,200 per year for insulation, windows, and doors, plus $2,000 for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. Home energy audits qualify for up to $150 back.
How long does it take to get a rebate check?
Federal tax credits arrive when you file your return. State and utility rebates usually pay within 60 to 90 days of final inspection. HEEHRA rebates in participating states are applied at the point of sale, so you see the discount on the invoice.

Not sure where to start?

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