578 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
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Active programs
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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 578 articles in this category, sorted by popularity.

View all 578 articles
1

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.

2

Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Awards $960K for Public Facility Solar Projects

The Maryland Energy Administration MEA announced on Wednesday that 16 projects have been granted a total of $960,578.00 under the Public Facility Solar Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022 FY22. This…

3

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…

4

Boulder, Colorado Solar Grants, Rebates & Incentives

Via bouldercolorado.gov Boulder’s 300 sunny days each year are doing more than just lifting spirits — they are also helping us to better serve our community’s most vulnerable.

5

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.

6

How to Tap into New Jersey's Lucrative Solar Programs

Solar panels might be a fantastic way to go green and cut your energy costs, but let's face it: they're not exactly cheap.

7

Licking County: Ohio Grants $387k to Improve Infrastructure

Ohio State Newark will receive nearly $300,000.00 to improve energy efficiency at Hopewell Hall as part of several local projects receiving state assistance. Ohio’s State Controlling Board has…

8

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…

9

2021 Washington State Solar Grants, Rebates, Tax Credits & Incentives

Via solarwa.org Washington state has some of the nations best solar grants in the nation. Read this article for federal, state and county grants, rebates and tax credits.

10

Massachusetts Low-Income Housing to be Decarbonized Through a $50 Million Grant

In Massachusetts, there are over 2.6 million homeshttps://www.wbur.org/news/2022/07/05/massachusestts-climate-change-timeline, many of which are antiquated and energy-inefficient, using fossil fuels…

11

US Homeowners Save Thousands Thanks to New Solar Grant Programs

From SunnySolar.org Thanks to a little-known government program called Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit , homeowners in specific zip codes...

12

Illinois Residents: Take Advantage of Local Solar Appliance Rebates

In Illinois, the journey towards adopting solar energy extends beyond state-level incentives, with several local governments and organizations stepping up...

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?

Take the 2-minute eligibility quiz. We'll match your situation to the grants most likely to approve you.

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