Efficiency Rebate & Tax Credit
Investing in energy efficiency has never been more attractive! Save your receipts as well as Manufacturer Certification Statement for filing with your 2009 or 2010 tax return.
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies
High Efficiency: Solar Boilers, Water Heaters, Furnaces, Air Conditioners
Applicable Sectors:
Commercial, Residential
Federal Incentive Tax Credits:
Click here for Consumer Web Site
Click here for Residential Web Site
Federal Consumer Summary:
The federal tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements was established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. After expiring December 31, 2007, the credit was extended and expanded by The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424: Div. B, Sec. 302) and The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1: Div. B, Sec. 1121). The credit now applies to eligible equipment purchased between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010. In addition to extending the credit, H.R. 1424 and H.R. 1 strengthened the efficiency requirements for most equipment, extended the credit to stoves that use biomass fuel and asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules; raised the cap for the credit; and redesigned the way the credit is calculated.
The credit applies to energy efficiency improvements in the building envelope of existing homes and for the purchase of high-efficiency heating, cooling and water-heating equipment. Efficiency improvements or equipment must serve a dwelling in the United States that is owned and used by the taxpayer as a primary residence. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $1,500 for equipment purchased during the two-year period of 2009 and 2010.
Click here for Commercial Web Site
Commercial Building Summary:
A tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot is available to owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial deductions of up to $.60 per square foot can be taken for measures affecting any one of three building systems: the building envelope, lighting, or heating and cooling systems. These tax deductions are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2013.
Click here for Home Builders Website
Home builders are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit for a new energy efficient home that achieves 50% energy savings for heating and cooling over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements. At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements. This credit also applies to contractors of manufactured homes conforming to Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.
State Summary:
Varies depending on the incentive structure adopted by the program partner Max. Limit: $3,000 for residential systems; $9,000 for small commercial systems The Colorado Governor's Energy Office (GEO) has provided matching grants to establish solar rebate programs throughout the state in areas located outside of the service territory of Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy, Colorado's two investor-owned utilities. (Xcel and Black Hills Energy administer their own solar rebate programs.)
The GEO selected the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) to administer the grant program. Proposals were solicited from Colorado cities, counties, utilities and non-profit organizations for funding to help create and administer local rebate programs with a grant from the GEO and matching funds to be provided by the program partner.
The first round of grants resulted in 22 rebate programs (11 for photovoltaic (PV) systems and 11 for solar hot water). The second round of funding awarded grants to 12 program partners for PV rebate programs and 15 partners for solar water heating rebate programs. These rebates are not available state-wide; they are only available to residents and/or businesses within the territory of one of the program partners.
