A federal database now serves as the nation's most comprehensive online resource for programs and incentives to promote renewable energy, from loans to install wind power facilities to rebates for solar panel installations in office buildings. The Web site presents a summary of the renewable energy programs and incentives available in 45 communities in 23 states. A colorful table shows at a glance what cities and states offer green pricing or purchasing, tax incentives, grants, rebates and loans, and solar or wind accessability. Rebates are the most common local financial incentive type, available primarily for solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. In some cases, rebate programs can be combined with low or no-interest loans.
Many local governments implement tax policies to promote the use of renewables.
Fifteen states automatically exempt certain renewable energy devices from local property taxes, while others provide local authorities the option of providing property tax exemptions. Among the most ambitious utility green pricing efforts to date is one in the state capital of Austin, Texas. Austin Energy kicked off the new millennium by inviting its 350,000 electricity customers to sign up for GreenChoice. Under the GreenChoice program, residential and business customers may choose to apply the fuel charge portion of their electric bill, plus a small premium, to purchase clean renewable energy. Only 10 months after officially launching its GreenChoice green pricing option, Austin Energy fully subscribed its initial 40 MW of wind and landfill gas generated electricity, and began distributing the renewable energy through its system this year.