Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Vermont!
Welcome to Vermont, a state cherished for its picturesque landscapes, commitment to environmental stewardship, and a burgeoning interest in renewable energy. Vermont?s forward-thinking energy policies and community support have made it a leader in the solar energy movement, despite its cooler climate. The state benefits from surprisingly ample sunlight, making it an excellent candidate for solar power generation. Vermont offers a range of incentives, including attractive net metering policies and tax credits, aimed at making solar energy accessible and affordable for its residents. This initiative not only assists Vermonters in reducing their energy bills but also plays a crucial role in the state?s ambitious goals for sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Learn how tapping into solar power can light up your home, lower your environmental impact, and contribute to Vermont?s vision for a cleaner, greener future. Join us in capturing the renewable energy of the sun and stepping into a brighter future in the Green Mountain State.
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Vermont State Solar Incentives
Community Renewable Energy Program
Vermont law Chapter 89, "Renewable Energy Programs", outlines regulations for self-generation and net-metering. The Vermont Public Utilities Commission oversees rulemaking under this law.
Renewable Energy Standard
Vermont's Renewable Energy Standard (RES) mandates retail electricity suppliers to obtain 55% of their sales from eligible renewable sources by 2017, increasing to 75% by 2032.
Standard Offer Program
2022 marks the final solicitation year for Vermont's Standard Offer program, promoting renewable energy, until further notice from the Public Utility Commission.
Agricultural Energy Loan Program
The Agricultural Energy Loan Program (AELP) offers loans to agricultural or forest-product-based companies for energy efficiency projects in Vermont.
Commercial Energy Loan Program
Vermont's Commercial Energy Loan Program offers loans up to $2,000,000 for renewable energy and efficiency projects, with terms up to 20 years.
Expedited Permitting Process for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Vermont enables an expedited process for solar photovoltaic systems of 15kW or less, automatically issuing a Certificate of Public Good if no utility issues are raised within 10 business days.
Uniform Capacity Tax and Exemption for Solar
Vermont taxes solar PV systems and energy storage facilities based on their capacity. Smaller systems are exempt, while larger ones pay a uniform capacity tax.
Line Extension Alternatives
Vermont's Public Service Board has mandated electric utilities to offer customers information about off-grid electricity alternatives, promoting cost-effective, sustainable solutions.
Investment Tax Credit
Vermont offers an investment tax credit for renewable energy equipment installation on business properties, aiming to boost renewable energy projects.
Vermont Solar Rights Laws
Vermont law protects the use of renewable energy devices, such as solar collectors, and restricts bylaws from prohibiting their use. Certain positioning restrictions may apply.
Clean Energy Development Fund
Vermont's Clean Energy Development Fund supports renewable energy and combined heat and power technologies, funded through state appropriations and compliance payments.
Interconnection Standards
Vermont amends Rule 5.500 requiring electric utilities to offer net metering to customers with renewable energy systems. Maximum capacity for net-metered systems set at 500 kW.
Local Option - Property Tax Exemption
Vermont allows tax exemption for certain renewable energy systems at the municipal level, though state property taxes still apply. Eligibility varies by municipality.
Renewable Energy Systems Sales Tax Exemption
Vermont's renewable energy systems get a sales tax exemption for systems up to 500kW. The exemption includes grid-tied and off-grid systems, with a 6% sales tax rate.
Net Metering
Vermont's Public Utility Commission is revising net metering rules. Customers can install renewable energy systems up to 500 kW after obtaining a certificate. Net metering is also available for group setups.
Federal Solar Incentives
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.
