Archive for the ‘Renewable Energy Grants’ Category

Government Grants For Renewable Energy Systems

Renewable energy is a phenomenon that has gained tremendous popularity in recent times. The scarcity and the dangers posed by conventional sources of energy have been the impetus behind this. Governments world wide have spent enormous amount of money in form of grants in an attempt to develop this sector. Whether you are a consumer at commercial or domestic level, a power supplier or an official in a local government, there is a package tailored to meet your needs.

If you opt for renewable energy the choices are plenty depending on your needs and circumstances. Wind, solar, hydro power and biogas are among the choices you have to pick from. The government grants may take different forms from one country to another.

In United States of America at both federal and state level various incentives are on offer to both businesses and homeowners. One can get grants, tax credit or better still energy efficiency mortgage (EEM). This enables a homeowner to finance an energy efficient system through a single mortgage. It improves the homeowner’s eligibility for a bigger loan to acquire a home with efficient energy system. Since such offers keep on varying with time, it is prudent to search for the most current information.

In Australia there is a rebate of up to a thousand dollars to home owners who swap their electric water heating system with a solar one. After such a replacement one requires to have a window of two months to apply for the rebate. A discount or delay of cash payment is also possible if one install a small-scale power generating unit. A solar, wind or hydro unit qualifies for such an incentive.

In India the government has embarked on a mission to reduce the cost of power generated from solar energy. The idea is to create a fund from levies obtained from fossil fuel. The fund is then used to subsidize solar energy production. Cheap loans are also available to small consumers to buy solar panels to power home appliances. Efforts to reduce use of kerosene for lighting are also ongoing. The prices of solar panels are subsidized to make them affordable. This is especially so to rural communities who have limited access to electricity supply.

In Africa governments are receiving funds from foreign governments to finance renewable energy. This imitative is in line with the climate summit held in Copenhagen. Rather than direct investment in energy projects the funds will be used to create a revolving fund accessible to private investors. Wind, solar and hydro electric power are among the renewable energy being considered.