Free money for energy efficient upgrades in Minnesota

Well, apparently there is a lot of free money out there for energy efficiency updates. Thank you Obama! We close on the new place on Monday, so we are starting to kick into high gear of planning. It appears that first on our list will be energy efficiency updates, since there is some pretty decent *free money* available to make this happen.

I found this really helpful overview of all the programs available in Minnesota: Minnesota Residential Energy Incentives PDF

Highlights include:

Heating, insulation, roofs, water heaters, windows and doors

Federal Tax Credit: 30% of cost up to $1,500 (for materials, not labor)
Expires: December 31, 2010

Energy Saver Rebate Program - 35% off, up to $10,000!!!!
We are definitely going to apply for this. It's a loan that refunds 35% of the cost of energy improvements, up to 10,000 back IN CASH. This is incredible. Funds are limited and will go fast.

DETAILS:
Rebates for 35% of eligible improvements, up to $10,000, as part of a home improvement loan. Eligible improvements include furnace, AC, windows, attic air sealing, attic & wall insulation, and water heaters.
Scheduled to begin in December, 2009.
Go to www.mnhousing.gov for more information.


Solar
With all the incentives out there, we are going to look into solar. Whoa. There is a TON to learn about here, we are just starting to dip our toes in the water.

Federal Tax Credit: 30% of cost with no upper limit
Expires: December 31, 2016
Use for: geothermal, solar, wind turbines

Minnesota State Solar Rebate Program
There seems to be a program that is specific to Minnesota, but that may have run out of funds. I need to check into this further.

One website i found said - "Minnesota's solar rebate program is funded by Xcel Energy. Homeowners can get a $2.00/watt rebate up to $20,000 with an additional $0.25/watt rebate for solar electric systems installed by NABCEP certified installers."

The state website says:
"This program has limited funds. Contact us to check the current status. If presently fully reserved, your name can be put on a waiting list. For more information: www.energy.mn.gov or Email: energy.info@state.mn.us"

Energy Star Appliances
Rebates (available through Minnesota retailers) for specific ENERGY STAR labeled appliances: refrigerators ($200); clothes washers ($200); dishwashers ($150); freezers ($100). Refrigerator rebates will require recycling of old refrigerator. Program is scheduled to begin in March, 2010.