Information You Can Use!
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American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009
Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits & Grants: ARRA provides state and local governments with $6 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants for energy audits, retrofits and financial incentives. Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation. Another $5 billion will be available to modernize the nation’s electricity grid and install smart meters on homes that help to save consumers money. There is also $5 billion for weatherization assistance for low income households and $2 billion for federally assisted housing (section 8) efficiency efforts. |
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Going Green Resource Guide - (click here)
The National Association of REALTORS® and the United States Department of Energy put together the Green Resource Guide to help homeowners in making the right decisions with energy efficient products in their home. Additionally, join the Reading-Berks Green Alliance to learn more about local programs/services to make you a knowledgeable agent for your clients. |
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PA Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, DSIRE, is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. |
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NAR Free Booklets
Be sure to download any of the following FREE booklets that NAR offered to the membership:
- Energy Savers Booklet: Tips for Saving Energy and Money at Home
- 2009 Family Guide to Going Green
- Selling Green (Brochure) |
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“Green” Discount Approved for Homeowners Insurance
The state Department of Insurance has approved a discount for Pennsylvania homeowners who are going “green”. The energy-efficient discount is the first of its kind in the state, according to Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario.
The Department approved a “green” discount filing by Donegal Insurance Group for homeowners who use solar energy or thermal heat pumps. The Donegal policies, which go into effect May 1, offer the following “green” discounts:
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Solar Energy Discount – a five percent discount applied to the policy premium for homes that use solar energy to generate electricity for use in the insured home or generate energy used for heating the home.
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Geothermal Heat Pump Discount – a five percent discount applied to the policy premium for homes where a geothermal heat pump is installed on or connected to the insured home. The system must meet “Energy Star” program requirements at the time of purchase.
Green Building Grants Now Available
Governor Rendell recently announced the approval of new incentives that will provide grants and loans to families and businesses constructing or renovating buildings that meet energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
Funds are available to anyone building or renovating a primary residence and to businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees.
Loans of up to $2 million are available for small businesses; the maximum loan for an individual residential project is $100,000. Grants are not to exceed $500,000, or 10 percent, of total eligible costs, whichever is less. Applicants may apply for a grant or a loan, but not both.
Applicants may use the funds to acquire the land, buildings, rights-of-way and easements that are necessary to build an eligible project; to clear and prepare land; for planning, designing, modeling or consulting services; to register and certify the project with the U.S. Green Building Council; or for construction and renovation.
Matching funds of at least $1 for every $1 of program funds are required, and applicants must provide evidence of matching funds.
The program is administered by the departments of Community and Economic Development and Environmental Protection under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
Tax Credits for Consumers including tax credits available at 30% of the cost, up to $1500 in 2009 and 2010. Additionally, tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016.
Click the following link to learn more: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
NAR Green Designation
New Website! Green REsource Council