Energy Tax Credits (and rebates too!)
- Federal Energy Tax Credits for Energy Conservation will pay 30% of cost up to $1500 on your principal residence. See https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index for details. This is for Insulation, new Windows and Doors, and new Heating systems.
- The Federal Energy Tax Credits for Renewable Energy pays 30% of cost with no upper limit to the credit on your primary or secondary home. See https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index for details. This is for solar systems, small wind systems and geothermal heat pumps.
- Federal Energy Tax Credit pays up to $2000 for new houses (payment is to the contractor) that exceed the 2004 IECC by 50% (not that hard to do).
- Montana Energy Conservation Credit is for 25% of costs up to $500 ($1000 per couple) for conservation measures. See https://deq.mt.gov/energy/warmhomes/taxincentives.mcpx
- Montana Renewable Energy Tax Credit is for 24% of costs up to $500 ($1000 per couple) for solar, wind and biomass systems. See https://deq.mt.gov/Energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.mcpx
- Northwestern Energy has a wide range of rebates for lighting, appliances, insulation, thermostats and heating systems. See https://www.northwesternenergy.com/display.aspx?Page=Rebates_Home_MT&Item=102
Total Savings:
- The combination of Energy Conservation Credits and Rebates can pay 30 to 60% of your energy conservation measures.
- The combination of Renewable Energy Credits can pay 30 to 40% of your new solar or wind system.
- In addition, Energy Savings of 30 to 60% are commonly achieved. Long term savings are substantial as energy prices increase.
So, make a plan to save a lot of money!
- Start with an Energy Audit. Identify where your house is losing energy. Estimate the cost of improvements. Then decide which measures make sense for you.
- Schedule the work with an experienced contractor.
- Enjoy a warmer, less expensive home all winter.
Imagine, as a market gardener, growing fresh, organic food all year in Montana without any fossil fuels. Tomatoes into November and December, new greens starting in February. These off season crops offer higher profit margins because the alternative for consumers is the tired produce in the grocery stores.