Note: This template ordinance was designed to provide guidance to local governments that wish to develop their own regulations for the development of solar energy systems. While it was developed as part of a cooperative effort involving several state agencies, the template ordinance itself has no legal or regulatory authority. Questions about this template ordinance can be directed to one of the individuals listed in the template ordinance, which is linked above.    In December, 2013 the North Carolina Solar Center and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association published a template solar energy development ordinance to provide guidance for communities

The Division of Economic Development in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development is providing loans to purchase, construct and install alternative energy systems or energy conservation improvements in commercial buildings. The program defines an alternative energy system as a source of thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy that is not dependent on oil, gas, or nuclear fuel for the supply of energy for space heating and cooling, refrigeration and cold storage, electrical power, mechanical power, or heating of water. Applicants must be Alaska residents for the 12 months prior to the date of application to be eligible. If the

Qualified homeowners can receive up to $8,000 for whole-house heat pumps, $8,000 for insulation, $6,000 for biomass boilers, and $3,000 for geothermal heat pumps depending on income. For more information please view the incentive website.

PGW’s Home Rebate program is available for residential customers within the PGW service territory. To participate in the program, the homeowner must first obtain a discounted home energy audit from a PGW-approved contractor. The assessment will identify various cost-effective energy saving opportunities customized to the home. Following the assessment, the contractor will work with the customer to determine a scope of work. The customer is eligible for a rebate based on the final project scope, up to approximately $3,000. Please contact PGW at 855-PGW-SOLVES to participate in the program

NOTE: In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing

S.B. 1087 of 2013 established the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA) for the purpose of administering Green Infrastructure Bonds to secure low-cost financing for clean energy installations, including both renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. HGIA manages the Hawaii Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) Program, which is intended to create a sustainable financing structure through market driven public-private partnerships that will open access to financing for more Hawaii customers and democratize access to clean energy. HGIA has a goal of using 100% of funds to finance underserved households, defined as LMI households, renters, nonprofits, small businesses, and multi-family rental projects.

In Missouri, solar energy systems not held for resale are exempt from state, local, and county property taxes. As enacted in July 2013, the law does not define solar energy systems.

Progress Energy's residential new construction program provides cash incentives of up to $9,000 to builders and developers who build new energy-efficient homes and multi-family residences that meet program requirements specified on the program web site. Equipment rebates up to $725 per home are available for heat pump water heaters and high efficiency HVAC equipment. Visit the program website for more information.

Progress Energy's residential new construction program provides cash incentives of up to $4,000 to builders and developers who build new energy-efficient homes and multi-family residences that meet program requirements specified on the program web site. Equipment rebates are available for heat pump water haeters and high efficiency HVAC equipment. Separately, builders can receive rebates for new homes built to meet or exceed the High Efficiency Residential Option (HERO) code, which is an optional part  of North Carolina's 2012 Energy Conservation Code. See the web site above for complete details. 

Burbank Water and Power is providing incentives for the purchase of solar water heaters. Incentives are only available to residential customers with electric water heaters. There is a limit of one solar water heater per year per property. Applicants must provide access to their residence for a pre-inspection to verify the existing use of an electric water heater. Customers must comply with all code and permit requirements. More information available at the website above.