Ways to Go Green in 2011 While Earning Some Green

Ways to Go Green in 2011 While Earning Some Green

“Being greener” has become a growing New Year’s resolution, especially in light of rising energy costs. Many people find it too difficult to maintain the momentum, outside remembering to recycle. Others are stuck at the beginning with no knowledge of how to go green without shelling out big bucks. Fortunately, the state of Michigan and private companies within the state have a few incentives that make it easy to adhere to your going green resolution, while actually saving or even earning a little extra cash in the process.

Free Electric Car Charger
Coulomb Technologies offers a free home charging station for residents of southern Michigan’s major cities. You must live within 50 miles of Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. The charging station application must be submitted at the dealership when you buy a electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid car. This does exclude existing owners. The name of Coulomb Technologies’ program is ChargePoint America.

Solar Energy Perks
Converting your home to solar energy may seem like a expensive task, but a few Michigan energy incentives makes the switch to alternative energy sources economical. The DTE Energy “Solar Currents Program” is one that offers a rebate on the solar power system itself. The amount of the rebate is dependent on the system you choose. This includes solar panels. Once you have the system up and running, there is a production incentive that the program also offers. The energy company pays YOU for the power your solar power system creates. The 2010 rate was 11 cents per thousand kilowatt hours. The contract is for 20 years. It is only available to people under DTE Energy territory. Consumers Energy offers a similar program though called a Feed in Tariff, as does WPPI Energy Utilities.

The federal government offers a Solar Investment Tax Credit, which amounts to 30 percent of the system costs.

Improvement Discounts
The state of Michigan offers a personal tax credit to offset the cost of any improvements that you make in the effort to make your home more energy efficient. It covers insulation, appliances, windows, water heaters and more. The credit is 10 percent of the improvement cost that is capped at $75 for single tax payers and $150 for joint or married tax payers.

Incentives For A Budget
The state’s Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate program is designed to help homeowners and even has incentives for those low income Michigan residents. The program offers various rebates on energy efficient appliances and home improvements, including weatherization. It also offers free weatherization services and some products for low-income homeowners. The amount of the rebate and eligibility for the program depends on your income and the equipment you plan to purchase.

These incentives and many more await you, making going green in 2011 not only possible, but lucrative, depending on the programs you participate in.