As stated above, rebates are government incentives but are structured to simply pay you cash as an incentive to buy a product, in this case energy efficient products. Once you can prove that you purchased a rebate eligible product, typically you send in proof of that purchase to the relevant state agency administering the rebate program and they will issue your cash rebate. Often times, the rebate is large and can offset almost half of the purchase price of the eligible energy efficient product.

There are many rebates available at the state level for a wide range of energy efficient products from large investments such solar power systems, wind turbines and fuel cells to smaller energy efficiency products such as televisions, refrigerators and dishwashers, to name a few. The amount of the rebate subsidy varies by state and by product. In some cases, like with solar power systems, rebate programs are limited and designed to reward early adopters as a result the rebate amount per home continues to drop as the allotted funds are consumed. Hint: start making your energy efficiency home improvements now!

So to learn more about what rebates your state offers and for what products, please visit the DSIRE website which breaks down all of the relevant state rebate programs out there.