The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at North Carolina State University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
For Nebraska, DSIRE lists 45 policy, financial incentive and grant programs, including the following for solar energy and other renewables:
- Federal 30% Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
- Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
- USDA – Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
- USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Program
- Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System – Business Depreciation
- Lincoln Electric System – Renewable Energy Rebate
- Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Property
- Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Community Renewable Energy Projects
- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Generation Facilities
- Nebraska Energy Office’s Dollar and Energy Savings Loans
Photo: 25-kilowatt photovoltaic system powers the Hammond farm operation west of Benedict. The project estimate was $84,864; however, a USDA grant and federal tax credits reduced the cost to only $19,100, with a payback of just over 6 years, after which the farm will benefit from free energy. Solar panels typically last 25 or more years. Credit: Matt Ryerson / Lincoln Journal Star
News Story: Farms flexing solar power, by Nicholas Bergin, Lincoln Journal Star