Resources

Wondering if there is an incentive available for your DIY project? Looking for the nearest bike lane? Not sure if you can install solar on your historic home? You've come to the right place!

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Funding and Incentives

Energy Efficiency

Georgia Power offers several programs to help residents and businesses save money and improve their comfort with energy efficiency. These include:

  • Lighting Contractor Opens in new windowEnergy Assistance for Savings and Efficiency (EASE) Program – This  income-qualified program offers free improvements like air sealing, duct sealing, attic insulation, HVAC cleaning and service, and installation of smart thermostats and LED light bulbs.
  • Hope Works – This income-qualified program for seniors offers free energy efficiency improvements like air sealing, duct sealing, floor insulation, and LED lightbulbs, as well as emergency replacements for furnaces and water heaters. 
  • Residential Rebates – Residential customers can receive rebates for making energy efficient improvements to their home, like adding attic insulation, purchasing a heat pump water heater, or installing LED bulbs.
  • Commercial Rebates – Like residential customers, commercial customers can receive rebates for investing in energy efficient equipment for their businesses. Rebates are available for variable speed ventilation hoods, commercial dishwashers, commercial ice machines, LED lights, and more.

Other resources are available through local non-profits and the federal government. These include:

  • Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Tax Credit - The federal government is offering tax credits to homeowners who invest in energy efficiency improvements. Taxpayers can receive up to $2000 for installing an energy efficient heat pump (which offers both air conditioning and heating) and up to $1200 for insulation, air sealing, doors, and windows.
  • Power Wise – This program from Georgia Interfaith Power and Light offers free energy audits and matching grants for faith communities like churches, synagogues, and mosques that want to improve their energy efficiency.
  • Good Use - This program from the Southface Institute offers technical assistance, education, and matching grants to non-profits for energy and water efficiency upgrades. 
  • The Weatherization Assistance Program – This federal program, which is administered locally by Action Pact, provides free energy efficiency services to income-qualified households.

Renewable Energy

Federal Tax Credit – When you invest in solar panels, a small wind turbine, or a geothermal heat pump, you can receive a federal tax credit for 30% of the cost. This tax credit is refundable for tax exempt entities like local governments, churches, and non-profits, but is not refundable for residential customers or businesses. However, businesses can transfer the tax credit to another entity and are eligible for depreciation benefits. 

Financing – Most buyers choose to pay for their renewable energy systems over time. While many buyers can get financing directly from their contractors, buyers with past credit challenges may find that they are not eligible. For those buyers, the Solar Energy Loan Fund (SELF), a regional green bank and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), might be a good option.

Home Repair

Minor Home Repair Program – The City of Savannah Housing and Neighborhood Services Department offers grants and loans to help residents make minor repairs to their homes. Some of these repairs may be necessary before energy efficiency improvements can be made.

Transportation Resources

The Office of Sustainability is here to help you make smart transportation choices. Whether you are driving an EV, planning a trip by bike, or looking to use public transit, you have come to the right place.

EV Charger Map: https://www.plugshare.com/directory/us/georgia/savannah

Incentives and Resources for Uber Drivers: https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/services/electric/

Link to CAT routes: https://www.catchacat.org/current-schedules/

Bike Lane Map: https://bikewalksavannah.org/resources/bikesav-map/

Other Resources

Guidance for Sustainability and Historic Buildings: https://www.thempc.org/docs/lit/Hist/2021/Sustain.pdf