We're very excited to announce that HomeESP Premier Members now qualify for a $100 rebate for energy-saving projects!  And it's easy to get, too.  Nearly any permanent installation that contributes to energy savings qualifies, as long as the total project cost is $300 or greater.

HomeESP will pay you $100 for any project that results in lowering your energy usage in your house.  Energy saving projects which are eligible for the $100 HomeESP Rebate include, but are not limited to, installing or replacing:

• New energy efficient windows
• Intelligent controls for your boiler
• Boiler, hot water heater, air conditioning or heat pump with more efficient models
• Programmable thermostats
• Insulation in  walls, attic or basement
• Solar electricity and/or hot water panels
• New appliances which are Energy-star Qualified

All you have to do is be a Premier Member in good standing for more than three months, start and complete your project, and provide details to document your new energy-saving installation.  And if you find your contractor via our contractor locator, we'll add $25 to your rebate, for a total of $125 cash back!

According to its Website, the CT Solar Lease program is no longer taking new applications as of August 16.  This program provided a financing vehicle for solar electricity installations that was a lease instead of purchase option, wrapping in all state and federal incentives into a fairly attractive option.

The most recent program was about 40 percent more expensive than the one it replaced, leading me to wonder if the next round will be even less attractive. 

For solar electricity to be competitive with utility-supplied power, incentives are still required.  Otherwise it is going to be relegated to hobbyists and those who can afford to be green as a life choice, not an economic one.  If we're to reduce our dependency on imported oil, as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we'll need comprehensive energy policy that enables programs like CT Solar Lease to fund a large number of installations over a long period of time.  This program has been on-again, off-again for quite some time.