Does anyone know of grant programs to convert my older home to alternative energy?

Question

I am a substitute teacher on a limited income and we want to convert to solar and wind power if possible. The home was built in the 1920's. Please only serious answers!

Answer 1

Any grants are going to come with a boatload of conditions first off.

What you might want to look at is to try and make it a manufacturers demonstration project.

Is the house of any historical significance, how is the location, is there good exposure for the wind and solar, is there good access so it can be seen and would you be willing to open it to the public?

Grants in general are primarily for new homes and they are drying up quickly thanks to Bush and his overseas adventures.

Put together a marketing plan, sell the idea if you think it has merit.

Answer 2

I have torn apart my office for the last 12 hours searching for a do it yourself book on solar panels and just cannot locate it. I am so mad. Try looking up DIY solar panels. Sorry, I tried.

Answer 3

the savings would take years for you to recoup. We have done some things to improve our energy usage. As there is just the two of us, we have brought a small table top oven, rather than use our range. This has knocked about £50 per 1/4 off our Electricity bill. When we have our heating on I use the radiators to dry the laundry. Saves more electricity and stops the house drying out too much - breathing is easier with the central heating too.

I have lined all my curtains so that the heat stays in longer. I also use my washer on the economy settings. I think this helps me to be more efficient with the fuels I already have.

Answer 4

Without knowing what state or country you live in I can't give exact details but in general in the US you should try searching on your states website for a clean energy fund many will give big discounts on solar instalations some depend on size of the installation I believe CT offers up to 50% off an installation other states have similar programs.  You can also check with your local utilities on incentives for everything from clean energy instalation rebates and excess power sell backs to energy efficient appliance and efficient lighting rebates and discounts also sometimes they provide free or low cost weatherization kits.  I also know there are tax credits available for buying energy efficient appliances but I don't know the specifics I think it was up to $500 credit available.

Answer 5

The first step is to weatherize (i nsulate ) your home there are grants in most cities to do this . Also there are renuable energy grants and tax credits for energy effecient heating , cooling & insulation through the end of 2007.

One easy conversion is to install a solar water heater.

Also consider passive solar space heating.