Here’s a quick update on a few funding and incentive programs from the Housing Finance Agency, Office of Energy Security, Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and others. You should also check out the most recent installment of Funding Opportunities in the Fields of Energy and Environment from OES.
Energy Saver Rebates Have Returned: An additional $2 million in Energy Saver Rebates is available for homeowners who install eligible energy-saving home improvements. These improvements must be financed using a Fix-up Fund loan. Rebates up to $10,000 are available for application on a first-come, first-served basis. More information and an Energy Saver Rebate application are available at www.mnhousing.gov. Or call Minnesota Housing at 651-296-8215 or 800-710-8871. Click here for more info >>
Minnesota Small Wind Residential Rebates still available: The Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES) is still accepting applications for the Minnesota Small Wind Residential Rebate program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provides financial support for the installation of small wind turbine systems completed after July 1, 2009 with rated capacities of not more than 35 kilowatts at 24.6 miles per hour. The small wind rebate amount is 35 percent of eligible system and installation costs up to $10,000. Detailed information and application materials are located in the Rebates & Credits section of the OES website. Click here for more info >>
OES Solar Hot Water and Solar Air Heat Rebates Still Available: Rebate funds from the Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES) are still available for solar hot water and solar air heat systems for residences and small businesses. Application materials are located in the Rebates & Credits section of the OES website. Contact OES at 651-296-5175 or energy.info@state.mn.us for more information or if you need assistance completing the application. Click here for more info >>
DOE Small Business Grants Now Open: The U.S. Department of Energy plans to open Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) Grant programs soon. If you are a Minnesota small business in the process of developing a new energy technology, you may want to begin preparation for the grant process. For information and assistance with the federal small business programs in Minnesota, contact Becky Aistrup, SBIR/SBTT Program director, at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development at Becky.Aistrup@state.mn.us or 651-259-7634. Click here for more info >>
MPCA Environmental Assistance Grants Program: Grants due November 1, 2010 in categories of (1) Resource Conservation and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction; (2) Source-Separated Composting; (3) PAH Contaminated Stormwater Pond Sediment; and (4) Metropolitan Landfill Abatement. Obviously the first one is most energy focused! Click here for more info >>
Blue Green Alliance Foundation Green POWER Grants: The Blue Green Alliance Foundation (BGAF) was awarded a US Department of Labor grant to enable its GreenPOWER program to train Minnesota’s manufacturing workers in the skills they need to get and keep good, green jobs in the emerging clean energy economy. The Minnesota Green Partnership of Workforce and Employer Resources (GreenPOWER) is a partnership between various job training organizations, manufacturing employers, area unions, and Minnesota colleges and universities. The GreenPOWER program will work with these partners to develop training for green manufacturing, match workers with training opportunities, and provide job placement assistance for unemployed training participants. Proposals due October 11, 2010. Click here for more info >>
