From our news services
A network of organizations and volunteers from across North and South Carolina has come together to release the website energyfundsforall.org, a resource guide to help North and South Carolina residents access support for home and community energy projects.
Since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed in 2022, it feels like information has come out daily telling us how to access funds, the website says, but often these links are not widely distributed, and the money is difficult to access. That’s where Energy Funds for All comes in.
“The idea for this toolkit came from curiosity and frustration surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Jessica Finkel, interim coordinator for Thrive North Carolina and co-creator of the website. “The IRA itself isn’t easy to understand and it can be difficult to find the information you need to get funding. We created a way to find what you need to achieve your goals.”
Information is organized in special sections for homeowners, renters, landlords, nonprofits, local governments, tribal governments and organizations engaged in workforce development, but many of the funding opportunities can apply to businesses as well.
Website visitors can either click the section that refers to them or search for specific information. The site features handy one-pagers and helpful guides, ensuring users can make the most of the available funds.
“We want this toolkit to both provide information to folks in need and to empower them to apply for funding their tax dollars have already paid for,” said Michelle “Meech” Carter, Clean Energy Campaigns director at the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters and co-creator of the website. “So many people in our communities struggle with high energy bills and are vulnerable to natural disasters. This toolkit provides the information people need to learn more about these funds and opportunities to get help if they don’t know where to start.”
Below are some of the IRA provisions that can benefit Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. Be aware, however, that these are just some examples and one can explore EnergyFundsForAll.org for others.
The Geos Institute is setting up a Southeast Navigator Network to help communities on the FEMA map of Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZs) get access to funding that will help them be resilient to climate disasters and both Ocracoke and Hatteras are on the map. The navigator selected for NC is the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency, and they will be looking to connect with local communities to find out what’s needed.
For all businesses:
At least 30% tax credit for renewables (and deduction for depreciation). Also, significant tax credit for electric vehicles and for EV chargers installed in low-income or non-urban areas.
For rural businesses:
The Rural Energy for America Program offers rural businesses grants for up to 50% of the cost of solar, batteries, energy efficiency improvements and more, and loans for up to 75%. Application deadlines are March 31, June 30, September 30. After that, the program will continue but likely with grants reduced to 25%. Together with the 30% tax credit for renewables and the deduction for depreciation, a rural business might get most of the cost of solar covered by incentives.
For homeowners and renters:
The Weatherization Assistance Project provides free energy efficiency improvements to low-income households and offers low-income households assistance with paying their bill. Available now.
Homeowners and renters can currently get a tax credit for energy-efficiency improvements, but even more help is coming.
In late 2024 or early 2025, the NC State Energy Office will open up an IRA-funded program of rebates on energy efficiency improvements to your home. Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) programs allocate over $208 million to North Carolina to provide energy efficiency rebates.
The HEAR program will provide point-of-sale rebates on such things as heat pumps (HVAC systems), water heaters, clothes dryers), electric stoves, and upgrades to ventilation and insulation.
For low-income individuals, the rebate may cover the entire cost. The HER program provides rebates on similar work but based on demonstrated energy savings rather than at point of sale.
Residential solar and battery storage: 30% tax credit. Solar thermal panels (for hot water heating) also qualify for the tax credits. Starting in 2025, the Solar for All program through the NC Clean Energy Fund will provide extra help to enable households, especially low-income households, to afford solar. It’s important that solar panels are installed by a qualified solar company who has knowledge of the regulatory requirements. One company for Ocracoke that could possibly do installations is Cape Fear Solar Systems in Wilmington, 910-409-5533.
