Government Solar Energy Incentive Programs

Government sponsored rebate programs for solar energy projects.

These sites are helpful in locating state and federal financial incentive programs for energy saving projects.

Government Incentives for Alternative Energy Projects (These are all US programs -- if someone can point me toward info on programs in the rest of the world, I'll be glad to add them)
New Stimulus bill Energy Tax Credits www.energystar.gov/...	This is a summary of the Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency from the Energy Star site with the effect of the just passed (Feb 2009) changes included in the stimulus bill. These changes include tax credits for more energy efficiency, solar, and wind projects, as well as higher dollar limits on some items. There is also a $2000 credit for new homes that meet some energy efficiency requirements.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) http://www.dsireusa.org/index.cfm	Provides description of renewable energy incentive programs for all US states.
Energy Grid IQ	Nicely done application that lists programs in your area that provide funding for energy conservation and renewable energy projects. A free registration is required.
Energy Star Rebates Finder and Federal Tax Credits Information Find rebates in your area: http://www.energystar.gov Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency: http://www.energystar.gov	Two helpful items from the Energy Star website: The first finds rebates on a large variety of energy saving projects. Enter your zip code, and Energy Star returns a list of available rebates in your area. This is hard to find on the EStar site, so keep the link. The 2nd is a detailed list of the federal government tax credits.
Benefits.gov http://www.govbenefits.gov	"GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs." For the energy related programs, use the "Benefits Quick Search", and select "Energy Assistance"
Solar Homes Sell at Premium Bill, Opalka, Renewablesbiz An Analysis of the Effects of Residential Photovoltaic Energy Systems on Home Sales Prices in California, Ben Hoen, Ryan Wiser, Peter Cappers, and Mark Thayer, April 2011	This article summarizes the results of a study done by Berkeley Labs to determine how much having a solar PV system on a house increases the selling price. See the link to the full report for more detail. Its a bit hard to believe that the increases are this large, but its nice to know that there may be some significant benefit to having a solar system when you sell the house.
Energy Efficient Mortgages http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/financing.html	These mortgages offered through the FHA and others allow you to add energy efficiency features to your house in a very financially attractive way. For approved features, 100% of the extra cost is financed, and the increase in the monthly loan payment is more than offset by the decreases in utility bills. It seems hard to go wrong with this -- no increase in down payment, lower total monthly ownership costs, added value at resale, and significant greenhouse gas reductions. And, the savings should just increase over time as fuel prices go up.