Programs
Program Status: Application Period Open
The Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources offers low-interest loans to fund energy efficiency projects for single-family homes in Idaho. All loans are evaluated by a financial institution for credit worthiness and must be secured with real estate. Consumers may choose to leverage these loans by accessing utility incentives and federal and state tax credits and deductions. Please visit the State Energy Loan Program page for more information.
In April of 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is awarding $56.5 million to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to administer the Idaho Solar for All Program. The program is still in preliminary stages. For more information regarding Idaho’s Solar for All Program, please email sfa@b-e-f.org.
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides Department of Energy approved measures to low-income households in order to increase energy efficiency an decrease energy burden. This program is available year-round to eligible home owners and renters. Household eligibility is based on income. For more information regarding the Weatherization Assistance Program, please visit the State of Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare website.
Tax Credits and Deductions
The Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources recommends you consult with a licensed tax professional for information which pertains to your specific circumstances. We cannot provide financial guidance.
Idaho Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction
The residential alternative energy tax deduction allows taxpayers an income tax deduction of 40% of the cost of a solar, wind, geothermal, and certain biomass energy devices used for heating or electricity generation. This can be applied in the year that the energy system is installed. 20% can be deducted each year for an additional three years. The maximum deduction in any one year is $5,000. The total maximum deduction is $20,000.
Other Tax Credits and Incentives
There are various federal tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act.
You may also visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for more information on financial incentives in Idaho.
Federal Resources
Energy Savings Hub
Energy Savings Hub is here for the average American consumer to find ways that they can save money by going green. This means helping you find a way to reduce your carbon footprint and your wallet! Please visit the Department of Energy for more information.
The information below is from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
IRA Energy Rebates
OEMR is actively engaged in collaborative efforts with partners, stakeholders and counterparts in other states to review and analyze the Home Energy Rebates Programs, with the intention to develop a program to benefit Idahoans. While OEMR remains on track to meet the application deadline, it is important to note that rebates are not currently available. This process is ongoing and we strongly advise against basing purchasing decisions on the anticipation of receiving a rebate at this time. To stay up to date on the latest developments, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter: OEMR Newsletter
For the most current information regarding the Home Energy Rebates Programs, please refer to the DOE’s official website
The IRA includes approximately $8.8 billion in rebates for home energy efficiency and electrification projects. The rebate programs will help American households save money on energy bills, upgrade to clean energy equipment and improve energy efficiency, and reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. The rebate programs include:
Rebate Provision |
IRA Information | Summary |
---|---|---|
Home Energy Performance Based, Whole-House Rebate | IRA page 216 Section 50121 | Rebates for energy efficiency retrofits will range from $2,000 – $4,000 for individual households and up to $400,000 for multifamily buildings. This offers grants to states to provide rebates for home retrofits up to $2,000 for retrofits reducing energy use by 20% or more and up to $4,000 for retrofits saving 35% or more. Maximum rebates can double for retrofits of low- and moderate-income homes. |
High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program | IRA page 219 Section 50122 | Develops a high efficiency electric home rebate program with $225 million allocated for Tribes. Includes means testing and will provide 50% of the cost for incomes 80 to 150% of area median income, and 100% of the cost for incomes 80% of area medium income and below and similar tiers for multifamily buildings. Includes a $14,000 cap per household, with a $8,000 cap for heat pump costs, $1,750 for a heat pump water heater, and $4,000 for panel/service upgrade. |
IRA Tax Credits
To learn more about IRA Tax Credits please visit the Department of Energy or Internal Revenue Service.
Equipment Type | Tax Credit Available for 2022 Tax Year | Updated Tax Credit Available for 2023-2032 Tax Years |
---|---|---|
Home Clean Electricity Products | ||
Solar (electricity) | 30% of cost | |
Fuel Cells | ||
Wind Turbine | ||
Battery Storage | N/A | 30% of cost |
Heating, Cooling, and Water Heating | ||
Heat Pumps | $300 | 30% of cost, up to $2,000 per year |
Heat Pump Water Heaters | ||
Biomass Stoves | ||
Geothermal Heat Pumps | 30% of cost | |
Solar (water heating) | ||
Efficient Air Conditioners* | $300 | 30% of cost, up to $600 |
Efficient Heating Equipment* | ||
Efficient Water Heating Equipment* | $150 | 30% of cost, up to $600 |
Other Energy Efficiency Upgrades | ||
Electric Panel or Circuit Upgrades for New Electric Equipment* | N/A | 30% of cost, up to $600 |
Insulation Materials* | 10% of cost | 30% of cost |
Windows (including skylights) | 10% of cost | 30% of cost, up to $600 |
Exterior Doors* | 10% of cost | 30% of cost, up to $500 for doors (up to $250 each) |
Home Energy Audits* | N/A | 30% of cost, up to $150 |
*Subject cap of $1,200/year |
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Northwest Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) works in the four-state region of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington using a regional TAP model that ensures end users can transition to clean energy with guidance and support that reflects local considerations. TAPs provide no-cost technical assistance tailored to your organization’s goals and offer guidance on incentives, programs, and policies that are applicable to your specific situation.
If you are interested in starting a free qualification screening or would like to know more about the technical assistance offered, please visit https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/onsite-energy/taps.