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Look for official grants and incentives

Some governments and utilities offer grants, tax credits, rebates or low-interest loans for solar, batteries, efficient heating, water saving or septic upgrades. They change often and many have strict eligibility rules.

How

1. US example: search DSIRE, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at North Carolina State University, by state and technology.
2. Elsewhere, start from your national government energy or environment website and your regional government, not from installer adverts.
3. Check eligibility before you buy anything: many schemes require pre-approval, certified installers or specific equipment lists, and some are only for grid-connected systems.
4. Note deadlines, caps and what documents you must keep (invoices, certificates, photos).
5. UK example: a new self-built house may qualify for a VAT refund on building materials under the HMRC DIY Housebuilders Scheme. For claims made from 5 December 2023 the deadline is 6 months after completion (it was 3), and claims can be made online. Keep every invoice and check current HMRC rules.
6. Do not include an incentive in your budget until it is confirmed in writing.

Sources

1. DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, NC State University, accessed 2026-11
2. Find energy incentives quicker and easier: DSIRE open data and website. US Department of Energy, accessed 2026-11
3. Budgeting for your build project. Self Build Portal (NaCSBA), accessed 2026-11
4. VAT: Digitisation of claims and extending time limit for DIY Housebuilders Scheme. HM Revenue and Customs (GOV.UK), accessed 2026-11

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