Questions and
Answers... 5% Dollar and Energy Saving Loans |
The Nebraska Energy Quarterly
features questions asked about 5% Dollar and Energy Saving Loans.
Loan forms may be obtained from participating lenders, the Nebraska Energy Office, or the agency's web site by clicking on the Loan Forms button above. | Q: | Would a wind turbine erected on pastureland qualify for a loan? | A: |
Usually, wind turbines will not qualify for a Dollar and Energy Saving Loan. Wind turbines need to be less expensive before they will be able to qualify for a loan. The best test is to complete Form 32 which will give you an idea of the payback period. Then you can decide if you want to pursue a project such as this. A publication that might be helpful, “Small Wind Electricity Systems” is available at the Energy Office’s web site. Additional wind assessment tools and studies are also located at the web site. | Q: | I am interested in using solar energy in an older farm house in rural Nebraska. I hope to install photovoltaic panels for lights and to heat water. Are there any grants or incentives to install these panels in a home? | A:
At present, there are not any grants or incentives available for this type of project.
Installing solar panels on roof However, in some instances rural public power districts may offer incentives for very specific purposes in lieu of installing power lines to remote areas. Contact your local utility for information about incentives they may offer.
Q:
| Can combined heat and power – also known as CHP – projects be financed with a Dollar an Energy and Savings Loan?
| A:
A combined heat and power project would be an eligible improvement type for a Dollar and Energy Saving Loan.
| A combined heat and power system (CHP) However, the improvement would need to show a simple payback (payback excluding interest) of 15 years or less. If the system were specific to a single building it would need to show the 15-year payback, and if the system incorporated more than one building, or a group of buildings, then it would need to show a 10-year payback. More specific information is at the agency’s web site. The pages that would apply to this type of project are:
For the Energy Office to evaluate the proposed project, an energy audit, showing the current energy use (from actual energy bills) — that’s Form 33, Billing History — would need to be completed. An explanation on Form 32, Energy Saving Improvement Analysis, of how the current energy bills were generated and the effect on energy use once the combined heat and power project was installed would also need to be completed. Supporting documentation — such as manufacturer's data on the equipment efficiencies and energy saving calculations that were used to calculate the amount of energy to be saved — would also need to be provided.
Q:
| I noticed there are Dollar & Energy Saving Loans for window and door replacements, for heating and cooling projects and even appliances. We’ve decided to upgrade our windows and heating and cooling systems that meet loan standards for a house we are building. Our house plans should be finalized soon. Are there low cost loans for new construction, too?
| A:
The Energy Office does not offer any loans for new construction.
However, here are a few pointers you might consider as you finalize the plans for your new home:
| Cut-away of a double-pane energy efficient window
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