Virginia is for (Energy-Efficiency) Lovers

As promised, I’m continuing my coverage of the initiatives that the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia are undertaking to help residents green their dwellings without de-greening their wallets. Covering the District last week, I cross the bridge to Virginia this week… and the state line to Maryland next. (Note: these are in no particular order, so please put any state pride aside).

In the next few days, the state of Virginia is expected to learn the outcome of its application to the U.S. Department of Energy for its state energy program – $70 million – as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus package). Of that total, approximately $30 million will go toward making the state’s homes and businesses more energy efficient.

The funding, which is expected to be approved, will provide $15 million to households and businesses to support installation of solar and small wind power systems.  Payments will be based on the size of the system installed: $2,000 per kilowatt capacity of solar photovoltaic (electric) systems, $1,500 per kilowatt capacity of wind systems, and $1,000 per kilowatt capacity equivalent for solar thermal (hot water and steam) systems.

Another $15 million will be in the form of grants or rebate incentives to stimulate implementation of energy efficiency improvements in homes and commercial properties.

Virginia residents will be eligible for a rebate for 20 percent on eligible improvements (eg, windows, heating/cooling systems, etc.) – not including appliances – up to $2,000 per consumer. Application details will be made available on Stimulus.Virginia.Gov site after the plan has been approved.

On the local level, one of the most forward-thinking jurisdictions has been Arlington County – especially with its “smart growth” and transportation principles. While the county offers numerous incentives for green buildings and energy, most appear to be on the construction/development side.

The county’s Fresh AIRE – Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions, a collaboration between county government, businesses, organizations and individuals, does provide a variety of resources for homeowners and renters to help green their abodes – such as federal tax credits for energy efficiency and purchasing renewable power – but does not appear to include incentives specific to Arlington residents.

For you apartment and condo dwellers, the county furnishes an extensive list of ideas and resources, as well as powerpoint presentations from past Green It! Arlington workshops (ongoing) and on holding your own “green expo” at your building.

Unfortunately, I’ve run out of time for this week, but please share what your Virginia county is doing in the comments section below!

PS: And stayed tuned for Maryland next week…

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User ricardo.martins