We feel it would be beneficial to the town of Chapel Hill to provide an accessible "link" to information on Federal and State incentives for Renewable Energy, either by an actual link on their website, or by making information easily accessible at the Town Hall.  Residents and companies will be able to access the information readily and apply it to there needs.

    DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy) has constructed a webpage with current Federal and State incentives. Established in 1995, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by the North Carolina Solar Center. The project currently tracks only a select number of Federal and State incentives that promote renewable energy. New Federal and State programs and incentives for renewable energy will be added to DSIRE website as they become available.

    The incentives provided are financial incentives primarily for residents and businesses, though some are provided for the industry sector. The purpose of incentives for Renewable Energy is to encourage certain sectors to incorporate new and often expensive technology in an affordable way.  Many sectors cannot afford to purchase renewable energy technology because of the high capital (initial) cost.  Incentives offer tax reductions, tax exemptions for existing renewable units, reward programs, and loans/mortgages for projects that include energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems. This information will help Chapel Hill take advantage of installing renewable energy technology and help to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.

DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy)

North Carolina Incentives for Renewable Energy
North Carolina Past Efforts to Curb Global Warming
Chapel Hill Past Efforts to Curb Global Warming
Federal Incentives for Renewable Energy

EPA: Save Energy With Home Improvements
These are some suggestions on how to reduce energy consumption in your home.

North Carolina Solar Center:  "The NCSC serves as a clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond. Through its programs and services, the Solar Center seeks to stabilize energy costs for consumers, stimulate local economies, reduce dependence on foreign fuels, and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels."