As of July 1, Arizona homeowners may receive a cash rebate after they purchase a solar water heater or an Energy Star-qualified appliance.
Under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy is disbursing $300 million to help states promote the adoption of energy-efficient appliances and related technologies. On paper, at least, the idea is to kill two birds with one stone: by providing rebates for new energy-efficient equipment, states aim to (1) encourage spending, which is good for the economy, and (2) phase out old, less-efficient technology, which is good for both the economy and the environment.
Arizona, for its part, is using some of its federal dollars to incentivize the purchase of the following items:
- Solar hot water systems: $500
- Refrigerators: $200 or $300 (depending on the model’s efficiency rating; higher rated models receive the higher rebate)
- Freezers: $100 or $200
- Room air conditioners: $75 or $150
Details are available on the Arizona Appliance Rebate Program website. Note here, however, that “you must make the appliance purchase before applying for the rebate.” The program, we’re told, will stay open as long as money is available. The $173,550 that remains (as of today) is sure to go fast. So if you’re considering the purchase of a new fridge, solar water heater or AC unit, you best shake a leg. Get your Visa prepaid rebate card today.
Finally, as far as we’re able to discern, the statewide solar hot water rebate is available above and beyond whatever incentive is available via your utility, like Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) or Tucson Electric Power (TEP). Solar water heating systems in Arizona already make a good deal of financial sense — just think what that extra $500 would do.
