What does this funding get me?
This program, also known as the Homeowners Managing Efficiency Rebates (HOMES), provides rebates for comprehensive home energy upgrades like insulation and air sealing, along with the installation of newer and more efficient appliances. If the upgrade will save 35% or more energy, you can receive up to $4,000 or 50% of the project costs, whichever is less. For energy savings between 20% and 34%, you can get up to $2,000 or 50% of project costs, whichever is less.
Am I eligible?
Homeowners and landlords in partnership with contractors are eligible. Low-income households are eligible for even more — those earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) can receive double incentives, up to 80% of project costs.
Check here for AMI in your county. Need help? See more resources below.
How can I access the money?
North Carolina: The NC State Energy Office (SEO) is launching its rebate program January 16, 2025. Check the SEO’s Energy Saver NC website for details on how to apply.
South Carolina: The SC Energy Office is preparing its application to DOE. Check the status of the application on DOE’s tracker map. For more information, contact Gretchen Pool, Energy Program Coordinator at 803-737-0984 in the SC Energy Office.
What is the timeline?
See previous section.
Under certain circumstances, these rebates may be available retroactively for retrofit projects that began as early as August 16, 2022. Check this Department of Energy guidance for details.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
- Tariffed On-Bill Financing Program (currently available to customers of Duke Energy NC and Roanoke Electric Membership Cooperative)
- Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR)
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit
- Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
Where can I get more information?
- DOE web page on HEAR and HER rebates
- Energy Saver North Carolina (NC rebate program)
- SC Energy Office web page on the rebates
- Sierra Club’s Appliance Buyers Guide
- NC Clean Energy Technology Center’s Word to the Wise guide to home energy upgrades, which has more information on this incentive and others, plus hints on hiring contractors (English) (Spanish)
- Rewiring America’s coverage of the Home Energy Rebate programs
- Rewiring America’s Personal Electrification Planner helps homeowners and renters see what funds may fit their individual needs. In less than five minutes, the Personal Electrification Planner will generate a customized plan to help users go electric based on their unique home, lifestyle, and priorities. Check out the Planner HERE. *Due to Rewiring America’s changed privacy policy, any data you input may be sold to third parties.
- See the topline recommendations and full public comment letter that we submitted during the public comment period for the NC rebates.
- For questions about these rebates, and to get help applying for them, please contact Meech Carter at info@energyfundsforall.org.