Local, State, and Federal Incentives
Our Director of Climate Policy recently compiled a report of all the incentives available to households and businesses across the Commonwealth. We wanted to make that information accessible through our Challenge website. Here you’ll find grants, loans, tax credits, and rebates to help your business achieve cost-savings while executing your sustainability initiatives. For the full report of commercial and residential incentives, a glossary of terms, and applicable references, download the pdf file here.
Energy Efficiency
Special Tax Rate for Energy Efficient Buildings - City of Charlottesville
Energy efficient buildings in the City of Charlottesville are eligible for a 50% reduction on the building’s real estate tax rate for one tax year. All Charlottesville commercial properties qualify, as long as the building meets or exceeds performance standards such as the EarthCraft Home program or the GBI and/or LEED rating systems.
How Can I Access This?
Visit the City of Charlottesville website for more information about the program and your eligibility.
Clean Energy Commercial Loan Program- City of Charlottesville
The City of Charlottesville, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), and financial institutions like the UVA Community Credit Union, have teamed up to offer financial support for businesses committed to energy efficiency and clean energy. Local businesses in the City can apply for loans up to $60,000— at rates as low as 0%— for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy technologies.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more about the program at the Clean Energy Commercial Loan Program website. To get started, speak with a representative at 434-227-4666 or email info@leap-va.org.
Title 1 Property Improvement Loans - All
HUD insures Title I loans for improvements that substantially increase the basic livability of the property. Title I loans range between $7,500 and $60,000, and can be used to finance energy efficiency improvements such as lighting and appliance upgrades.
How Can I Access This?
HUD outlines the loan stipulations and application and application process on their website. Call (800) 767-7468 and request item 2651 for more information.
Dominion Lighting Systems and Controls Rebates - Virginia
If Dominion is your energy provider, check out the list of rebates the company offers to customers who install new energy efficient lighting controls. Rebates are available for technology including T8s, T5s, LEDs, and occupancy sensors.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more about the program and applicable technologies on Dominion’s website, and call (888) 366-8280 for additional information.
Dominion Small Business Improvement- Virginia
Dominion conducts an on-site energy assessment, provides a report of potential energy-saving measures, and offers rebates for installing those measures. Rebates for lighting upgrades range from $2.75 to $400 per item, depending on fixture type.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more about the program and applicable technologies on Dominion’s website. Email Dominion to get started and reserve your participation.
Dominion Non-Residential Prescriptive - Virginia
If Dominion is your energy provider, check out the list of rebates the company offers to customers who install new energy efficient appliances. Rebates are available for technology and services including duct sealing, HVAC system tune-up, and upgraded commercial kitchen appliances.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more about the program and applicable technologies on Dominion’s website, and call (888) 366-8280 for additional information. Click here for the full list and values of available rebates.
Dominion Window Film Rebate - Virginia
If Dominion is your energy provider, check out this available rebate for the installation of window film using pre-approved contractors on or after October 1, 2019. The rebate amount is based on the improvement in Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. Window film on commercial buildings can reduce annual energy use by close to 5%, block 99% of UV rays, and provide a return on investment in 2-5 years.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more about the program and applicable technologies on Dominion’s website, and call (888) 366-8280 for additional information.
Toilet Rebate Program - City of Charlottesville & Albemarle County
As a City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County property owner, you may be eligible to take advantage of an $100 rebate offered for the purchase and/or installation of a low-flow toilet at least 20% more efficient than standard toilets. In both programs, participants may replace up to 3 toilets.
How Can I Access This?
For City property owners: Learn more about the rebate program at the City of Charlottesville website, and access the full application online. Applications can be returned with your water bill, faxed to (434) 970-3212, or mailed to the Office of Utility Building, P.O. Box 591, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
For County property owners: Learn more about the rebate program at the Albemarle County Service Authority website, and access the full application online. Call the Administration Department at (434) 977-4511 for more information.
Rain Barrel Rebate Program - City of Charlottesville & Albemarle County
As a City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County property owner, you may be eligible for a $30 cash rebate in exchange for the purchase and installation of a rain barrel. Rain barrels collect rainwater, which helps decrease runoff and provides a free source of water for activities such as irrigation, watering potted plants, or car-washing. In both programs, participants can replace up to 2 rain barrels.
How Can I Access This?
For City property owners: Learn more about the rebate program at the City of Charlottesville website, and access the full application. Applications can be mailed to 305 4th Street, NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903, faxed to (434) 970-3659, or emailed to waterconservation@charlottesville.org.
For County property owners: Learn more about the rebate program at the Albemarle County Service Authority website, and access the full application. Applications can be mailed toACSA, 168 Spotnap Rd., Attn: Rebate Program, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
Programmable Thermostat Rebate - City of Charlottesville Gas Customers
If your business is a City of Charlottesville Gas Customer, switch to a programmable thermostat and cash in on a $100 rebate. Must be in good standing with the City.
How Can I Access This?
Purchase a programmable thermostat from your local heating/cooling provider, keep the receipt, install it, and then click on this form for your $100 rebate. For more information check out the City of Charlottesville website.
Tankless Water Heater Rebate - City of Charlottesville Gas Customers
The City of Charlottesville offers a $200 rebate to Charlottesville Gas customers who switch from a propane, electric, or natural gas storage tank water heater to an energy-saving tankless heater.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more at the City of Charlottesville’s website, and fill out the application form here.
Dominion Energy HVAC Rebates - Virginia
If Dominion is your energy provider, check out their rebates offered to customers who upgrade or replace their heating and cooling systems to be more efficient. Rebates are offered for such technologies as: air conditioners, heat pumps, chillers, variable frequency drivers, and economizers.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more about the program and applicable technologies at Dominion's website, and call (888) 366-8280 for additional information.
Roof Fee Reduction - City of Charlottesville
If you’re a City of Charlottesville property owner and would like to construct a green roof, you likely qualify for a 50% reduction of the building permit fee. A “green” roof is defined by as a roof used to generate solar energy, or a roof of which at least 50% is covered by vegetation.
How Can I Access This?
Look on the City of Charlottesville website for more specific information about the fee reduction.
Renewable Energy
Solar Tax Exemption/Credit - City of Charlottesville
City of Charlottesville property owners are eligible for a tax exemption credited against the value of solar energy equipment, facilities, and/or devices. The credit is viable for five years. To qualify, participants must own property in the City of Charlottesville and install solar equipment.
How Can I Access This?
Read more about the program on the City of Charlottesville website, and access the full application online. Applications should be submitted to Neighborhood Development Services, 610 East Market St, P.O. Box 911, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Renewable Energy Tax Credits - All
Under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, your business may be eligible to receive tax credits in exchange for the generation of renewable energy. Tax credits are available for solar energy systems, small wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, and fuel cells. The credit is worth 30% for systems serviced by the end of 2019, 26% by the end of 2020, 22% by the end of 2021, and 10% from 2022 onwards.
How Can I Access This?
Check out Energy Star’s website for more information on the federal program, and how to apply.
LEAP’s Solarize Campaign - Virginia
LEAP runs Solarize campaigns across Virginia, which aim to offer accessible education regarding solar power options, and the simple facilitation of solar installation and financing. LEAP will perform a free solar satellite assessment and help connect you with a certified installer.
How Can I Access This?
LEAP is not currently running a Solarize campaign in Charlottesville, but they still offer many of the same services, including a free solar satellite assessment. Visit the Solarize webpage, or contact LEAP at (434) 227-4666 or at info@solarizeva.org.
IRS MACRS Solar Accelerated Depreciation - All
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, businesses can recover investments in property utilized for renewable energy production through depreciation deductions. Bonus depreciation was recently increased to 100% on solar systems that steps down each year over the 5-year MACRS schedule. To qualify, participants must be the commercial property owner and install a solar system on the property.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more about the program here.
Transportation
Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credits - All
The federal government offers federal income tax credits of between $2,500 and $7,500 for all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars bought in or after 2010 for use in the United States. The size of the tax credit depends on the size of the vehicle, its battery capacity, and whether the manufacturer of the vehicle has reached its 200,000 quota.
How Can I Access This?
Visit Fuel Economy website for more information about the tax credits and qualifying vehicles. Click here to access the form and claim your credit.
Charlottesville/Albemarle Guaranteed Ride Home - City of Charlottesville & Albemarle County
If your employees take alternative transportation to work at least twice a week, Rideshare offers a Guaranteed Ride Home program that pays for a taxi should they have to leave work early for an emergency. The program offers up to 5 free trips home per employee per calendar year.
How Can I Access This?
To make use of the program, full or part-time employees must be registered with RideShare and commute to work via carpool, vanpool, public transit, biking, or walking at least twice a week. Learn more about the organization and the Guaranteed Ride Home program on the RideShare website.
EV Mini-Grant - City of Charlottesville
The City of Charlottesville offers mini-grants to enable to development of publicly-accessible EV charing stations located near commercial hubs throughout Charlottesville. Grants are up to $3,000 for the installation of Level I and II chargers, and up to $7,000 for the installation of DC fast chargers. Charging stations must be accessible by the general public, near commercial and tourist activity centers, and located on private, nonresidential property. Commercial properties can receive up to 2 grants.
How Can I Access This?
Learn more about the grant program at the City of Charlottesville website, and access the full application online. Applications should be emailed to energy@charlottesville.org.
Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit - All
Beginning on January 1, 2020, businesses may claim tax-free benefits for employees commuting via public transit, carpool, or vanpool of up to $270 per month. Benefits may be in the form of transit vouchers, commuter highway vehicle fares, and/or parking fees.
How Can I Access This?
Visit the IRS website to learn more.
This page was last updated on April 20, 2020.