Energy incentives are getting a lot of buzz these days on the Internet. Whether it is the recent petition to extent the 1603[1] grant proposal or the survey recent grant offered by DOE Secretary Steven Chu to reduce the “soft costs”[2]of PV, incentive news is truly all around.
But… dare I ask, what is the 1603 grant or soft costs?
[For the avid learner, the 1603 grant is actually a subsection of the American Recovery and Reinvestment act that deals with renewable energy. The term ‘soft costs’ generally refer to non-material fees attached to a product. In the case of renewable energy, the soft costs would primarily be the government and installation fees incurred.]
Simply put, most Americans do not know what these terms mean, let alone what incentives are available to them.
Navigation through the ever-intricate web of cross-linked energy incentives, rebates, and grant packages throughout the Internet can be nauseating. Indeed, according to a study conducted in October by Harris Interactive, a whooping 61%[3] of Americans are entirely unaware of the energy efficient incentives around them.
Granted (no pun intended), this is not too surprising. However, just because this statistic is expected does not mean it is acceptable.
We, here at www.EnergyGridIQ.com, are looking into ways to get more Americans, and people in general, knowledgeable about the ways they can save money quickly, and easily. We came up with a couple of reasons why people might shy away from incentive knowledge, and we’re working to fix them.
1) Problem: Energy sites and regulations are too dense and convoluted
Solution: We’re taken a two-pronged approach. First off, with or geo-coded database we have enabled users to quickly find incentives that are pertinent to their location. This eliminates all of the time most people spend sifting through horribly complicated websites and gives you the information you need instantly. Heck, you even SAVE ENERGY by spending less time on the computer… that counts, right?
Secondly, we have enabled users to post energy questions or potential projects. This way, you can get automatically informed about the incentives related directly to your particular project. For instance, if you are looking to upgrade your refrigerator, you can simply post that you want a new, energy efficient fridge, and see what kind of info, offers, and deals stream in. You’d be surprised at the results.
2) Problem: Incentive data is boring… I want real examples
Solution: Indeed, for most people raw incentive data is, well, little more than just numbers on a page. That is why we have developed a ‘projects’ section. This gives the average consumer examples of how energy projects have developed in their area. Thus, you can see how people around you are putting the local incentives to work. Their saving money, why can’t you?
3) Problem: Energy topics are too “complicated”
Solution: Currently, we are developing an up to date database and knowledge center for all of the energy topics pertinent to energy efficiency. Say you are looking to upgrade your water heater and are interested in Solar Thermal technology. EnergyGridIQ will provide you with a brief description on how the technology works, how much it can save you, and links to more articles designed to ‘dig deeper’. This way, whenever you are curious about an energy efficient technology, you can check out our website.
Either way, it’s time for an energy revolution. Internet carelessness, disorganization, and discontinuity is alienating too many people from the world of renewable and efficient energy technology. EnergyGridIQ (www.energygridIQ.com) is committed to changing that. Check in! Join us! And become part of the world’s energy future.
[1] http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/12/renewable-energy-groups-seek-1603-extension-analysts-offers-hope-for-life-after-the-grant
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