Ohio is currently only using 1.8 percent of its total wind potential, according to the Buckeye Wind Project.
Wind power is a form of renewable energy that does not produce carbon dioxide emissions. Ohio, like other states in the country, is orchestrating strategic, targeted investments in wind energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Ohio wind power grants total millions of dollars a year, according the Ohio Department of Development. The Buckeye state's government and universities are working together to advance wind energy. Grants for Ohio wind energy projects are available to homeowners, small wind developers and large-scale project developers. Does this Spark an idea?
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: State Energy Program
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act strengthens Ohio's economy by strengthening its investments in advanced energy industries. Not-for-profit organizations, for-profit companies, educational institutions and state and local governments are eligible to apply for more than $96 million in grants. This grant program is a joint effort between the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, with input from additional agencies in the state.
U.S. Department of Treasury's Renewable Energy Grants
This federal grant program is available for several renewable energy sources, including wind, to commercial developers. Non-profits and local governments are not eligible to apply. Applications for this grant must be submitted before October 1, 2012. To be eligible for a Ohio wind power grant under this program, your small wind property must include wind turbines up to 100 kilowatts in capacity.
Ohio Tax Exemptions
Ohio's Renewable and Advanced Energy Project Property Tax Exemption works like a grant in that it exempts qualified energy projects in Ohio from property taxes. To qualify for the property tax exemption, a renewable energy facility must apply to the Ohio Department of Development, must be new and have capacity of less than 250 kilowatts. For a facility above 250 kilowatts, while there is no property tax, a payment in lieu of tax is required.
Ohio's Local Loan Program
Ohio enacted legislation in June 2010 that allows towns and counties to start revolving loan programs to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are permanently affixed to residential, commercial or other real property. Loan repayments and interest are fed back into the revolving loan fund, allowing the loan, in theory, to continue indefinitely. This loan program may only charge interest rates below the prevailing market rate.
Tags: renewable energy, Department Development, Ohio Department, Ohio Department Development, wind energy, American Recovery, American Recovery Reinvestment
