The Clean Energy Toolkit
Use these “tools” for help with each of the Seven Steps to Clean Energy
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Funding your Transition
There are more financial incentives available today than ever before. Most homeowners are eligible for thousands of dollars in rebates and tax credits toward clean energy and efficiency improvements. The federal incentives will be available through 2032, making it easier to spread out your clean energy investments over a period of years.
The blue button below opens a one page table of every federal, state, and utility incentive available. It provides a concise overview you can download or print for your reference. As you plan specific projects, you can determine the amount of each incentive for which you’re eligible. (Some programs have an income eligibility requirement. You can determine your eligibility at New York Energy Advisor.
The One-Stop Guide to Funding your Transition
Download our free guide to identify the financial incentives available from Federal, New York State, and utility sources.
You might also check out these two guides at Rewiring America and NYSERDA.
Schedule a Free Energy Consultation
Have a question about solar, home insulation, heat pumps, or electric vehicles? Whatever the topic, Joe Montuori, our trained Energy Coach can answer your clean energy questions.
Need help with an energy project, but not sure where to begin? We can help you determine the most cost-effective options available, guide you to NYSERDA-approved contractors, and even help you to evaluate job quotations.
Schedule it now!
Click below to quickly find a time that's convenient for you and our Energy Coach.
Calculate your Carbon Footprint
Sometimes our use of fossil fuels isn’t very obvious. Your carbon footprint is a measure — usually expressed in tons of CO2/year — of all of the greenhouse gas emissions released as a result of your lifestyle. We can take individual responsibility for a signifiant portion of our carbon footprint, and establishing a measured baseline is a great way to start. Think of it as the start of your journey to 100% clean energy!
Once you’ve measured your footprint, you can begin to eliminate these carbon emissions by using the Tools below as you follow the 7 Steps. As you proceed, re-calculate your footprint and note your progress. You’ll be able to take pride in doing the right thing for our children and grandchildren.
Calculate your Carbon Footprint!
This self-audit is a calculator to help you discover — and quantify — the total greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide and methane) from your home or business. This interactive tool will provide you with a baseline for your carbon footprint. As you make changes, you can revisit this tool and track your progress away in eliminating your footprint and toward 100% renewable energy!
Select a Solar Option
Today, everyone can go solar — with or without installing solar panels on your roof. There are two options for going solar:
Installing panels on your property can be a great choice. Although it requires a significant investment, owning your own photovoltaic system will save money and produce significant amounts of electricity in the long run. Sustainable Putnam can help you find a local solar installer to complete the job and put you on the path to energy independence.
Community Solar is a New York State program which requires utilities to buy the electricity produced by solar farms built within their service territory. But only if you enroll in a community solar program. There are no cancellation fees, or other charges. You receive a set percentage discount on the solar electricity that solar farm produces every month. Most programs currently offer 10%, and that discount cannot change for the life of your enrollment. Meanwhile, carbon emissions and other pollutants are reduced, good jobs are created, and NYS’s electrical grid becomes cleaner. Learn more and sign up here today!
Which solar option is best for me?
Not sure which form of solar is right for you? Use our Solar Decision Tree to help you decide. Answer a few questions and choose the best solar option for you and your household or business.
Planning Worksheets
One hurdle in making the transition to clean energy is planning. It makes financial sense to wait until your HVAC system, vehicle, or appliance need replacement. But when you need heat or transportation, you need it now! There’s no time to learn about new technologies, much less shop around for the best model and price.
That’s where our Planning Worksheets come in! This printable PDF document currently includes:
- Major appliances, hot water heaters, HVAC systems, electric vehicles, and solar installations
- Guidance and tips to help you select the brands and models you prefer
- Note-taking space to record your research, list potential models, sources, and contractors.
Clean Energy Planning Worksheets
Download and print our free PDF, and start your own clean energy plan. With your help, we're working to improve these. Suggestions? Send them via the Contact Us link below. Updated March 2023.