Local, state and federal programs offer financial incentives for homeowners to go green. In Parkland, Fla., the city utility office will issue a check for $150 if low-flow toilets or showerheads are installed. In San Francisco, homeowners get rebates up to $5,000 if they install solar panels. In Cincinnati, any homeowner who renovates or builds a home to LEED standards qualifies for a 15-year, 100-percent property tax abatement of up to $500,000.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website offers an extensive list of financial opportunities for homeowners. President Bush extended some of the tax credits provided by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and you can view these at energytaxincentives.org.

Many states and municipalities also offer tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades. Go to dsireusa.org to learn more.

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