Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Stored: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center |
| Top Organization | Department of Energy |
| Creation Legislation | Energy Policy Act of 1992 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | The program provides a comprehensive, accessible database of incentives and policies to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency across the United States. It aims to empower individuals, businesses, and policymakers with information to facilitate adoption of sustainable energy practices. |
| Program Start | 1995 |
| Initial Funding | Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, though specific initial amount unavailable |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is a long-standing resource designed to catalog and disseminate information on incentives and policies that encourage the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies throughout the United States. Operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at North Carolina State University, it serves a wide audience including homeowners, businesses, and government entities by offering detailed, searchable data on federal, state, local, and utility programs. Notable for its longevity and breadth, DSIRE has been a key tool since its inception in 1995, adapting over time to include over 2,800 active policies and incentives as of recent updates.
Goals
- Provide a centralized, up-to-date repository of renewable energy and energy efficiency incentives and policies.
- Enable users to filter opportunities by state, technology, sector, and other criteria to find relevant support.
- Support the transition to sustainable energy practices with accessible data, targeting broad adoption across residential, commercial, and public sectors.
Organization
The program is managed by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at North Carolina State University, under the sponsorship of the Department of Energy. It is governed by a team of researchers and technical staff who maintain and update the database, ensuring its accuracy and relevance. Funding primarily comes from the Department of Energy, supplemented by occasional grants or partnerships with organizations like the Interstate Renewable Energy Council during its early years. The leader of the program holds the title of "DSIRE Project Manager," currently overseen by the Center’s directorate with dedicated staff assigned to its operations.
History
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency originated in 1995 as a response to growing interest in renewable energy spurred by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which laid the groundwork for federal support of sustainable energy initiatives. Initially a joint project between the N.C. Solar Center (now part of the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, it was funded by the Department of Energy to address the need for a unified information source. Over the decades, it evolved from a basic listing to an interactive platform with maps, APIs, and enhanced search tools, with a significant update in 2015 improving data accessibility. Its sustainability is tied to ongoing federal support, with no planned end date, and it continues to expand its scope as new policies emerge.
Funding
DSIRE’s initial and ongoing funding stems from the Department of Energy, though exact initial amounts from 1995 are not publicly detailed. Funding began in 1995 and has been renewed consistently, reflecting its status as an evergreen program with no set termination. Additional resources have occasionally been provided through partnerships, such as with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council in its formative years. The program’s budget supports staff salaries, website maintenance, and technical upgrades, with costs integrated into the broader operations of the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center.
Implementation
The program operates through a publicly accessible website, updated regularly by a dedicated team who compile data from government, utility, and other official sources. Its rollout has been phased: starting with a simple database in 1995, it grew to include interactive tools like maps and an Application Program Interface by 2015. There is no defined end date; instead, it adapts continuously to reflect current policies and incentives, ensuring long-term relevance.
Related
External links
- https://www.dsireusa.org
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/office-energy-efficiency-renewable-energy
- wikipedia:Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
Social media
References
- ↑ "Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency". N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center. https://www.dsireusa.org.
- ↑ "Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/office-energy-efficiency-renewable-energy.