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State of Nevada Commercial Green Building, Renewable Energy and Efficiency Incentive Programs
The following is a synopsis of the multiple incentive programs available in Nevada for commercial green buildings and renewable energy. Please keep in mind that these programs were all current at the time of this writing, but it is your responsibility to verify with the governing body to determine what qualifications your project would need to have to meet the requirements for incentives. Website resources are provided for each of the projects.
State Incentives
Green Building Property Tax Abatement
Non-residential buildings and multi-family residential buildings that earn certification under the US Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program may be eligible for a partial abatement of property taxes.
Buildings which earn a Silver rating can receive a 25% property tax abatement, Gold can receive a 30% abatement, and 35% can be awarded to Platinum certificates.
Alternative Energy Property Tax Abatement
New or expanded businesses in Nevada may apply for a property tax abatement of up to 55% for up to 20 years for real and personal property used to generate electricity from renewable energy resources including solar, wind, biomass, fuel cells, geothermal or hydro.
There are several job creation and job quality requirements that must be met in order for a project to receive an abatement.
Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
In Nevada, any value added by a qualified renewable energy system shall be subtracted from the assessed value of any residential, commercial or industrial building for property tax purposes. Qualified equipment includes solar, wind, geothermal, solid waste and hydroelectric systems used to heat or cool a building, heat or cool water used by a building, or generate electricity used by the building. This exemption applies for all years following installation.
Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemption
New or expanded businesses in Nevada may apply for sales and use tax abatement for qualifying renewable energy technologies. The amount of taxes abated can be everything in excess of 0.6% for a period of 3 years. This rate varies dependent upon the county in which the business is located. The start date begins when the first piece of equipment is delivered to the designated facility or taxes are paid on the equipment.
The abatement applies to property used to generate electricity from renewable energy resources including solar, wind, biomass, fuel cells, geothermal or hydro.
There are several job creation and job quality requirements that must be met in order for a project to receive an abatement.
Utility Incentives
Renewable Generations (State Rebate Program – NV Energy)
NV Energy administers the Renewable Generations Rebate Program for photovoltaic (PV) systems and small wind and hydroelectric systems on behalf of the Nevada Task Force on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy.
For all categories, rebates will not exceed 60% of the installed system’s value up to 10 kW and 30% of the installed system’s value above 10 kW. The total rebate will not exceed 60% of the eligible installed system cost. NV Energy takes ownership of the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the electricity produced by a customer’s PV, wind or small hydro system.
http://www.nvenergy.com/renewablegenerations
SureBet (Utility Rebate Program – NV Energy)
Commercial, industrial and institutional customers of NV Energy can take advantage of a wide variety of incentives offered through the program for retrofit and new construction projects. Prescriptive rebates are available for cooling equipment, lighting, motors, vending machine controls, programmable thermostats and refrigeration improvements. Energy saving measures not covered under the prescriptive rebates can receive custom financial rewards worth $0.10 per annual on-peak kWh reduction, and $0.05 per annual off-peak kWh reduction. Businesses constructing new facilities can also receive financial rewards for achieving LEED certification.
http://www.nvenergy.com/saveenergy/business/incentives/surebet/
Energy Efficient Equipment Rebate Program - Southwest Gas
Prescriptive rebates for retrofit or new construction project energy savings measures
Includes storage water heater, griddle, steamer, fryer, combination oven
Limited to two of each qualifying measure per customer
Large Commercial Energy Audit – Southwest Gas
Southwest Gas large commercial and industrial customers in Nevada have an opportunity to increase the energy efficiency and lower energy costs of their businesses. Customers may qualify for financial support of up to 50 percent of the costs for a commercial energy efficiency audit.
Local Incentives (City of Las Vegas)
Green Building Rebate Program
LEED registered buildings can earn up $1,000 towards expedited plan check. They can also earn $1,000 - $5,000 Permitting fees reduction and up to $10,000 LEED project fee refund.
Must complete the Green Building Program Letter of intent and submit at time of permit application.
http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/sustaininglasvegas/
