Skip to main content
Desire database

Desire database

Phone number
N/A
Category
Home
Auto tags
Eligibility
Open to all; searchable by zip code for location-specific incentives and policies
Auto Summary
DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) is the most comprehensive free database of U.S. renewable energy incentives and energy efficiency policies. Users can search by zip code to find applicable state and local incentive programs, rebates, tax credits, and policies supporting clean energy adoption.
Value
Free comprehensive database of renewable energy incentives, rebates, tax credits, and efficiency policies searchable by location
Espanol
No Spanish resources currently available
Heads-up — the page name says "Desire database," but this is DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency). Same resource, just a typo in the title we left in place to keep the URL stable.

What it is

DSIRE is a free, public database of every U.S. state, federal, and utility incentive for renewable energy and energy efficiency — rebates, tax credits, loans, grants, net-metering rules, and policies. It's run by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and has been maintained since 1995.

Who this helps

  • Homeowners in Nevada County looking for rebates on heat pumps, solar, EV chargers, insulation, windows, or weatherization
  • Renters trying to figure out what their utility (PG&E) offers
  • Anyone planning a clean-energy upgrade who wants to stack incentives (federal + state + utility) before buying

How to actually use it

  1. Open the link with the Grass Valley zip code pre-filled: https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?zipcode=95959 — replace 95959 with your own zip if you're elsewhere.
  1. The results table lists every program that applies to your location.
  1. Use the Category filter on the left to narrow it down — e.g., pick "Financial Incentive" if you want money back, or "Regulatory Policy" if you're checking net-metering rules.
  1. Click any program name for the full write-up: who qualifies, dollar amounts, expiration date, and the agency to apply through.

What to skip

  • The "From SIR" filter is for industry researchers — ignore it.
  • DSIRE itself does not process applications. It points you at the program; you apply through the agency or utility listed in the entry.
  • Expiration dates matter — federal tax credits and state rebates have specific sunset dates listed on each program page. Check the date before counting on the incentive.

Related TechEmpower resources

For utility bill help (not incentives), see our Energy / Utilities resources rather than DSIRE.