Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency

Data, Graphs, and Maps

Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APPhysics, Economics, Civics, Engineering

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by North Carolina State University

Open Resource

What it is

This database details the various incentives available in every state for individuals and businesses that use renewable energy or increase energy efficiency.
Students will learn how each program incentivizes efficient or renewable energy use and can use an interactive map to compare the number of incentives available in each state.

Teaching tips

Positives

This database is searchable by ZIP code or state, making it easy for students to navigate.
Information is available for each program listed, which has many potential applications in the classroom.

Additional Prerequisites

Students should understand the importance of renewable and efficient energy use, as well as how financial incentives can help implement change in public consumption.

Differentiation

Cross-curricular connections can be made in science classes discussing energy consumption, thermal energy, and insulation, and in language arts classes reading non-fiction or scientific texts.
This resource would make an excellent tool for students to research how tax policy impacts the behavior of taxpayers. Using the database, students could evaluate and rank the impacts of each policy.
As an extension, have students research a program in another state that they would like to see enacted in their home state. Then, have them write a letter or e-mail to the department or agency that could help get a similar program running in their state.

From the scientist review

This is a website that allows users to research available information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. This resource is recommended for teaching.

How we review resources

Ready to use it?

Hosted on dsireusa.org

Open Resource

Want this to fit your class?

Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.

At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Subjects: Physics, Economics, Civics, Engineering
Other types: Interactive Media
Language: English
Location: Earth, North America, North America > United States
Provider: North Carolina State University
Authors: DSIRE
Published: November 28, 2022
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · HS-ESS3-2. + 11 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

HS-ESS3-2.HS-ESS3-2. Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
HS-ESS3-4.HS-ESS3-4. Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS-ETS1-1.HS-ETS1-1. Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
D2.Civ.12.9-12D2.Civ.12.9-12 Analyze how people use and challenge local, state, national, and international laws to address a variety of public issues.
D2.Civ.13.9-12D2.Civ.13.9-12 Evaluate public policies in terms of intended and unintended outcomes, and related consequences.
D2.Eco.1.9-12D2.Eco.1.9-12 Analyze how incentives influence choices that may result in policies with a range of costs and benefits for different groups.
D2.Eco.12.9-12D2.Eco.12.9-12 Evaluate the selection of monetary and fiscal policies in a variety of economic conditions.
D2.Eco.7.9-12D2.Eco.7.9-12 Use benefits and costs to evaluate the effectiveness of government policies to improve market outcomes.

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

HS-ESS3-2.HS-ESS3-2. Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
HS-ESS3-4.HS-ESS3-4. Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS-ETS1-1.HS-ETS1-1. Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
SS.Econ4.c.hSS.Econ4.c.h Evaluate types of taxes (i.e., progressive, regressive) and earned benefits with eligibility criteria (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid). Justify the selection of fiscal and monetary policies in expanding or contracting the economy.

Cookie Preferences

What it is

Teaching tips

From the scientist review

Ready to use it?

Want this to fit your class?

Related Teaching Resources