Geothermal Urbana Champaign Virtual Resource Packet

Geothermal Urbana-Champaign Virtual Resource Packet

We’ve taken all the resources we go through during our Geothermal Power Hour and compiled them here so you can take a deeper look into all aspects of geothermal.

Geothermal 101 Resources

Presentation Slides are available here. The on-demand video version of the presentation can be found below.
Check out the Geothermal Exchange Organization’s “Geothermal for All” fun and short Youtube videos that explore the benefits of geo while addressing skeptics. Watch here!

Energy Efficiency Resources

Making energy efficiency and conservation choices in your home, including replacing old appliances with new energy efficient models, switching out old incandescent bulbs with LED lights, utilizing power strips to power off electronics when not in use and weather-proofing can save significant amounts of energy. Implementing good energy efficiency measures is an up-front economic investment that can reduce your energy needs, reducing the size and cost of the geothermal system needed for your home or business. Click here to learn about Ameren’s Energy Efficiency Program.

Geothermal Incentives & Financing

The federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is open to all homeowners regardless of the state in which they live. The tax credit covers up to 26% of qualified expenditures. This includes labor, installation and interconnection wiring. You must own the house but it doesn’t have to be your principal residence. Click here for more information (and to download the necessary tax form) to learn about the Federal Tax Credit.
Rural small business owners and agricultural producers can apply for grants and loans up to $20,000 to purchase and install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements through USDA’s REAP (Rural Energy for America Program). The program offers grants for up to 25% of total project costs, and loan guarantees for up to 75% of total project costs. Click here to learn more about USDA REAP in Illinois.
The Clean Energy Credit Union, which was founded in 2017 for the purpose of helping folks finance renewable energy and electric vehicle purchases. It is a member-based credit union which MREA is a member of. If you choose to go geothermal through this program you will have access to financing through the Clean Energy Credit Union. Learn about their rates and terms here.

Pre-Recorded Geothermal Power Hour

Our Virtual Power Hour presentation will help you understand more about geothermal technology, the Geothermal Urbana-Champaign program, and the costs and benefits of going geothermal. At the end of the virtual presentation you can sign up for a free site assessment.