Paying for green tech is getting simpler (if not actually cheaper)

Thought this post from the writing team at Ecotality was worth a mention, because it's about something that stumps me: How does the average Joe or Jane PAY for all this green tech stuff that Harry and I write about with so much idealism? I worry sometimes that green tech on a grand scale is for the privileged few right now. Money (and design snobbery) kept me from buying a hybrid when I had to choose a new car earlier this year.

But it turns out if you're starting for scratch on building green tech into your home, you could have a little help in the future.

I think it's pretty common knowledge that many states are encouraging investments in alternative energy sources like solar through multiyear rebates that help you recoup some of the equipment investment. My home state of New Jersey, as an example, has been paying up to half. That's about to change into a system of credits for renewable energy.

Now, as Ecotality, reports, money organizations are cropping up around the green building proposition. They include:

- Evolution Partners - The Green Building Finance Consortium

This guide from the Environmental Protection Agency could provide another jumping-off point for your green-tech financing research.

By the way, just out of curiosity, I just did some searching to see if PERHAPS someone offers better rates for auto loans if the vehicle falls into the green tech spectrum. Bingo, there are a whole bunch of companies popping up around this proposition, too. Strangely enough, many of them are in Canada, where apparently some provincial governments are taking an active interest in green vehicle investments. Heck, after just spending four days in Banff National Park up in Alberta, I can sure see why.