Data centers have become an integral part of every business operation, from small local businesses to major corporations. As the volume of data increases every year, the amount of space required for data centers is also increasing. Whether you are building a data center for the first time or investing in infrastructure and improvements, it is important that you know about and work on improving data center ROI with utility incentive and rebate programs.
Finding Rebate Programs
For most companies the biggest hurdle in taking advantage of available rebates and incentives for new data centers is not knowing what the rebates are and how to find them. In cities and states throughout the U.S. there are programs for utilities and energy efficiency offering rebates and incentives for reducing energy usage, plus there may even be federal programs to encourage energy efficiency as well.
Not all of the rebate programs are specifically customized for data centers, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of the savings. The N.C. Solar Center at North Carolina State University has created the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), with support from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. This comprehensive database provides extensive information about all the state and local rebates available in an easily searchable format by state.
It includes a variety of information about rebates and incentives, including:
- Corporate tax credits and financing opportunities
- Personal and business tax credits
- Sales tax incentives
- State bond programs
- Utility rebates
- Rules and policies regarding energy building codes and standards
- Additional information on programs and initiatives for energy efficiency, green power, and more
Keys to Maximize Your Data Center ROI
For many companies a data center is a huge expense, and it can be a significant drain on resources over time, but there are a few things that you can do to prevent it from becoming a financial burden. Many tax rebates and incentives are helping companies achieve this goal with high-tech energy efficiency initiatives that help reduce costs and preserve resources. Whether it’s data center consolidation and virtualization to earn rebates and reduce energy consumption, or innovative cooling technologies that reduce the largest cost for many data centers by keeping servers at a steady temperature, many companies are working to improve efficiency.
Many utility providers are also implementing efficiency programs that are more tailored to data centers, and organizations like the Consortium for Energy Efficiency is addressing the topic. Making the switch to more energy efficient data centers might seem like a big task, but overall it will save you money, lower your carbon footprint, and can generate additional cash to offset those costs through the strategic use of incentive and rebate programs.
