Funding available for green improvements

Solar panel installation
$10 million in low-interest loans are available and the maximum amount per applicant is $35,000. The maximum household income for eligible applicants is $93,000.
Melanie Conner/Getty Images

Minnesotans who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes can apply for new state funding.

The micro-energy and conservation home improvement loans are intended to help save on energy costs, grow so-called "green-collar jobs" and improve the environment.

State Housing Commissioner, Tim Marx, said homeowners can replace a furnace, boiler, water heater or make other improvements.

"Insulation and air ceiling and new windows. Or even more exotically, solar and thermal and solar electric and wind turbine generators and other things that might help them generate some electricity as well as conserve electricity for their own use," Marx said. Marx recommends getting an energy audit from a utility company to determine the most cost-effective home improvements.

$10 million in low-interest loans are available and the maximum amount per applicant is $35,000.

The maximum household income for eligible applicants is $93,000.