$3,000

Per-household incentive for improving energy performance by 20%

Source: Proposed in the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) of 2009

$1,000

Additional incentive for each 5% improvement over 20%

Total not to exceed 50% of project costs

10%

Annual payback of insulation/air-sealing

Source: Sustainable Spaces, for this and remaining items. Based on applying the ARRA tax credits to a 1,100-square-foot attic, $1.50 per square foot

2%

Annual payback of a 96%-efficient furnace

$6,000 furnace, 2,200-square-foot home

65%

Percentage of insulation project costs that derive from labor (more jobs created)

15%

Percentage of solar electric project costs that derive from labor (fewer jobs created)

$4,900

Average California utility rebate for solar electricity

3.5 kWh solar at $1.40 per watt rebate

$ 165

Average California rebate for insulation

1,100-square-foot attic, 15 cents per square foot rebate