Knoxville residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations have just a few more months to apply for energy rebates through the City's Green Building and Incentive Program. About $162,000 remains available to help defray the costs of either solar panels or approved energy-efficient appliances.

Deadlines for applications are March 2 for solar panel rebates, and April 2 for appliance rebates. To qualify, residents, agencies, or business owners within the City of Knoxville must:

Complete an energy audit. The cost of the audit can be rebated, up to $150. A residential energy auditor list is available from CAC Housing and Energy Services at 865-244-3080 or www.cachousing.org. Businesses should contact TVA's Energy Right Solutions for Businesses, at www.energyright.com/business.

Implement at least two recommendations of the audit, which could include installing storm windows, duct repair, insulation improvements, and weather-stripping.

Purchase solar panels or approved energy-efficient appliances. Solar panels must be installed by a City-approved and qualified installer. Eligible appliances include: Energy Star refrigerators, water heaters, washing machines, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, freezers, air cleaners and purifiers, water coolers, televisions, and computers, and Water Sense toilets. Rebate amounts vary from $150 to $750, depending on the appliance. Purchases made after Aug. 3, 2011, are eligible.

Funding for the Green Building Incentive Program comes from a federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block (EECBG) Grant the city received as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program began Sept. 21, 2011.

For application forms and program guidelines, contact CAC at 865-244-3080, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.