Manufactured housing incentives now available

August 3, 2009

July 1 was a day to remember for South Carolinians interested in buying an energy-efficient manufactured home.

 

On that day, two attractive state financial incentives kicked in – a 100% sales tax exemption and a $750 income tax credit. Buyers will be eligible for both incentives if they purchase an ENERGY STAR® manufactured home. Both credits will be in effect until 2019.

 

“These incentives represent a significant step forward for the state as a whole, considering that ENERGY STAR manufactured homes represent the latest and greatest in efficient housing,” said Trish Jerman, manager of policy and programs for the South Carolina Energy Office.

 

The tax incentives do not apply to modular homes.  Manufactured homes are built to a national building code and modular homes are built to a state building code.  The builder, developer or retailer selling the home can tell you whether the home you are interested in is a manufactured or modular home.

An ENERGY STAR-qualified manufactured home is generally 30 percent more energy efficient in its heating, cooling, and water heating than a comparable standard code home. This increased level of energy efficiency can be met using standard technologies and manufacturing practices by successfully integrating three key home components:

And unlike a site-built home, an ENERGY STAR manufactured home enjoys the benefits of factory-controlled conditions and third-party verification. The ENERGY STAR program is a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Energy and EPA.

“The companies that build and sell manufactured homes are enthusiastic about ENERGY STAR.  You’re going to see these homes widely available at display centers across South Carolina,” said Mark Dillard, executive director of the South Carolina Manufactured Housing Institute.

 

“Energy efficient housing can dramatically reduce a family’s energy bill, which is good for everyone involved. We expect the tax savings to provide consumers an excellent opportunity to upgrade to a new home, and we think the savings to the consumer will continue to create a compelling case for homeowners to move toward more efficient housing in the future,” said Chad Lowder, manager of marketing and government relations for Tri-County Electric Cooperative.

 

“These new incentives for manufactured homes will give us a great tool to encourage dealers to order more efficient new homes,” said Eddie Plowden, marketing manager for Berkeley Electric Cooperative.

Since 1995, the South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO) has been providing a broad range of resources designed to help citizens, businesses and public entities save energy and money. During that time, the SCEO has helped save South Carolina over $250 million through public and private energy-saving measures and new energy technologies. The SCEO is part of the South Carolina Budget and Control Board. Additional information can be found at www.energy.sc.gov.

 

The Manufactured Housing Institute of South Carolina is a non-profit business association representing 700 member companies involved in the manufactured and modular housing industries in the Palmetto State.  MHISC’s membership includes retailers, community owners, manufacturers, service / supply companies, insurance and financial institutions, developers and home installers. Additional information can be found at http://www.mhisc.com/.