💡 Who Is Eligible for an LED Rebate?

Introduction

LED rebates are one of the best ways to reduce the cost of upgrading your lighting. Utility companies, state programs, and government agencies offer these financial incentives to encourage the switch from inefficient lighting (like fluorescent, incandescent, or HID) to modern, energy-efficient LEDs.

But the key question many customers ask is: Who qualifies for an LED rebate? The answer is broader than you might think — eligibility extends to homeowners, renters, multi-family property managers, businesses, and even certain public organizations.

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1. Residential Customers (Homeowners & Renters)

• Homeowners can apply for rebates when upgrading fixtures, bulbs, or entire rooms with LED lighting.

• Renters often qualify too, especially for simple bulb or fixture replacements, though some programs may require landlord approval for larger upgrades.

• Examples of covered upgrades:

  • Replacing old incandescent or CFL bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs.

  • Installing LED recessed lighting, flush mounts, or under-cabinet strips.

  • Adding LED outdoor lighting for safety and efficiency.

👉 Most residential rebates are instant or mail-in and can be as simple as showing proof of purchase.

ps. onbulb dose not service there type of rebates

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2. Multi-Family Properties

This is one of the biggest rebate categories, and highly relevant for your business:

• Property managers, building owners, and HOAs can claim rebates for large-scale LED upgrades in common areas and tenant units.

• Rebates often apply to:

  • Hallways, stairwells, and lobbies (where lights run 24/7).

  • Apartment kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms (bulk fixture replacements).

  • Parking garages and outdoor security lighting.

• Why utilities love this segment: Multi-family properties create large, immediate energy savings, making them a top priority for rebate programs.

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3. Commercial & Industrial Businesses

Businesses of all sizes qualify, from small offices to massive warehouses.

• Examples:

  • Offices upgrading panels, troffers, or flush mounts.

  • Warehouses replacing HID high bays with LED high bays.

  • Retail stores moving from fluorescent strips to modern LEDs.

• Custom rebates are often available for large projects. These calculate incentive amounts based on total kilowatt-hours (kWh) saved rather than a flat rate per fixture.

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4. Nonprofit & Public Sector Organizations

• Schools, universities, and hospitals often qualify for rebates to upgrade classrooms, labs, and patient areas.

• Municipal buildings, libraries, and community centers are usually covered under utility rebate programs.

• Some programs even offer enhanced rebates for nonprofits to make upgrades more affordable.

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5. Geographic & Utility Service Area Requirements

• Rebates are location-specific. You must be a customer of the utility offering the rebate.

• Example: A rebate from Con Edison (New York) is not valid if you’re in PG&E territory (California).

• Always check your utility provider’s website or rebate portal to confirm eligibility.

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6. Equipment & Product Requirements

Even if you’re eligible as a customer, the product itself must also qualify:

• Fixtures and bulbs usually must be ENERGY STAR® or DLC (DesignLights Consortium) listed.

• Products need to meet specific performance standards for wattage, lumens, and lifespan.

• Some rebates only apply to new purchases — not reused or second-hand fixtures.

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7. Pre-Approval & Application Conditions

• Many larger projects require pre-approval before installation. This ensures the utility agrees the project qualifies for the rebate.

• Steps usually include:

  1. Rebate Info Intake – Provide project details, fixtures, and estimated savings.

  2. Pre-Approval – Utility reviews and issues conditional approval.

  3. Installation – Complete your lighting upgrade.

  4. Final Approval & Payment – Submit proof, get rebate check or credit.

• For smaller residential rebates, pre-approval is often not required — you just file paperwork or receive an instant discount at checkout.

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8. Who Does Not Qualify?

• Customers outside the utility’s service area.

• Projects using non-certified (non-ENERGY STAR/DLC) products.

• Installations already completed without pre-approval (for programs that require it).

• Non-electric lighting upgrades (e.g., gas lamps).

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Conclusion

In short, almost everyone is eligible for some type of LED rebate — homeowners, renters, property managers, businesses, schools, and nonprofits. The main factors are:

• Being a customer of the participating utility.

• Using qualifying LED products.

• Following the proper application steps (especially for larger projects).

👉 At onbulb LED, we simplify this process. We’ll not only help you choose the right LED fixtures, but also handle the rebate paperwork from start to finish — ensuring you save both upfront and long-term on your energy costs.