There's no shortage of unexpected costs when you're running a cannabis grow, but what if someone told you that one of the biggest upgrades you could make, switching to LED lighting, could come with a fat rebate check? "We're not just promising free money," says Ethan Cohen from Green Rebates. "We're showing growers that this stuff is out there, and it works."
Green Rebates partners with cultivators across the U.S. to help them unlock energy efficiency rebates, mostly for LEDs, but also for HVAC, dehumidifiers, and other heavy hitters on the electric bill. "These rebate programs are a great way to empower them to go more energy efficient."
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Location and utility provider
Rebates aren't just about what you buy, but also where you buy it. "We've told clients: if you build your facility here, you're out of luck. But if you go one mile down the road and land under a different utility provider, you could be eligible for a huge rebate," Ethan explains. That's why Green Rebates gets involved early, often before a grower has even locked down their facility. "We act kind of like a free consulting company. No charge up front, and we don't get paid unless the grower does."
Eligibility hinges on two key things: using LED lighting, and working with a utility company that actually offers rebates. Some states and utilities are better than others, Michigan and Minnesota are currently hot spots, with Minnesota's new cannabis licensing wave making rebate opportunities especially ripe. "There's one utility there, Xcel, that's giving out massive rebates. We're talking six figures on a regular basis."
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Rebates that actually matter
Green Rebates has worked with thousands of growers and helped deliver major returns. "We had a grower in California who managed multiple facilities," Ethan says. "He came to us at a trade show, skeptical like everyone else. But after working together on three or four projects, he got over a million dollars in rebates." The guy stayed under the radar, no social media, no fluff, but showed up on the company's podcast just to say thanks. "He told us, 'When you get a check for hundreds of thousands of dollars, it brings a smile to your face.' And that's what this is about."
Another project in southern Michigan cleared over $500,000 in rebates, typical for a well-built mid-sized grow. "It takes time. It's a long process. But when it goes through? It's one of the most rewarding things we do," Ethan says.
It's not just free money
What Green Rebates really wants to push is the bigger picture: energy awareness. "People think rebates are a bonus," Ethan says, "but they exist for a reason. Cannabis uses an insane amount of energy. You're basically trying to recreate the sun indoors. LEDs help, but most growers don't realize how much they could be saving."
That's where the education comes in. The Green Rebates team doesn't just talk dollars, they talk yield. "We've seen some of the best growers in the country using under-canopy lighting to maximize production. They're not just saving money, they're growing smarter." The team also works with HVAC and dehumidifier providers like Anden, one of the most trusted names in climate control. "Cannabis thrives in specific conditions. When you invest in the right environment, and get a rebate for it, it's a win-win."
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Helping growers win
The core mission is basically to help cultivators get paid for doing the right thing. "We don't walk into grows talking about rebates," Ethan says. "We talk about yield. About quality. And then we show them how energy efficiency fits into that." Whether it's finding the right utility provider, navigating applications, or just being on call during a stressful install, Green Rebates is there to support the whole way through. "Growers have enough on their plate," Ethan says. "We're here to make it easier, and get them a check that makes it all worth it."
For more information:
Green Rebates
www.greenrebates.com
