Everything you need to know about utility rebates, R&D tax credits, and how What Rebates works. Can't find your answer? Talk to our team.
How It Works
What does What Rebates do?
What Rebates is a performance-based utility rebate consulting firm specializing in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). We identify every rebate, incentive, and tax credit your facility qualifies for — then handle the entire application process from start to finish. You do nothing except collect the check.
How is What Rebates different from doing it myself?
Utility rebate programs are complex, have strict deadlines, and are designed for industrial facilities — not growers. Most operators miss programs they qualify for simply because they don't know they exist. We maintain relationships with utility program managers across 48 states and track 500+ active programs, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Do I need to be a certain size to qualify?
No minimum size requirement. We work with single-room grow operations all the way to multi-site enterprises. What matters is the type of equipment you operate, not the size of your facility. If you run efficient equipment in a CEA setting, there's very likely money available to you.
Do you work with cannabis operations?
Yes. Cannabis is one of our core specialties. Many utilities have expanded their rebate programs to include cannabis cultivators, and we know exactly which programs are cannabis-friendly and which ones to avoid. State-by-state restrictions vary, and we navigate that complexity on your behalf.
Eligibility & Programs
What types of businesses do you work with?
We work with indoor cannabis cultivators, vertical farms, greenhouses, specialty crop growers, and any business operating energy-intensive equipment in a controlled environment. If you run LED grow lights, HVAC systems, dehumidifiers, or similar equipment, you're likely a fit.
What states do you cover?
We are active in 48 states. Rebate availability varies by state and utility territory — some states have very robust programs, others are limited. We'll tell you exactly what's available in your territory during your free audit.
What equipment qualifies for rebates?
The most common qualifying equipment includes: LED grow lights (DLC-certified), HVAC systems, commercial dehumidifiers, environmental controllers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), solar installations, and battery storage systems. Equipment must generally meet efficiency standards set by the utility program.
Can I still apply if I already installed my equipment?
In many cases, yes. Most programs allow retroactive applications for equipment installed within the past 6–24 months, depending on the utility. This is one of the first things we check during your audit — past installations can represent significant missed money.
What are R&D Tax Credits and do I qualify?
The federal R&D Tax Credit (Section 41) rewards businesses that invest in innovation and experimentation. For CEA operators, activities like developing new cultivation techniques, testing lighting protocols, optimizing nutrient delivery, and improving climate control systems often qualify. It's a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability — not just a deduction.
Process & Timeline
What is the process from start to finish?
Step 1: Free audit — we review your facility, equipment, and utility accounts (30 minutes). Step 2: Program identification — we cross-reference your operation against all active programs in your territory. Step 3: Application filing — we prepare and submit everything on your behalf. Step 4: Follow-up & collection — we manage utility communications until funds are disbursed.
How long does it take to receive a rebate?
Timeline varies by utility and program. Most rebates are paid within 60–120 days of application submission. Some programs have longer queues, especially for larger incentive amounts. We set expectations upfront based on the specific programs we're filing for you and follow up proactively.
What documentation do I need to provide?
Typically: equipment invoices or purchase receipts, utility account information, facility address, and in some cases a brief site verification. We handle all the paperwork — we just need the source documents from you. We'll give you a simple checklist after your audit.
Do I need to be present for the audit?
No. Our initial audit is done remotely — a 30-minute call where we gather the information we need. In some cases a utility may require a site inspection as part of their process; if so, we coordinate and attend on your behalf.
Fees & Payment
How much does What Rebates charge?
We work on a performance-based fee structure — a percentage of the incentives we recover for you. There is no hourly billing and no retainer. If we don't recover money for you, you don't owe us anything.
Is there any upfront cost?
None. The audit is free, the program identification is free, and the application filing is free. Our fee is only paid upon successful recovery — after you receive your rebate or credit.
Can I claim both utility rebates and R&D Tax Credits?
Yes, with some coordination. Certain costs used in a rebate application may need to be excluded from R&D credit calculations, but the two programs are largely stackable. We work with your CPA or can refer you to R&D specialists to maximize the combined benefit.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
Click "Get Started" or "Calculate My Rebate" anywhere on the site. You'll schedule a free audit call — 30 minutes, no commitment. We'll walk through your facility and equipment, identify what programs apply, and give you a clear picture of what you stand to recover.
What happens during the free audit?
We'll ask about your facility size, equipment list (LEDs, HVAC, dehumidifiers, etc.), your utility provider, and when the equipment was installed. From that information we can identify applicable programs and give you a realistic estimate of potential recovery.
Can I track my rebate applications?
Yes. Once we file your applications, you'll have access to your client dashboard at whatrebates.com/login where you can track the status of each application, see expected timelines, and view your recovery history.
What if I have multiple facilities in different states?
Multi-site operators are actually a great fit for our model — we can audit all facilities in a single engagement and file across multiple utility territories simultaneously. Several of our largest clients operate 5–20 sites.