Available Tools

To facilitate rebate transactions, states will require a combination of IT systems and personnel to work with implementers and/or other service providers. PNNL and DOE developed the Application Programming Interface (API)—also known as the DOE Rebate Tracking System and Coupon Generator—to facilitate program implementation and reduce reporting requirements. When utilized in tandem with the PNNL Quality Install Tool, the DOE API streamlines the rebate issuing, redemption, and reporting procedures while the Quality Install Tool simplifies the process of collecting the required quality installation documentation. 

Application Program Interface (API)

DOE and PNNL created an API that will provide a set of rules and protocols to allow external entities to connect to the national rebate tracker. In the context of the Home Energy Rebates programs, the Rebate API serves as a bridge between the central database, external systems, and the internal Address API that protects personally identifiable information (PII). 

The purpose of the API is to facilitate the reporting of program data to DOE by enabling authorized stakeholders, such as state energy offices and implementers, to securely access and report the required information. By streamlining the data reporting process, the API enhances transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in tracking and analyzing the program's impact.

Development Overview

To implement the Home Energy Rebates program, the state, territory, or Tribe is responsible for pursuing one of the following implementation pathways to interact with the DOE/PNNL Rebate Tracking System: 

  • DOE Option 1: Build a connection to the DOE/PNNL API for a real-time connection.  
  • DOE Option 2: Build a connection to the DOE/PNNL API for monthly reporting purposes. 
  • DOE Option 3: Use the DOE-provided spreadsheet and upload it on the DOE/PNNL portal for manual monthly reporting purposes. 

Development Updates

The current version of the DOE/PNNL API is intended to support and be consistent with the DOE Data and Tools Guide. 

Changelog 
Please see API Schema Documentation to stay up to date with API versioning.

Accessing the API

At this time, anyone can access the API in sandbox test for testing purposes. You will need a username and password. To request testing credentials, email the development team at RebateTools@pnnl.gov.

  • The first time you log in, you will be prompted to set up two-factor authentication.
  • Once you are logged in, you can obtain an authentication token by navigating to the Settings page. 
  • To use the "Try it out" button for any endpoint in this Swagger document, you must first use the "Authorize" button (with the lock icon) and enter your authentication token.

Access the API in Sandbox-test

Only authorized users may access the production API. All contacts provided in the pre-launch data details will have a production API account created automatically. Requests for production API accounts must come from the state’s, territory’s, or Tribe’s official point of contact.

API Schema Documentation

The IRA Rebates API GitHub repository is intended to contain materials useful to users of the IRA Rebates API. A folder has been added containing JSON Schema files that are used by the IRA Rebate API to validate the JSON payload of each POST endpoint. API users may find these files useful as documentation and as an aid to early development.

Spreadsheet Reporting

DOE and PNNL recognize that full integration with the DOE API may not suit every need. With that in mind, a possible integration path is to use the DOE API for spreadsheet reporting, which allows for manual data entry and submission without full integration. There are two spreadsheets, 50121 and 50122 (links below are spreadsheets that correspond to Data and Tools Guide version 2), which can be used together or independently, allowing for a split-process approach where one rebate program can use spreadsheet reporting while another utilizes full integration. Programs have the flexibility to decide when to rely on existing infrastructure and when to integrate with the DOE API, ensuring the most efficient and effective reporting process for their needs.

Template Upload Instructions

50121 Reporting Spreadsheet

50122 Reporting Spreadsheet

(Last updated January 16, 2025)

Quality Install Tool

PNNL’s Quality Install Tool is open source and can be used to support the Home Energy Rebates programs. The Quality Install Tool simplifies, standardizes, and expedites the creation of high-quality installation documentation using geotagged, photo-based prompts throughout the process, and automatically generates a presentable Quality Install Report PDF that can be saved, emailed, or printed. Relevant Quality Install Tool workflows will continue to be updated in the web app.

Geotagging Resources

Capturing Geotagged Photos
Transferring Geotagged Photos
Viewing Geotagged Data in Photos