Solar Industry News

Federal Tax Credits Extended Through 2017

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which was signed into law on October 1, 2008, contains renewable energy legislation which is great news for our solar customers. Not only was the 30% commercial solar investment tax credit extended through 2017, but the same tax credit was also extended to residential installations.

Under this legislation the previous $2,000 cap for residential solar installations was eliminated. This means that, as of January 1, 2009, the purchase of a residential solar electric system makes you eligible for a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of your solar system, including installation. See full information on how you may use the tax credit.

If the federal tax credit exceeds your tax liability, the excess amount may be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year. If you do not earn enough to pay taxes to the U.S. Treasury, you may apply for 30% of the cost of the solar or wind system in the form of a Renewable Energy Grant.

Courtesy of Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency

Conserve Energy With Solar Panels

Every day, tons of toxic gas is poured into the atmosphere, produced from the burning of fossil fuels to generate energy required for complex human systems. The more energy you use from your non-renewable utility provider, the more these non-renewable resources are wasted and the more harm is done to the environment. The use of solar panels made from solar cells is a clean alternative, and is a very environmentally friendly alternative to the burning of fossil fuels. Solar Panels generate no pollution, and can keep your home independent of the electricity grid, or solar panels can be used as a supplement.

There a number of ways you can reduce your consumption of energy generated from fossil fuels, and help protect the environment as civilization undergoes the transition from non-renewable to renewable energy.

SOLAR PANELS

Solar Panels are a great way to free yourself from dependence on polluting, non-renewable energy sources such as your local coal, oil, or natural gas power plant. Installing solar panels with a synchronous or multifunctional solar inverter allows you to use city electricity in emergency times, or when adverse conditions keep your solar battery charge low.

PASSIVE METHODS OF REDUCING POLLUTION

Reducing the amount of electricity you consume is another great way to prevent the waste of energy, resources, and unnecessary damage to the environment.

Lighting

If you live in a secure neighborhood with ample lighting outside, the use of outdoor lights on your own residence is discouraged. Consider turning off the lights at night. Every second you leave the lights on means wasted energy.

Commute

Commuting in a gas-guzzling vehicle is a direct use of fossil fuels and if you can find a car with better gas milage for your next purchase, consider the benefits such a vehicle would confer unto the environment and posterity. Also, carpool whenever possible and use a bike for short trips if you live in a dense community. It's better for the environment, less expensive for you, and great for your health.

Heaters & Air Conditioners

Heaters and Air Conditioners likely make up a large part of your electricity bill. Reducing the amount of energy you use to heat and cool your home can cut your energy bills down by a solid amount, and help in energy conservation efforts. Use heaters and air conditioning sparingly, and do not leave them on when you will be leaving the home for more than a short period of time. Make sure to keep all doors and windows shut and sealed when running an air conditioning or heating system, to retain the heat and reduce the amount that must be generated.

Courtesy of SPI

Solar Power Success: Yearly Return & Low Energy Costs

When Jim Camasto had money to spare a few years back, he made a wise decision to invest in something other than the stock market: solar power. Today, this decision yields him a 3 to 4% yearly return and security that other investments just don't offer.

After having a solar thermal and solar electricity system installed on his roof, Camasto began to reap the benefits in lower monthly energy costs. How much exactly? A 50% reduction in gas costs and 70% reduction in energy costs. Better yet, he was then able to begin selling the extra power back to the electricity grid, as well as renewable energy credits to investors, who lend money to renewable energy projects.

Luckily, since the price of installing solar panels has been dropping steadily, other homeowners can soon follow in Camasto's footsteps. Some states even offer tax incentives to cover up to 30% of the installation cost.

It may cost a pretty penny upfront, but solar energy panels offer a substantial return in the form of lower energy costs. Plus, they're the perfect selling point for any homebuyers down the road.

Courtesy of Solar Power Authority

Affordable Ways to Start Using Solar Today

There is so much talk of green and clean energy these days, most people have at least thought about how they can use solar in their lives. The problem is that with a tough economy and bleak job market, most people feel like they just don't have the money to invest in solar. Well, there is a cheap and easy way to start using solar power that won't break the bank!

Affordable grid tie kits are great for do-it-yourself homeowners

Thanks to rapid advancements in solar inverter technology, you can install a solar grid tie kit onto your home for far less then ever before. It used to cost at least $10,000 to install a small system on a home. But using micro-inverters and 200W panels, homeowners can install a single panel and inverter for about $1000 and start to reap the benefits of free energy from the sun.

Many homeowners have begun slowly adding panels on a regular basis, on Earth Day, or as their budget allows. The new technology allows homeowners or anyone with a building to add on to the system in increments, without spending a fortune all at once. You could start with a 230W system, add a panel every 3 months or as your finances allow, and have a 4000W system that covered your entire power bill in just a few years. It's never too early to start, especially with the price of electricity fluctuating and rising over time.

View all the Solar Kit Packages available!

Courtesy of Solar Power Authority