Energy Analysis » Energy Self Sufficiency

Podcast about Solar Thermal

Tony — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:16:46 +0000

Renewable Energy World did an in depth podcast on the solar thermal earlier this year that I just listened to last week. It’s a good listen for anyone interested in solar energy technoloogy to heat their domestic hot water, what types of technology are out there, and some important things to consider before selecting a solar thermal system.

Listen to the Podcast: Realizing the Potential of Solar Thermal

Small Wind Turbine Federal Tax Credit is Law

Tony — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:40:06 +0000

Small Wind Turbine Federal Tax Credit is Law (GEO)

The legislation signed into law on October 3, 2008 — the Energy Improvement and Extension Act as part of (i.e. Division B) H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 — also includes a new federal investment tax credit to help consumers purchase small wind turbines for home, farm, or business use. Owners of small wind systems with 100 kilowatts (kW) of capacity and less can receive a credit for 30% of the total installed cost of the system, not to exceed $4,000. The credit will be available for equipment installed from today through December 31, 2016. For turbines used for homes, the credit is limited to the lesser of $4,000 or $1,000 per kW of capacity.

Earlier this week I posted another entry about this legislation with respect to the extension and expansion of a similar credit for the solar industry that was first passed in 2005. Residential and commercial solar PV installations can receive a 30% credit, capped at $4,000 for residential applications and uncapped for commercial uses.

Provisions of solar investment tax credit (ITC) extension & expansion

Tony — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:30:02 +0000

Last week I highlighted some of the energy-related tax incentives that passed with the bailout bill earlier this month. One of those incentives is the 8-yr extension and expansion of the solar investment tax credit (ITC).

Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended for 8 Years (Green Energy Ohio)

This landmark legislation is part of H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, designed to address the U.S. financial crisis. It is the most significant federal policy ever enacted for the solar industry. The solar investment tax credit (ITC) provisions will:

Extend for 8 years the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations;
Eliminate the $2,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent tax credit (effective for property placed in service after December 31, 2008);
Eliminate the prohibition on utilities from benefiting from the credit;
Allow Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and individuals, to take the credit;
Authorize $800 million for clean energy bonds for renewable energy generating facilities, including solar.

According to a Navigant Consulting report, extending the ITC is expected to create 440,000 jobs and encourage $325 billion of private investment in the solar industry.