Financial Incentives for Using Solar Power in Your Home
It is undeniable that energy prices are going through the roof. Just take a look at your utility bill. The good news is using solar power can save your bank account, particularly with new incentives.
Personal Tax Credit and Deductions
If anything is more aggravating than exploding energy costs, it's your tax bill. New and established government programs let you attack both by going solar. The first method is by simply saving money on taxes. If you install a solar energy system on your home, the federal government is going to give you a tax credit of up to $2,000. Tax credits reduce your tax liability dollar for dollar unlike deductions which are subtracted from your gross income. A majority of states now also offer tax credits you can use when paying state taxes. Each state handles the matter differently, but you can expect to get a credit for a percentage of your installation cost or a fixed figure.
Net Metering
Net metering is a concept that has resulted in exploding sales in the solar energy industry. Net metering refers to state laws that require utilities to purchase power generated from your residential solar system at the same price the utilities would otherwise charge you for electricity. In effect, net metering lets you use the utility company as a battery. While you are at work during the day, your solar system sends energy to the utility and your power meter actually runs backwards. When you come home at night and use power, the power meter runs forward. All and all, net metering will either slash or completely eliminate your utility bill. With solar panel systems having a life of 40 years, think how much money you'll save! While a majority of states have net metering laws, not all do. Make sure to check if yours does.
Property Tax Incentives
Property taxes. How we all hate paying property taxes. Well, many states now provide exemptions, exclusions or credits for homes with solar power. Each state handles this issue differently, so look into the potential savings in yours.
Rebate Programs
To promote solar energy, rebate programs are offered to homeowners by states and utilities. Again, the characteristics of such programs vary wildly, but typically come in the form of rebates ranging from a couple hundred bucks to $4,000 or more.
With your utility bills going through the roof, it is time to consider steps you can take to save money. The economic benefits of going solar have never been better, which makes now the time to convert.
About the author:
Rick Chapo is with http://www.solarcompanies.com - a directory of solar energy and solar power companies. Visit http://www.solarcompanies.com/articles to read more solar electricity articles.
For Lighting Fixtures and Landscape Lighting Get Solar Power Installed
Solar power is utterly simple, and is definitely the wave of the future. A component called a photovoltaic cell collects energy from the sun and is converted into electricity. There are no moving parts, liquids or chemicals involved in the...
Solar Power: An Alternative Energy Whose Time Has Come
So you're finally tired of those exorbitant electricity bills, or, you're catching onto a "greener" way of life. Either way, solar power may have many advantages for you and your home. There are many obvious positives to using solar power. One is...
Solar Power Panels on the Roof of Your Home?
Have you ever driven by a house and saw that the top of the roof is covered with solar panels? Do you have any idea how much this family saves electricity bills; quite a lot. And there's no reason you cannot do this to. Previously in the last...
|