Real Energy Rebates

Energy Rebate Programs Step Back

2009-04-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

ST. GEORGE, UTAH -- Rebates for energy efficiency improvements have become increasingly popular in recent months, as people try to save a few bucks in the economic recession, but according to a recent report, the rebates may have been alittle too popular.

The City of St. George Energy Services Department, which blew through the $50,000 it had for an energy efficiency rebate program this year in about six weeks, will lower the rates offered for insulation installation, from 25 cents per square foot to 20 or 30 cents per square foot, as soon as it has the funds to start the program up again.

The move follows on the heels of a similar move by Questar Gas, which announced last week a reduction in insulation rebate rates available through its Thermawise energy efficiency program. Other utilities plan to implement similar reductions.

"Paying attention to what (Questar) had presented, they had some good documentation that supports the argument to lower the rates," said rene Fleming, conservation coordinator for the St. George Energy Services Depeartment.

The program was meant to inspire better energy conservation, and help the city lower its electrical load, especially during the peak months of summer when much of the city uses air conditioning. Instead, people would stack the city rebates on top of the Questar rebates, and sometimes get paid for making the changes.

April 8, 2009 TheSpectrum.com Southern Utah's #1 Source for News and Information

2009-2010 Stimulus Package to include Rebates?

2009-02-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

There have been Congress and Senate debates regarding whether rebate programs should be included in the 2009-2010 stimulus package. We will provide updates, so please come back often for further information.

Consumer Energy Tax Incentives

2008-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

What the Economic Stabilization Bill Means to You

The recently passed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343) included, extended and/or amended many consumer tax incentives originally introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT). The bill also included tax incentives for business, utilities, and government.

About Tax Credits

A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.
Fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-efficient appliances and products provide many benefits such as better gas mileage – meaning lower gasoline costs, fewer emissions, lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and reduced air pollution.
In addition to federal tax incentives, some consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates, as well as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes, vehicles and equipment. Each state’s energy office web site may have more information on specific state tax information.
Below is a summary of many of the tax credits available to consumers.

Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax CreditsConsumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in the home can receive a tax credit of up to $500 for improvements "placed in service" starting January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.

Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credits

Consumers who install solar electric systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2016; the previous tax credit cap of $2,000 no longer applies. In addition, consumers who install small wind systems can receive a tax credit up to $4,000. Geothermal heat pumps also qualify for tax credits up to $2,000.

Automobile Tax Credits

Individuals and businesses who buy or lease a new hybrid gas-electric car or truck are eligible for an income tax credit for vehicles “placed in service” after January 1, 2006 and purchased on or before December 31, 2010. The amount of the credit depends on the fuel economy, the weight of the vehicle, and whether the tax credit has been or is being phased out. Hybrid vehicles that use less gasoline than the average vehicle of similar weight and that meet an emissions standard qualify for the credit. There is a similar credit for alternative-fuel, diesel, and fuel-cell vehicles.
This tax credit will be phased out for each manufacturer once that company has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. At that point, the tax credit for each company’s vehicles will be gradually reduced over the course of another year.
If individuals and businesses buy more than one vehicle, they are eligible to receive a tax credit for each. If a tax-exempt organization buys such a vehicle, the retailer is also eligible to receive another credit. Companies that buy heavy-duty hybrid trucks are also eligible for a larger tax credit.
Consumers who purchase plug-in electric drive vehicles can also receive a tax credit. The credit for passenger vehicles and light trucks ranges from $2,500 to $7,500 based on the tax code formula.
Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the total number of qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles sold in the U.S. exceeds 250,000.

SOURCE: EnergyStar.gov

http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm

Virginia's [Lack Of] Solar Incentives

2008-11-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

Currently, the Commonwealth of Virginia offers little to home and business owners in terms of tax credits or rebates for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems – including solar water/space heating, solar air conditioning and PV systems. When compared with incentives offered neighboring states such as North Carolina and Delaware, Virginia is way behind the curve. North Carolina has one of the most attractive incentive programs in the U.S. offering a 35% corporate tax credit ($2.5 million max) for all commercial PV, solar water heating and solar space heating applications. Similarly, Delaware offers a 50% rebate on all commercial solar water heating, space heating and PV applications.
According to MDV-SEIA (Maryland, DC, and Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association), the Energy Bill (SB-232) passed earlier this year contains a grant program with approximately $300,000 allocated for the program.

Sen. Frank Wagner has been a key proponent of a comprehensive solar energy incentive bill. The Wagner Energy Plan introduced included tax credits for both PV systems and domestic solar water heating systems but failed to pass in the current session. It will once again be proposed in the coming session. Stay tuned for further updates.

Please click here to take action now!

www.solarpanelsplus.com/blog/2007/11/20/virginias-lack-of-solar-incentives

Thank You

2008-10-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

I would like to say THANK YOU to solarpowerrocks.com for all their useful information regarding energy tax credits and rebates for all the states in the U.S. I encourage you all to check our their website to gain more knowledge.

http://solarpowerrocks.com/

Wyoming

2008-10-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *

With the Grand Teton mountains, a corner of Yellowstone park, and lots of wide-open cowboy country, Wyoming has great natural resources that could use some protection. With millions of years of history fossilized in its mountains and prairies, and a phenomenal Native American culture, the state has to stop relying on coal. Making the switch to clean, renewable, solar energy would be the easy choice when it comes to safeguarding the West for future generations. Here’s what the Wyoming legislature has done so far to promote solar power in the state.

STATE LEGISLATION
Well, the Wyoming legislature isn’t really sure what that thing up in the sky is (not the clouds, the other bright shiny thing). Aside from a sales tax rebate for the purchase of commercial or industrial renewable energy generation equipment, and a meager rebate for residential solar systems, Wyoming has missed the boat on clean power. Worse yet, the Wyoming legislature only convenes every 2 years, so there’ll be no action before 2009 – time to start voting for new lawmakers. Oh, and call for a special session of the legislature to get crackin’ on some solar power initiatives.

NET-METERING
Wyoming started its net-metering program in 2001. Under this program, any renewable energy generation system up to 25kW in size is eligible. Each month in which your solar system generates more power than you use earns you a credit toward next month’s bill. At the end of a year-long billing cycle, the utility company will buy any left-over power you’ve generated at their wholesale rate.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Homeowners can take advantage of a small incentive program for installing a solar electricity system. This rebate is limited to $3,000, or 50% of the system cost.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Time to install a solar electric system in your Cheyenne home? It’ll cost you about $49,500 (but don’t forget the $3,000 state rebate and the $2,000 federal tax credit – that will lower your bill to $44,500). With a state solar rating of Great, and average usage of 1,300kWh/month at $0.1023/kWh, your system will pay for itself in just 4 to 16 years. Even better, you’ll save about $1,168 to $2,385 each year on your electric bill. Your savings will rise too, since within the next 25 years, your conventional electricity rate is estimated to go up to $0.145/kWh. Still not enough to get you excited? Here are some more important thoughts to keep in mind:
550 square feet of roof area required
Estimated utility savings over 25 years of $29,205 to $59,633
$13,920 to $28,423 estimated property value increase
You’ll be keeping 341 tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere – that’s equal to planting 1001 trees or taking 60 cars off the road!

CONSENSUS
Well, what do you expect from a state whose governor, Dave Freudenthal, said at the World Energy Congress , “One thing that struck me was the extent to which Europe and the U.S. have invested a fair amount of government subsidies into particularly the wind resource as an alternative fuel, yet they have not made the similar commitment on the baseload fuels which turn out to be primarily coal and nuclear power.” Doesn’t Governor Freudenthal realize that the great plains used to be an inland sea? If he keeps promoting coal and nuclear energy, we all may get to experience what that Jurassic ocean was like. In short, Wyoming has a dismal record when it comes to solar power. Now’s the time to make a change; let’s brighten up the Wyoming renewable energy market.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/wyoming/

Wisconsin

2008-10-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ****

To be eligible for these incentives and grants, your home, business or organization must purchase electricity or natural gas from a Wisconsin utility participating in the Focus on Energy Program. Eligibility information is available on the Web site at focusonenergy.com, or by calling the Information Center at 800.762.7077.

Site Assessment Programs
Site assessments are designed to give business owners site-specific information about how solar electric, solar thermal or wind electric systems can help meet their energy needs. A facility site assessment typically costs $400 to $600 for one technology. Businesses located in the Focus on Energy territory can receive 50 percent off a commercial site assessment.
A residential renewable energy site assessment typically costs $300 to $400. Homeowners located in the Focus on Energy territory can receive this service by paying just 40 percent of the cost; Focus on Energy pays the remaining 60 percent.

REBATES
Rebates or “Cash-Back Rewards” as Wisconsin likes to call them are available for installing or expanding commercially available renewable energy systems. Rewards vary by renewable energy system type, size and by the amount of energy the system is expected to produce.
Solar electric (PV) systems: Rewards for systems with a capacity of 20 kW or less can fund up to 25 percent of the project cost, with a maximum reward of $35,000. Incentives for nonprofit or local government projects may be approved for up to 35 percent, with a maximum reward of $50,000.
Solar hot water systems: Rewards can fund up to 25 percent of the project cost, with a maximum reward of $2,500 for small systems and a maximum reward of $35,000 for systems that produce over 250 therms per year. Incentives for nonprofit or local government projects may be approved for up to 35 percent, with a maximum reward of $50,000.
Wind energy systems: Rewards for systems with a capacity of 20 kW or less can fund up to 25 percent of the project cost, with a maximum reward of $35,000.
Non-residential biomass combustion systems: Rewards can fund up to 25 percent of the project cost, with a maximum reward of $10,000.
Solar bonus for homes: Owners of Wisconsin ENERGY STAR®Homes and existing homes that have participated in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program are eligible for a $500 bonus toward the cost of their solar electric or solar hot water system.

GRANTS
Businesses and organizations are eligible for Focus Grants if they purchase natural gas or electricity from a participating Wisconsin utility.

Business & Marketing Grant
These grants provide financial support to organizations and businesses that provide renewable energy services for developing their business plans and marketing materials. Focus on Energy can fund up to 50 percent of these project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Feasibility Study Grant
These grants provide financial support for feasibility studies to determine whether renewable energy systems will work for you. The grant is intended to increase the ability of businesses and organizations to make informed decisions about using renewable energy systems by understanding and solving technical uncertainties. Focus on Energy can fund up to 50 percent of these project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Implementation Grant
These grants provide financial support for developing large renewable energy systems with a capacity greater than 20 kW or 5,000 therms per year. The chart below summarizes the qualifying systems.

Development Grant
These grants provide financial support for large projects that are not eligible for Implementation Grants. These grants co-fund complex feasibility studies, environmental permitting, financing and other developmental activities. Focus on Energy can fund up to 50 percent of the project
costs, up to a maximum of $50,000.

Grant applications are due at noon on the last Wednesday of every month. If your application is received after noon, it will be considered the following month. Grant applications may be submitted to the Renewable Energy Grant Committee by email to renewableapplications@focusonenergy.com, by fax to 608.249.0339, or by mail to Focus on Energy, 431 Charmany Drive, Madison, WI 53719.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/wisconsin/

West Virginia

2008-10-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *

West Virginia, home to the Appalachian Mountains, and some of the most beautiful hills in the country. You say you want to get out and enjoy cultural activities like traditional music and crafts. Perhaps you want to hobnob with the bigwigs over golf at the Greenbrier? Well, clean power will let you have that chance for generations to come. How about solar energy? Well, here’s what the WV legislature has done so far…

STATE LEGISLATION
Well, maybe the legislature in West Virginia is just waiting for next year to spring a whole boatload of solar power legislation on us. Ok, maybe not… but burning coal just is not going to work if we want to keep using this planet.NET-METERING
West Virginia does have a net-metering policy in place. It was just passed in January 2007, and provides for net-metering for both commercial and residential systems up to 25kW in capacity. It is however capped at 0.01% of the utility’s peak capacity; that’s not very much. Worse yet, if you don’t have a bi-directional meter, you have to pay to have it installed, not your utility company. Any extra power you generate in a given month will be credited toward your next bill, for a 12 month billing cycle. After 12 months, there’s really no provision for what happens to any excess power you generate.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Oops, West Virginia got left in the Stone Age… I mean the Coal Age. There aren’t any incentives for solar power here. It’s time to start calling your legislators to tell them to get on the ball when it comes to saving the atmosphere by promoting clean energy.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Here you are on the cutting edge of solar power in West Virginia. Installing your 3kW home solar electricity system in Charleston will cost about $58,500. Don’t forget about that federal tax credit though; it will save you $2,000. You’re worried that your system will take 14-34 years to pay for itself? You’ll cover the cost faster than you think if you factor in all the other perks. Using about 1,300kWh each month, for which your power company, Allegheny Power charges $0.0737/kWh, you’ll save about $830-$1570 per year on your utility bills. You also get to keep 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere, which means that you and your neighbors can breathe again. After all those decades of coal power you could use some good ol’ solar energy right now. Here are a few key points to consider:
650 square feet of roof area required
$9,900-$18715 estimated property value increase
Estimated utility savings over 25 years of $20,771 to $39,266

CONSENSUS
Hey mountaineers! Your legislature has failed! What? Governor Manchin is worried about coal mine safety? Here’s a thought: retrain those miners to work in a safer industry – the solar power industry. Seriously! Coal mining may be part of the heritage of the state, but clean energy is the future of the planet. If you want to keep the state “Wild and Wonderful,” it’s time to start renewing the West Virginia political scene: vote yes on solar!

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/westvirginia/

Washington DC

2008-10-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***

DC SOLAR LEGISLATION
The District of Columbia implemented a Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2005, with an objective of 11% of electrical power requirements to be met by “Tier 1” clean energy sources by 2022. A further condition is that .386% be achieved by solar power.
On December 5, 2006, the D.C. City Council passed Bill #16-515 which established green building standards for structures of 50,000 square feet or more. Uniquely, this bill applied to privately-owned commercial buildings as well as public buildings. Earlier that year, the D.C. Energy Office announced the creation of the District of Columbia Renewable Energy Demonstration Project (REDP) to increase the awareness and use of clean technologies. By December of 2006, $450,000 had been received from a public benefits fund, and applications were being received for demonstration projects. Both programs have solar components and are briefly described below.
These are important steps, but direct incentives to encourage widespread use of solar power by residences and commercial enterprises, are far from adequate. D.C. earns a solar legislator score of “Not bad, but…”

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
D.C.’s Green Building Requirement under Bill 16-515 applies to commercial, schools, and state government sectors. Applicable technologies include passive solar space heat, solar water heat, solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, and daylighting. Certification requirements and other provisions of the bill can be found at the above link.
The Renewable Energy Demonstration Project (REDP) promotes the use of photovoltaics, wind, biomass, geothermal electric, chp/cogeneration, small hydroelectric, fuel cells using renewable fuels, and other distributed generation technologies. Qualified applicants are eligible for up to 50 percent of the costs associated with installing a clean energy resource, but funds are limited. Applicable sectors include commercial, residential, nonprofit, schools, local government, and institutional. Net Metering Rules for commercial, industrial, and residential customers apply to solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, fuel cells, chp/cogeneration, anaerobic digestion, tidal energy, and microturbine systems up to 100 kW in size. Net excess generation is credited the following month at the utility’s full retail rate.
The Reliable Energy Trust Fund supports energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in the commercial, industrial, residential, general public/consumer, utility, and institutional sectors. Applicable technologies are solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, anaerobic digestion, and tidal energy. A surcharge paid by utility customers funds the program, which currently covers 15 approved projects.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
Washington, D.C. is a peculiar place, geopolitically speaking. The 60+ square miles of land it occupies, now owned by the federal government as a permanent home for the nation’s capital, was once a part of neighboring Maryland and Virginia. Since it is not a state but is also a city, the District of Columbia functions under a different political structure – a single municipal government that in most respects regards the City and the District as the same entity. There are nearly 600,000 residents in the City/District, but add in the multitudes from nearby communities, and the metro population is 5.3 million.
With all those people and a generous supply of sunshine (solar rating is “good”), Metro Washington is a great place for rooftop solar collectors to do their job. A 50% reduction in conventional electrical usage requires a photovoltaic system with a roof area of about 400 square feet and a system installation costing about $36,000 (mid-range estimate). Only a $2,000 federal tax credit offsets the front end investment, unfortunately; the system net cost is $34,000. Benefits:
Estimated increase in property value: $7,020
Estimated 25-year utility savings: $14,729
Greenhouse gas (CO2) saved over 25-year system life: 97.0 tons

CONSENSUS
Although the District of Columbia has initiated several pro-solar pieces of legislation, it is evident from the previous example that incentives are lacking to provide a real cash-in-the-pocket kind of motivation to go solar. Initiatives like the Renewable Portfolio Standard are extremely important, but there are other weapons in the arsenal that are still not being used by the District leadership.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/washington-dc/

Washington

2008-10-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***

Dreary cloudy Washington? It’s really not that dreary at all. Click here to check out a solar resource map for the entire Pacific Northwest region. There, you can see during the summer months especially, the region enjoys a considerable amount of sunlight. So at least our legislators there have some sun to work with! Lets turn to the current state incentives.

The Incentives
Washington State Senate Bill SB 5101 provides consumer credits for installing small scale solar power systems connected to the grid and SB 5111 provide incentives for solar manufacturers that may be interested in moving to the state of Washington. These bills passed both the Washington House and Senate in April of 2005 by landslide margins. Not one Washington state legislator voted against these bills! How could you? That’s political suicide.

But Whoa, Not So Fast!
Well Erik, I’m here to say, 1) not so fast and 2) who are you crapping? While those power payment rates may seem huge, the annual $2,000 cap on payments per year in Washington sort of sucks. In comparison to other progressive state’s energy policies, Washington does little to offer much in terms of an across the board rebate or tax break for those installing solar systems. Some have argued that this more gradual rebate of up to $2000 per year supports long term energy efficiency instead of just getting solar panels on roofs. However, in my opinion, there aren’t many businesses that can make the upfront financial investment necessary to justify the cost without such a rebate. For example, in Oregon, there’s a $70,000 installation cap for businesses provided through the Oregon Energy Trust (Granted they aren’t paying a rate of $0.54/KwH, but hell they are at least paying up to a significant amount and the cash is available within 5 years). So in Washington, it is quite a bit more prohibitive to initially go solar - especially if you’re a business.

Installation
Already on Washington’s books are laws forgiving the state sales tax on the purchase and installation of alternative-energy equipment through 2011. Also, there are grants up to 33% provided for installation costs solar thermal electric and PV systems. They are available via "Green Tag" purchases through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). While this is good, there is a limit on the cash BEF can dole out every year..
Solar Water Heating Rebates
Several Washington counties (Ahem, 4 out of 40) offer rebates for solar water heating systems and PVs. For example in Clallam county, solar hot water systems are eligible for a rebate of $500 for each 40 square feet of collector area installed. PV systems are eligible for a rebate of $500 for each kilowatt of capacity installed. Others:
Clark Public Utilities – SWH Rebate -$2000 Qualifying equipment must meet certain specifications.
Franklin PUD - SWH Rebate- $500 for a solar water heater with minimum 40 square foot collector.
Grays Harbor PUD - SWH Rebate - $600 for solar collectors of 40 square feet or more
Solar Water Heating Financing
Again, in a sparse amount of Washington counties, there are loans available for solar hot water heating systems:
Clark Public Utilities - Solar Loan Program-Max $4000- 5% 60 mo.
Franklin PUD - Energy Loans Max: $7000- 3% APR or 6% APR when loan combined with rebate program. Max. $850 (in the form of rebate or buying down loan from 6% to 3%).
Grays Harbor PUD - SWH Loan Maximum Loan Amount: $4,000 Terms: 3.5%

Consensus
There could be better a lot more done to spur on homeowner and small business solar implementations in Washington state. Specifically, if the state of Washington worked with the utilities in a similar way that Oregon has, there could be better incentives for businesses. Hopefully, more catalyzing legislation winds up in Olympia in the coming years.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/washington/

Virginia

2008-10-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **

STATE LEGISLATION
State Bill 1416 was enacted in April of 2007, and is referred to as the Voluntary Renewable Energy Portfolio Goal: a 12% conversion to clean energy sources by the year 2022, to be voluntarily achieved by investor-owned utilities. Applicable energy sources are solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, energy from waste, anaerobic digestion, tidal energy, and wave energy; however, solar and wind power receive double credit toward the Renewables Portfolio Standard objectives. Illinois and Missouri are currently the only other two states that have initiated voluntary rather than mandatory compliance with RPS goals.
About the same time, Governor Timothy M. Kaine signed Executive Order 48 requiringall state agencies and institutions constructing or renovating state-owned facilities to meet stringent energy performance standards.
More recently, on September 12, 2007, Governor Kaine announced the Virginia Energy Plan, which “would reduce the rate of growth in energy use by 40 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent, and seeks to increase in-state energy production by 20 percent. The Plan also calls for expanded consumer energy education, and capitalizes on areas where Virginia has a strategic advantage for economic development and research and development.” Interestingly, there is no mention of solar energy in the news release (although the article devoted several paragraphs to the Commonwealth’s switch to fluorescent bulbs); more significantly, there are few solar references in the 180-page document provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia which describes the plan.
While it is clear that Virginia’s energy policies attempt to reduce consumption, improve energy efficiency, and utilize clean energy alternatives, it is equally clear that increasing the use of solar energy has not been high on the Commonwealth’s priority list. Virginia earns a solar legislation rating of “poor”.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
Net Metering was implemented in Virginia in 2000 for commercial, residential, nonprofit, schools, local government, state government, and institutional sectors. Rules apply to solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, municipal solid waste, tidal energy, and wave energy. Limits on size were increased in 2004 to the current 500 kW for non-residential and 10 kW for residential. Further changes in 2007 now allow for customers to negotiate payment from the utility company for net excess generation; otherwise monthly excess generation is carried forward as a credit against future billing.
Commercial, industrial, and residential sectors are eligible for a Local Option Property Tax Exemption for Solar, applying to passive solar space heat, solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal electric, and photovoltaics. Virginia allows any municipality to fully or partially exempt such installations from property taxes. Cities and counties currently offering an exemption include: Albemarle, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Fairfax, Falls Church, Hampton, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Loudoun, Lynchburg, Prince William, Pulaski, Richlands, Roanoke, Spotsylvania, Warren and Wise.
Wind and Photovoltaics are covered under provisions of the TVA - Green Power Switch Generation Partners Program for both commercial and residential installations, but only in the service areas of TVA and other power distributors participating in the Green Power Switch Generation Partners program. This is an incentive of $500 (residential only) plus $0.15/kWh (residential/small-commercial systems with a minimum output of 500 watts AC and a maximum of 50 kW) or $0.20/kWh (commercial with 50 kW maximum – or a higher negotiated system size) for 10 years.
In effect since 1996, the Solar Manufacturing Incentive Grant (SMIG) Program offers up to $4.5 million a year to qualifying new manufacturers of photovoltaic panels for a maximum of six years. The incentive is paid at a sliding rate of up to $0.75 per watt for panels sold in a calendar year, with a maximum of 6 MW. This program is administered jointly by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
The Arlington County - Green Building Incentive Program encourages developers to meet “green” building standards.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
With nearly 450,000 people, Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia and has been a popular vacation spot since the late 1800s. In addition to having “the longest pleasure beach in the world”, it enjoys an historical richness that adds to the appeal which draws 3 million visitors each year. In case you didn’t know, the original settlement was founded in 1607 and named Jamestown, becoming home to the first English settlers to set foot in the New World; and yes, that included the famous Captain John Smith. The city was incorporated as Virginia Beach in 1906.
Among the few things the intrepid colonial settlers DIDN’T have to worry about was the cost or source of electricity. Although today’s residents are favored with the fairly low rates charged by Dominion Virginia Power Company, on average their electrical consumptions is a relatively high 14,700 kWh/year. Both the cost and the source of electrical power are an issue which argues in favor of a solar installation.
Virginia’s solar rating is “good”. To reduce purchased electrical power by 50%, a typical photovoltaic installation in Virginia Beach would require a substantial 600 square feet of roof area. Projected cost for both equipment and installation is a mid-range estimate of $54,000, offset only by a $2,000 federal tax credit. Without rebates or other incentives from the state, its municipalities, or this utility provider, a residential user would have a net cost of $52,000. The homeowner gains the following, however:
Increase in Property Value: $8,280 to $15,147
Exempt from Property Tax: YES
25-year Utility Savings: $17,372 to $31,779
Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved:over 25-year system life 151.0 tons

CONSENSUS
The recently announced Virginia Energy Plan could be described as a defining of objectives more than a detailed action plan. The Governor and the State Legislators need to use the new energy plan to incorporate effective solar energy incentives that will give Virginia “a place in the sun” that goes beyond its sandy beaches.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/virginia/

Vermont

2008-10-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **

Vermont, home of Howard Dean, Jim Jeffords and many a progressive leader, has sadly not done much in the past few years to protect the mountainsides that are home to that famous fall foliage, or the state’s many lakes, trails, and farms. In the spring of 2007, House Bill 520, which was written to help reduce energy use and promote development of renewable energy, was passed by both the Vermont House and Senate. Unfortunately, Governor Jim Douglas vetoed it. For a state known for its small farms, fall foliage, maple syrup, and world class skiing, Vermont can do more to protect its environment.

STATE LEGISLATION
Vermont, despite its progressive reputation, has passed only one bill to promote solar energy in the past 2 years. This year, the Vermont legislature passed House Bill 343. This measure provides a business income tax credit for companies that install solar, geothermal, fuel cell, and micro-turbine electricity systems. On the residential side, the State has not made any new progress in the past couple of years, beyond continuing to fund its Solar and Small Wind Incentive Program. This program was originally started in 1999.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Solar & Small Wind Incentive Program
Vermonters do benefit from a the Solar & Small Wind Incentive Program, originally started in 1999, which offers them rebates of $1.75/watt for individuals and businesses who install solar electricity systems, and $3.50/watt for multi-family, low-income customers. The program also provides rebates of $1.75 per 100 Btu/day to individuals and businesses who use solar water heaters and $3.50/100 Btu/day for multi-family, low-income customers. The maximum rebate is $8,750 per electric or hot water system or up to $35,000 for low-income customers.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Despite being in one of the cloudier regions of the US, Vermont’s solar rating is classified as Good, which makes installing a solar electricity system a great idea. A sample 3Kw system in Burlington would cost about $63,000 before any rebates are applied. After taking the $2,000 Federal tax credit, and applying the Solar & Small Wind Incentive Program rebate of $8,750 ($1.75/watt installed), the cost of installation comes down to $52,250. The system would pay for itself in 17-24 years (assuming usage of 1,300kWh/Month at a rate of $0.1122/kWh, but over that time, it will have saved 160 tons of CO2 emissions. What is even more interesting, is that with City of Burlington electricity prices estimated to rise to $0.114/kWh in 5 years and to $0.172/kWh in 25 years, the savings will only increase.

CONSENSUS
Vermont’s legislature has not done much lately to further its attempts at developing solar energy resources. With such an amazing natural environment, and its reputation for progressive politics, the legislature needs to take more action. After all, Vermont has been host to SolarFest, The New England Renewable Energy Festival, since 1998. With this kind of grassroots activity, there is definitely public support for solar energy initiatives, and the legislature should get involved too.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/vermont/

Utah

2008-10-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **

Ah, the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” Not a skier? Utah is also home to Moab, Zion & Arches National Parks, Bryce Canyon the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and more. Oh yeah, and the Great Salt Lake too. With all of those great things to see outdoors, Utah needs renewable solar power to keep looking good. What has the Utah legislature done so far to promote clean energy? Have a look…

STATE LEGISLATION
In 2007, the Utah legislature passed an amendment to the 2001 act that created a tax credit for installing clean energy generation equipment. What did this amendment do? Well, it extended the expiration date on the existing act (check out the details below under Rebates and Incentives).Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. has taken some steps in the right direction too. He has joined the Western Governors Association Clean Energy Initiative. what’s that, you ask? One of its main goals is to produce 30,000 Megawatts of clean energy by 2015. That’s a great start. Most of Utah’s efforts have focused on wind energy though. Let’s ramp up some solar power too!

NET-METERING
In 2002, Utah set up rules that require all investor-owned electric utilities and cooperative utilities to offer net-metering to customers with renewable energy systems that generate up to 25kW (municipal utilities are exempt from this rule). The real drawback to the regulation is that it is capped at 0.1% of the 2001 peak operating capacity for each utility. With energy use increasing, that’s not going to let too many people in on the plan. Under the net-metering deal, you get a credit on your next monthly bill for any excess power you generate in a given month, for up to a year. If at the end of the year, you’ve still generated more power than you use, you give the power company a nice little gift. Keep in mind though that your gift is also saving the planet, so don’t let the net-metering policy discourage you from installing your solar system now.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
The Utah Department of Natural Resources is home to information about the Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit. Utah residents can take a tax credit for 25% of the cost of installing a solar system at home (capped at $2,000). If that’s more than your tax liability, you can spread the credit over as many as four years. Corporate customers can take a tax credit for 10% of the cost of a system that generates more than 660 kW (capped at $50,000).
Until 2009, energy companies and commercial customers do not have to pay sales tax on renewable energy generation equipment, under the Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemption. The City of St. George offers a great rebate of $2,000/kW AC generated from solar or wind power. The residential rebate is capped at $6,000, but that’s perfect for your 3kW system at home. Commercial customers are eligible for a rebate of up to $20,000.
Rockey Mountain Power (a Pacificorp subsidiary) offers a similar rebate of $2.00/watt AC. Their rebate is also capped at $6,000 for residential customers, but goes up to $30,000 for commercial customers. Hurry though, this rebate runs out on January 31, 2008.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
It’s time to install that 3kW solar electricity system you’ve been thinking about. In Salt Lake City, you’ll need to shell out about $49,500, but you do get $2,000 tax credits from both the state and federal governments. If you’re a typical customer using about 1,300kWh each month, your solar system should pay for itself in about 25 years since the state has a Great solar rating (assuming a rate of $0.0781/kWh with Pacificorp). While your system is paying for itself, you’ll also be saving over $880 each year on your utility bills. Your savings should grow too since rates will jump to about $0.08/kWh in 5 years and $0.121/kWh in 25 years. Even better, you’ll be keeping over 297 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere; that’s like planting 872 trees or taking 52 cars off the road. Check out these other important details and benefits:
*550 square feet of roof area required
*Estimated property value increase of $10,520
*Estimated utility savings over 25 years of $22,072

CONSENSUS
Utah is feeling the pressure from its neighboring states, like Nevada, California, Oregon, and New Mexico. Governor Huntsman and the legislature are starting to take some steps toward using renewable energy. It’s time to get to work on clean solar power too. That could really help Utah stay clean well into the future.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/utah/

Texas

2008-10-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **

From the Gulf Coast, through the panhandle and the hill country, all the way out to the Rio Grande, from Austin to San Antonio, Texas is home to a great variety of beautiful scenery and places. Promoting clean energy could help keep this unique place looking good for generations. What’s being done to keep that yellow rose blooming? Have a look!

STATE LEGISLATION
Since 1999 the state has done well promoting wind energy, but hasn’t made much progress on solar energy. The Texas legislature considered some important legislation on solar energy programs in 2007, but the bill suffered defeat as a byproduct of partisan politics. Because the legislature works on a 2-year schedule, this means that solar power won’t get considered in Texas again until 2009.

NET-METERING
Texas has pretty limited rules on net-metering due to deregulation of the energy market. Net metering and interconnection is mandated where the utility is investor owned (for renewable energy systems up to 50kW). These utilities must credit the user at full retail value up to the amount of energy consumed on-site. Users are then credited at the wholesale value for any net excess power generated. On the other hand, energy coops are not required to offer interconnection and net-metering. As a result, each coop gets to make up its own policy.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Austin Energy is one power company that does offer a good rebate program for installing a solar photovoltaic system. For residential customers, the rebate is $4.50/watt installed (or $5.60/watt if you use a local Austin installer) up to 80% of the cost or $13,500 (whichever is less). For commercial customers, the cap is $100,000.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Here’s an estimate for building a 3kW solar electricity system in Houston. Texas has a solar rating of good, making Houston a cost-effective place to install solar panels. A system like this would cost about $34,000. Although that’s a bit steep since the only rebate is the Federal one, you do get the added benefit of increasing your property value by more than $10,000, and that’s tax free. The system should pay for itself in about 25 years, but it will keep Texas green for generations to come by saving 160 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Keep in mind that there are many power companies to choose from, and this sample uses Green Mountain Energy, a utility that provides 100% of its power from renewable sources. It turns out that according to our calculations, their electricity costs less than that provided by some of their competitors. However, even Green Mountain’s rates are estimated to rise to $0.087/kWh in 5 years and to $0.132/kWh in 25 years.

CONSENSUS
While Texas has done well with wind energy, now generating 2,700MW, the legislature has been pretty ineffective when it comes to solar energy. By deregulating the energy market, the legislature has left it up to individual power companies to come up with solar initiatives. With so much sun falling on the Lone Star State, legislators need to get on the ball and set some rules to encourage solar power generation at all those wayward power companies that have not yet started their own programs.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/texas/

Tennessee

2008-10-13T12:08:00.001-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *

Home to Elvis and the great Nashville music scene, Tennessee is also known for its mountains and rivers. With a little bit of everything under the sun, how is Tennessee harnessing the power of clean energy to preserve the environment for years to come? Well, not much is happening yet, but read on to find out.

STATE LEGISLATION
In the past 2 years Tennessee’s legislative record on solar energy has been non-existent to be polite. Governor Bredeson hasn’t even mentioned the words “solar energy” in the past two years. So, for the moment, the solar energy market is all volunteer in Tennessee.

NET-METERING
As of 2007, Tennessee doesn’t have a net metering policy, so it’s a utility company free for all.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Installing a typical 3kW solar electricity system in Memphis would cost about $54,000, but the federal tax credit of $2,000 does apply. The state solar rating is Good, so it would take about 30 years for the system to pay for itself. The real savings however, comes from the fact that you’d be saving over $850 each year on your utility bills while raising your property value over $10,000. Lastly, but most importantly, you’d be keeping 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere.

CONSENSUS
Well volunteers, your legislature has let you down on solar energy and other renewable power sources. It’s time to get down to business and make solar power a priority in Tennessee. Maybe it’s time for new faces in the capitol; let’s get some people who will take action to protect the environment and promote clean energy.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/tennessee/

South Dakota

2008-10-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *

With Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Badlands, and the Black Hills, who wouldn’t want to be out in the sun in South Dakota. Oh yeah, it’s the home of the Sturgis Harley rally too. With people coming from all around the world to visit, South Dakota should use renewable energy to keep powered up while protecting its great natural environment. Here’s what the state legislature has done to promote clean solar energy so far…

STATE LEGISLATION
Ummm… well, they’re getting to it. Since 1975, the state has had a property tax exemption for renewable energy equipment, but that’s about as much as the state has done for solar power so far. That’s really pretty meager, so write, call, email, visit your legislators and remind them that it’s their job to pass some laws promoting clean solar power.

NET-METERING
Maybe the legislature will get something going soon, but for now, it’s up to your utility company to decide how to net-meter your new solar electricity system.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Under the Renewable Energy Systems Exemption, the equipment you install to generate clean solar power is exempt from property tax. You can take a tax credit for the full cost of the system for each of the first 3 years, after that you get three more years in which you can take 75%, 50%, and 25% of the cost respectively.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
You’ve made the right choice to be the neighborhood leader and put in a 3kW solar electricity system at home. In Sioux Falls, your system will run about $54,000, so don’t forget to take the federal tax credit of $2,000. Since South Dakota has a Good solar rating, you’ll have plenty of sun to help your system pay for itself in about 30 years (with an average usage of 1,300kWh each month at a rate of $0.0748/kWh through the City of Sioux Falls Utility). If the price sounds steep to you, remember that you’ll be saving over $840 each year on your utility bills, and even more importantly, you’ll be keeping 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere. Here are a few more key points to keep in mind about your system:
600 square feet of roof area required
$10,060 estimated property value increase – tax exempt!
$21,107 estimated savings on your utility bills over 25 years

CONSENSUS
There’s really not much going on here. I think it’s time to find some new legislators in South Dakota. Governor Rounds has not really even mentioned the words “solar power.” He’s jumped on the biofuel/ethanol bandwagon instead. South Dakota, it’s time to kick the habit, and detox with some nice clean solar energy.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/south-dakota/

Rhode Island

2008-10-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *****

STATE LEGISLATION
Among the earliest Colonists to arrive in America, those who settled in the colony of Rhode Island were probably the feistiest and most independent. By 1663 they had negotiated a charter with King Charles II establishing Rhode Island as a highly autonomous self-governing colony with religious freedom and recognized territorial claims. Theirs was the most generous charter to be issued by England, but pressure was growing in the Motherland to tighten up colonial control.
The colonists were reluctant to give up what they had achieved, and on May 4, 1776, Rhode Island became the first of the thirteen original colonies to break from British Rule and declare independence. The people of Rhode Island were also the first to engage in armed hostilities with the British. True to form, they were the last to ratify the Declaration of Independence, demanding that the Bill of Rights be added to guarantee individual freedoms. Rhode Island, in spite of its diminutive size, has obviously played a large role in shaping the history of this country, as well as their own destiny.
They continue to shape their own destiny in modern times in matters of energy independence. In April of 2007, Governor Donald L. Carcieri submitted Senate bill 943 to the General Assembly to create the Rhode Island Power Authority to drive alternative energy development. In 2004, the state had adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard that calls for 20% of Rhode Island’s energy needs to be met by clean energy sources. It is an aggressive commitment, consistent with the array of individual incentive programs that encourage solar power development (see below). Rhode Island’s lawmakers have earned a Solar Legislator Score of “Excellent”.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
Providence, the State Capitol, is also the largest city in Rhode Island. Electrical service is provided by Narragansett Electric (National Grid), a utility which serves 38 communities and 465,000 customers throughout the state. Rates are generally high throughout the New England area, and Rhode Island averages 13.04 cents/kWh applied to an average usage of about 7440 kWh/year. The solar rating here is “good”, but that is not the only reason why power from the sun is a good bet in this state. To reduce dependence on conventional electricity by 50%, a Photovoltaic system will require 350 square feet of roof area, and equipment and installation costs will be approximately $31,500 (mid-range estimate). Now let’s look at what it will actually cost you after taking advantage of Rhode Island’s progressive solar incentive programs.
Expected state rebate: $14,175
State tax credit/deduction: $4,331
Less income tax on state tax credit: ($1,213)
Federal tax credit: $2,000
Estimated NET COST: $12,207
Increase in Property Value: $8,540
25-year Utility Savings: $17,918
Greenhouse gas (CO2) saved over 25-year system life: 76.0 tons

CONSENSUS
Rhode Island has taken the “holistic” approach, and is tackling the state’s energy problems on a broad front. The previous example shows how a potential solar user can benefit significantly from just a couple of the state’s legislative actions. Keep up the good work, Rhode Island. ‘Nuff said.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/rhodeisland/

Pennsylvania

2008-10-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***

Update 9/1/08 -
We’re pleased to inform you that Governor Rendell signed the Alternative Energy Investment fund several weeks ago. However, specific details on how cash is going to flow from the new program to your checking account once you go solar are lacking. As a Pennsylvania homeowner considering solar, you should know the following if you are looking for money:

1. The Energy Cooperative of Pennsylvania will purchase the electricity your solar system produces for 20 cents/kwh. However, to participate in the program, you must be a member of the cooperative and they need to be in demand for your solar electricity as part of their energy mix. For 2008, they have already achieved their target of 3% of its energy coming from solar (By the way 87% comes from hydro-power). So currently, even if you go solar this year, they will not purchase the electricity you produce until they demand more. To be considered for 2009 budgeting they recommend you leave your full name and contact information with their office (800-223-5783 or 215-413-2122).

2. The Sustainable Development Fund historically has granted Pennsylvania homeowners up to $25,000 for qualifying solar systems. That’s a LOT of cash. However, they are now out of cash! Consequently, they are no longer accepting applications this year. Check back later they say. Frustrating, we know.

3. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the bulk of future state grants, rebates and incentives for Pennsylvania home solar installations. They are currently developing the specifics of the consumer and small business programs, as well as the guidelines and application procedures. Hopefully, they get the ball rolling shortly. A lot of Pennsylvanians would like details before the federal tax credits for solar expire.

4. While the state is busy figuring out how the solar rebate and incentive procedures will be structured, we recommend having multiple local installers come out and give you a quote for your solar system in the interim. That way, you’ll know what your upfront cost will be before rebates and you can begin budgeting.

Update 7/16/08 -
Special Session Senate Bill 1
A few weeks ago, the Pennsylvania Senate held a special session and finally passed some meaningful solar energy legislation for home and business-owners. While the bill passed by a 44-5 margin, the House of Representatives still needs to vote on it. The odds are good that this bill passes. So, some congratulations are in order on making it this far. The bill earmarks $650 million for alternative energy investments and is front-loaded over the next two years to provide some immediate impact. Specifically, it provides up to $100 million dollars in loans, grants, and rebates of up to 35% of the purchase and installation costs of solar and PV panels. More information will follow once this bill hopefully becomes law.
While this is great news, the legislature has stalled on passing House Bill 2200. This bill would allow almost all Pennsylvania utility customers to benefit from the implementation of smart utility meters and real time pricing. Many customers do not realize when they are being charged for energy consumed at peak demands. Smart meters would allow those customers to see when their usage is being charged at a higher rate, thus encouraging energy conservation.

Small Business Incentives
Here’s a list of where to get information, help, and most importantly, MONEY, for energy efficient improvements for your small business if you live in Pennsylvania. As far as homeowners are concerned, refer to the update at the top of this page.

1. EMAP, the Environmental Management Assistance Program was created by the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers which have consultants to help you (for free) in anything dealing with Energy Efficiency. Here you can sign up for an energy assessment and someone will come out and see where you would best be benefited by energy efficiency improvements. You can also call 877-ASK-EMAP and get a free consultant to answer any questions about energy efficiency.

2. The Small Business Advantage Program grants money for energy efficiency upgrades like solar power and pollution prevention. That’s free money…. but they’re out of it. Gotta wait till next year.

3. “Growing Greener” is a PA program with a boatload of cash ($600 mil) to dole out for green projects.

4. “Energy Harvest” is another PA grant program where Pennsylvania fights for Federal grant money.

5. “AFIG,” The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program is a fairly small PA grant program with money for things like bio diesel, so if you want to convert your old diesel benzo you might be able to get some free ducats here for that…. But no money for rims :-(… I checked.

6. Yay, more acronyms… The PPAA, or Pollution Prevention Assistance Account Loan Program has low interest loans for small business taking on projects to reduce waste, pollution, or energy use (yay, that mean solar power!). You can get up to 75% of the cost of the project at a rate of, no kidding, 2%… BAM!

7. SAG, the Site Assessment Grant Program funds up to 80 percent of the cost of a site assessment. It’s closed for the time being… call 717-772-8951 to find out if and when it re-opens. Also, while you’re at it, another program out of money that will reopen is PEDA, the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority from which you can solicit money….. next year.

8. NEWPA offers some low-interest loans for small business complying with some energy efficient practices.

Hope this helps… this covers the vast majority of ways to get free money or cheap money in Pennsylvania for your solar power projects.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/pennsylvania/

Oregon

2008-10-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ****

Oregon, sweet Oregon. Home to numerous wineries, beaches, rainforests, the cascade range, Columbia Gorge, high desert, and the lovely city of Portland. Luckily for the state, the congress and senate have recently passed some of the most progressive solar legislation in the entire country. This means it will be much easier for home and business owners to pay off investments in clean energy, hopefully leaving much of the Gorge water clear blue as ever. Well, what exactly did they do? Take a look!

The Renewable Energy Standard
In the 2007 session, the Oregon legislature passed the Renewable Energy Act and signed the bill into law June 6th, 2007. What did this do? Well, by 2025, major utilities will be required to harvest at least 25% of their energy from renewable sources. Pretty good! Where is all this energy gonna come from?
The University of Oregon Solar Energy Center reports that solar energy is, by a substantial margin, Oregon’s most abundant energy resource. In fact, Its capability to produce electricity, heat and light for buildings exceeds that of all other energy resources in Oregon - including hydro and wind.

<--- This image is actually a solar energy resource map for the entire state for the month of July. While this picture is a little less sunny for the month of December, the entire area boasts annual solar energy exceeding most of Europe and Japan, New England, the Middle Atlantic States south to Virginia, and the upper Midwest. The resource is clearly there, we’ll keep up to date on larger scale solar power plant installations for the area. Some have been proposed for the Eastern desert areas of the state.

Oregon State Tax Credits
Over this past year the business tax credit for all solar installations in Oregon increased from 35% to 50% (Up to $20 Million dollars)! That’s the largest incentive in the nation. The credit must be taken over 5 years at 10% of all eligible installation costs per year. For homeowners, the tax credit is up to $6000 based at $3 per watt. $1,500 maximum can be claimed per year. The system must be verified by a tax-credit certified technician and be comprised of new UL listed equipment. The minimum system size for the tax credit is 200 watts.

BPA Bright Way Solar Thermal Program
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has launched a Northwest region solar thermal program called Bright Way. The bright way program was initially developed by the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB).
BPA has adopted the program specifications and is offering the program free to Northwest utilities. Each utility offers unique incentives along with the Bright Way program so check with your local utility to see if they offering Bright Way incentives.
If your utility isn’t offering Bright Way incentives ask them why not! And then make a recommendation that they contact the BPA and adopt the Bright Way program.

Oregon State Loans
The purpose of the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) Energy Loan Program (also known as SELP) is to promote energy conservation and renewable energy resource development.
The Energy Loan Program can loan to individuals, businesses, schools, cities, counties, special districts, state and federal agencies, public corporations, cooperatives, tribes, and non-profits. Projects must be in Oregon.

Energy Trust of Oregon Solar Programs
The Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) was recently established as a result of Oregon’s electricity restructuring bill. Currently the ETO offers several programs for residential and commercial solar installations.
Since the ETO’s funding comes from a 3% public benefits charge on PGE and PacifiCorp customers, these incentives are only available to PGE and PacifiCorp customers. NW Natural Gas customers are also eligible for solar thermal incentives. For more information on ETO programs contact the ETO or one of the solar trade allies listed on the ETO website.

Consensus
Of recent, the Oregon legislature has done a very good job getting solar bills enacted. Let’s hope other states jump on the bandwagon. As a result of all of these Oregon programs, some local companies have even decided to integrate solar into their manufacturing plants. For instance, Pepsi Cola recently installed solar panels at their facility in Klamath which generates all the power for the entire plant! 172 kilowatts in three locations! The install cost over a million dollars but will pay itself off in about 10 years. From John Bocchi, general manager, Pepsi Cola of Klamath Falls. “I don’t know why more businesses aren’t taking advantage of this. It makes financial sense and it’s the right thing to do.” Well, how’d they finance this? 4 Steps.
1.Oregon Department of Energy: $444,412 Business Energy Tax Credits
2.Energy Trust of Oregon: $210,000 Incentives
3.Oregon Energy Loan Program: $950,000 Loan
4.Accelerated State and Federal Depreciation Schedule

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/oregon/

Oklahoma

2008-10-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **

Oklahoma, the Sooner state. With the Ozark mountains, Cypress swamps and Grand Lake, not to forget the plains and prairies, Oklahoma needs the sun to keep itself looking good. Solar power and other clean energies could keep the state’s cities and towns bustling while protecting the land and waters that bring life to the Sooners. The state legislature has not done much to promote renewable energy sources, but here’s a guide to what they’ve been thinking about.

STATE LEGISLATION
Governor Brad Henry seems to have put all his eggs in the bio-fuel basket, and has yet to mention solar power. Hey Governor Henry, what makes all that corn grow to make bio-diesel? Hint: the sun.
Despite a history of getting an early start, the Sooner state legislature is behind the times when it comes to solar energy. In 2006 Republican Representative Randy Terrill did introduce House Bill 2512 which would have provided tax credits for installing a residential solar system, but sadly the bill didn’t pass. It would have been a great chance for Oklahoma to ramp up its use of clean power since the credits ran from 10% for a geothermal system to 40% of the cost for a solar photovoltaic system!
While House Bill 1387 passed both the Oklahoma house and senate by wide margins early in 2007, it has since bogged down with conspicuously little comment from the state’s leadership. This important piece of legislation would provide state tax credits equal to 40% of the equipment and construction/installation costs of solar and wind systems. Oklahoma is currently the sixth leading producer of wind power in the nation. HB 1387 would expand the use of renewable energy to residential and business customers, and pave the way for a more important contribution from solar power. Unless and until this legislation is passed, Oklahoma’s solar rating will continue to be poor.

NET-METERING
Oklahoma allows net-metering for any power generation system up to 100kW in size. The drawback is that the utility is not required to purchase net excess power generated. A customer can ask that the utility purchase power at the wholesale rate. As you might imagine, this policy doesn’t give much of an incentive to generate clean energy. Net Metering Rules which govern solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, municipal solid waste, and chp/cogeneration are available to commercial, industrial, residential, and general public/consumer systems with a generating capacity of 100 kW or annual energy output of 25,000 kWh/year – whichever is less. Agreements to purchase excess power generated by the customer are commonly negotiated with the utility company.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVESThere are no residential incentives, rebates or credits in Oklahoma, but utilities can take a tax credit if they produce electricity from renewable sources under a provision in Title 68 of the Oklahoma statutes. A 2006 amendment extends the credit to any electricity producer generating more than 1 MW of clean power. For electricity generated between now and January 1 2012, the credit is $0.0025/kWh and between January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2016, the credit goes up to $0.005/kWh.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
With a solar rating of Great, paying for a 3kW home solar electricity system should be easy. In Oklahoma City, it would cost about $49,500 to install a typical system. Don’t forget that you can take a $2,000 federal tax credit too. For an average household using 1,300kWh each month, at a rate of $0.0858/kWh with OG&E Electric Services, it should take about 25 years to break even. During that time, though, you’ll be saving nearly $975 each year on your utility bills, and you’ll add about $11,600 to your property value. Here are few more important details about your system:
*550 square feet of roof area required
*Estimated utility savings over 25 years of $24,338
*You’ll keep a whopping 268.5 tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere; that’s like taking 66 cars off of the road or planting 1177 trees!

CONSENSUS
Oklahoma has made remarkable progress in the development of wind power, although that may be more the result of efforts by its two largest power providers than state legislators. OGE Energy, parent company of Oklahoma Gas & Electric, recently announced plans to more than quadruple wind power production from 170 mW to 770 mW, and is also constructing a high-capacity transmission line in the western part of the state. (Interestingly, green pricing customers are now buying wind power at about the same rate as electricity from traditional sources.) Public Service Company of Oklahoma, a unit of energy giant American Electric Power, is currently an even larger producer of wind power in the state and equally committed to growing that market.
However, Oklahoma will have to do some serious work promoting solar power and other clean energy sources to be considered an environmentally responsible state in the 21st century. The state legislature has considered very few renewable energy bills, and has passed even fewer – just one in the last 2 years, and it was an amendment to an existing rule. It’s more than OK to jump on the solar power bandwagon sooner, not later! If Oklahoma really wants to make a change in its energy market, the legislature needs some renewal; vote in some lawmakers who care about the Sooner State.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/oklahoma/

Ohio

2008-10-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***

Update 4/5/08 : “The Governor of Ohio, Ted Strickland, has ended the Residential renewable energy grant, which has virtually pulled the rug out from under us. The cost of Solar/Wind is prohibitive without a rebate. We are concentrating our efforts to commercial businesses, farms and small rural businesses for now.” I will update this state page soon. I am very busy.
On August 29, 2007, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced his Energy, Jobs and Progress Plan, an initiative which includes an “Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard” requiring at least 25 percent of the electricity sold in Ohio to be generated from renewable and advanced energy technologies by 2025. No less than half of that energy will come from renewable sources, including biomass, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydro power. Unfortunately, there were no specific numbers allocated to solar power sources. State Bill 221 is working its way through the state’s legislative system; the Senate’s version of the bill was unveiled on October 26, 2007, and seems to be moving closer to becoming state law. There is good news favoring the bill’s passage from a commissioned analysis by ICF International released in July 2007. The study concludes that requiring Ohio utility companies to meet the new standards (which are similar to those in neighboring Pennsylvania) will result in a negligible increase in wholesale electrical prices.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVESSince 1978, the Ohio Department of Development has offered 100% property and sales tax exemptions to businesses who utilize solar and other renewable energy technologies. Through a grant program described at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/elfgrant.htm, the ODOD subsidizes Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, and a variety of other alternative energy solutions for just about every type of user, including residential. Awards can be up to $3.50 per watt with a maximum grant award of $25,000 per residence. Incentive funds are limited, and a number of conditions apply, including the requirement that service must be provided by one of the four following investor-owned utilities: American Electric Power, Duke Energy, Dayton Power & Light, and First Energy.

CONSENSUS
Ohio’s pending Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard is a move in the right direction to reducing the state’s dependency on fossil fuels, but of little direct benefit to homeowners. The primary incentive for residential conversion to renewable energy sources will be the state’s Energy Loan Fund (ELF) grants, which can provide a significant benefit to homeowners planning solar installations – up to $25,000. Wouldn’t it be nice, though, if owners of solar-powered residences were rewarded with property tax relief? This and sales tax relief have been available to businesses for decades.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/ohio/

North Dakota

2008-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***

North Dakota has a little of everything that make the northern plains great: wide open spaces, phenomenal archeological digs, Painted Canyon, and Native American and pioneer historic sites. Oh, it also has ranches, wineries, and the Maah Daah Hey trail – with 97 miles of some of the best single track biking around. All of that history and outdoor excitement needs clean solar power to preserve it for generations to come. How has the North Dakota legislature done with promoting renewable energy? Read on…

STATE LEGISLATION Renewable Portfolio StandardIn March of 2007, the North Dakota legislature took a step in the right direction, setting a renewable energy standard of 10% to be reached by 2015. That means that 10% of all the energy generated in the state must come from renewable sources. The only drawback is that this is just an objective, so if any particular utility company doesn’t meet that goal, there are no consequences. Also in 2007, the state legislature passed a property tax exemption for your solar power equipment. That means that the increase in your property value from installing a solar electricity system doesn’t raise your taxes. That exemption continues for 5 full years after you install the system.

NET-METERING
North Dakota’s net-metering policy dates back to 1991 and systems up to 100kW in capacity are eligible. The best part of the regulation is that if you generate more than you use in a particular month, the utility company is required to pay you for it at the going wholesale rate.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Passed back in 2001, the Renewable Energy Tax Credit gives North Dakota residents the ability to take a 3% tax credit each year for the cost of their renewable energy generation equipment. That credit lasts for 5 years, so you can take up to 15% of the cost of your system off on your taxes overall.As of 2007 your solar power equipment is also exempt from property tax. All of it; you pay nada when it comes to the increase in property value from your solar panels.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
You live in Fargo and you’ve decided to take the plunge and set up your own solar electricity system. Great idea! Here’s an example of what your system might be like. First things first; North Dakota has a Good solar rating, so you’ll have no problem finding enough sunlight to get your system fired up. Equipment and installation will run you about $58,500. Don’t forget though that the state gives you a tax credit for 15% of the cost (That’s $8,775!), and you can take a $2,000 federal tax credit too. With that in mind your system should pay for itself in about 29 years (assuming an average usage of 1,300kWh/month at $0.0748/kWh). It gets better though, since you’ll save about $844 every year on your utility bills. And that’s not all; since electricity prices are estimated to rise to $0.081/kWh in 5 years, and to a whopping $0.123/kWh in 25 years, your savings will continue to rise every year. But wait, there’s more… check out some more key points about your system:
*650 square feet of roof area required
*$10,060 estimated property value increase – tax exempt!
*$21,107 estimated utility savings over 25 years
*313.5 tons of CO2 kept out of the atmosphere; that’s equal to taking 55 cars off the road or planting 918 trees!

CONSENSUS
Well, compared with South Dakota and some of the other neighboring states, the North Dakota legislature is leaps and bounds ahead when it comes to solar energy. With a nod toward a renewable energy standard and some nice incentives, North Dakota has started to wean itself off of fossil.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/north-dakota/

North Carolina

2008-10-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *****

From the Great Smoky Mountains down to Cape Fear on the Atlantic coast, North Carolina has a natural environment to be proud of. With everything from golf to wineries, the great outdoors is part and parcel of living in the Tar Heel state. Don’t forget those Carolina blue skies, either. How has the state been protecting this environment by promoting renewable energy sources such as solar power? Check out the steps they’ve been taking to clean up North Carolina’s energy market.

STATE LEGISLATION
North Carolina has been doing fairly well with promoting clean power over the past few years. In August 2007, North Carolina overhauled its renewable energy rules with Senate Bill 3, which authorized tax credits for solar power generation. Senate Bill 3 also requires that the state generate at least 12.5% of its power from renewable sources by 2021. That’s not a phenomenal percentage, but then North Carolina is the first state in the Southeast to adopt a renewable energy standard, so kudos to the legislature for being first into the water.

NET-METERING
In October 2005 the Utilities Commission laid out rules for net-metering by investor-owned utilities in North Carolina; the order was amended in 2006. Maximum system capacities were set at 20kW for residential customers and 100kW for businesses. The utilities are only required to enroll 0.2% of the last year’s peak load, meaning that new systems are subject to a first-come, first-served allocation plan until 2018 when this becomes the minimum. Net excess power generated is credited back to the user on the next monthly bill. At the beginning of each summer season, any credit for net excess generation is granted to the utility. The North Carolina Utilities Commission only wants individuals to develop electrical generation systems that meet their own personal or corporate needs. Lastly, the net-metering program requires that customers switch to time-of-use metering.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Renewable Energy Tax Credits
In 2007, when the legislature passed Senate Bill 3, tax credits became available to both residential and corporate customers in North Carolina. The credit covers up to 35% of the cost of a solar electricity or other renewable energy system, capped at $10,500 for residential systems and a whopping $2.5 million for commercial and industrial systems. Residential customers get that credit all in one year unless the total is more than 50% of their tax liability. If so, the rest of the credit is spread over 5 years. Businesses are required to take their credit over 5 years.
One really cool feature of Senate Bill 3 is that you can also take a tax deduction for a donation to a non-profit organization that is working on a renewable energy project. This is a great way to get people on the clean power bandwagon!

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Installing a typical 3kW solar electricity system in Charlotte would cost around $54,000. However, with a state solar rating of Good, the system should generate plenty of power to pay for itself in a short time. After taking federal and state tax credits as well as a great $0.20/kWh rebate (dispersed over the life of the system), the overall cost can be under $10,000! With that rebate, your system should pay for itself in about 1-5 years! On top of all that savings, you will be keeping tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere and saving nearly $100 a month on your utility bills!

CONSENSUS
When compared to their neighbors in the Southeast, North Carolina has been doing great things to promote solar power and other clean energy sources. Most of the real work that has been done by the legislature has come in the last couple of years. 2007 was a breakthrough year for renewable energy in the state, but it’s not time to rest yet. North Carolina could become a model for the rest of the Southeast if state leadership continues to build up a market for solar power.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/north-carolina/

New York

2008-10-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *****

LEGISLATION
Bill 08690 was passed in the New York State Assembly on June 13, 2007, by a vote of 141 to 5, and is continuing to work its way through the legislative process. This important piece of legislation will expand the size and scope of renewable/sustainable energy systems covered under the state’s Net Metering provisions. Under the bill, as amended on October 23, 2007, residential customers with systems up to 25 kW and commercial customers with systems up to 2mW in capacity will receive credit for excess generated power. The credit carries forward to be applied to future monthly billing; at the end of the contract year any excess is surrendered back to the utility. These new provisions extend to electrical power generated from solar and wind sources, as well as farm waste.
New York adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2004, making it one of the first states to participate in a mandated effort to move its public utility companies toward alternative energy sources. The targeted goal is a 24% reliance on clean energy by the year 2013 for all investor-owned utilities.
In much earlier legislation in 1996, another important step was taken by New York‘s Public Service Commission (PSC) in the establishment of a System Benefits Charge (SBC) to fund “public policy initiatives not expected to be adequately addressed by New York’s competitive electricity markets”. Administered by The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the program targets energy efficiency, research and development, and improvements in the low-income sector. Funds are supplied by the state’s six investor-owned electric utilities through fees collected from customers. According to the state Public Service Commission “…the NYSERDA SBC-funded Energy $mart program reduced annual electricity use in New York by about 2,360 GWh as of year end 2006 and with annual total bill savings for participating customers estimated at $340 million”.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
In 2001, commercial and multi-family structures utilizing passive solar space heat, solar water heat, solar space heat, photovoltaics, fuel cells, or daylighting became eligible for New York’s Green Building Tax Credit Program (Corporate). Owners and tenants of buildings which meet specified “green standards” can claim a credit against corporate taxes, insurance corporation taxes, and banking corporation taxes. A Green Building Tax Credit Program (Personal) is quite similar, providing a credit which can be applied to personal income taxes.
The Town of Riverhead on Long Island has initiated a local Green Building Incentive. Building permits on qualifying commercial and residential solar energy systems and other energy conservation devices earn a discounted flat fee of $150.
On January 1, 1998, a Solar and Fuel Cell Tax Credit was put into effect under the laws of New York State. Solar water heat, solar space heat, photovoltaics, and fuel cells are eligible, but there are limits on size. Up to 25% of equipment and installation cost of a solar device, to a maximum of $5,000 can be taken as a personal tax credit on residential and multi-family residential installations.
A Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption covers commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural sectors and is applicable to solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal electric, solar thermal process heat, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, daylighting, and anaerobic digestion. The law which governs this provision went into effect in 1988, and has since provided a 15-year real property tax exemption equal to the increase in assessed value attributable to the clean energy system.
In the residential sector, passive solar space heat, solar water heat, solar space heat, and photovoltaic systems are eligible for a Solar Sales Tax Exemption, although the law stipulates that municipalities have the option of granting the local exemption.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
We ordinarily profile a solar installation in a state’s largest population center; however, this is a bit problematic in New York’s (and the nation’s) largest city. Manhattan, for example, comprises the most densely populated county in the U.S. – about 23 square miles of land with something like 66,940 residents per square mile. Not many single-family residential rooftops here for the installation of solar collectors. So let’s go northeast a few miles to New York State’s leading agricultural region: Suffolk County, which is home to about 1.5 million people spread out a little more comfortably over an area of 1,000 square miles.
New York State residents enjoy a relatively modest consumption of electrical power, averaging only 7,440 kWh annually, which for the majority of folks in Suffolk County is provided by the Long Island Power Authority. The state’s electrical rate, however, is the highest in the continental U.S. at 15.72 cents per kWh. The county’s solar power rating is “good”, and robust incentives make a solar installation here almost a no-brainer.

CONSENSUSElectric utility providers in New York State have limited capacities, overburdened transmission systems, and aging facilities which contribute to high rates and impaired service – including brown-outs and black-outs. This is an ideal environment for the use of solar power and other renewables to bring cost relief to customers while relieving some of the stress on the grid. Legislators in New York and even a few public utilities have implemented effective measures to encourage solar installations. Hopefully, New York’s leaders will continue their fine work and will take even greater advantage of the enormous opportunities here for solar energy development.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/new-york/

New Mexico

2008-10-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ****
The Land of Enchantment is doing great things to keep captivating residents and visitors alike with its mountains, deserts, lakes, and forests. The New Mexican legislature has been hard at work enacting solar and renewable energy programs to protect the natural beauty all around the state. This legislation will help preserve Pueblo and Aztec ruins, as well as many other great outdoor wonders. It goes without saying that the latest legislation will also help keep Santa Fe, Taos, and Truth or Consequences looking their best. Check out what the legislature has been doing recently to promote clean energy!

STATE LEGISLATION
In April 2004, Governor Bill Richardson signed executive order EO-04-019, which declared New Mexico “The Clean Energy State.” What does this mean? The first two objectives of the task force that he created were to work on concentrated solar power and residential and business solar applications. Since that time, the state has focused on developing renewable energy in general, and more importantly on the state’s abundant solar energy.
Also in 2004, the state legislature enacted the Schools with Sol program. Since that time, it has built solar electricity and hot water systems in 28 schools around New Mexico. This is a great program that not only reduces operating costs for these schools, but also works to teach students and teachers about the benefits of solar energy. In 2005, the Schools with Sol program was incorporated into the Clean Energy Grant Program. This program provides grants to help install new clean energy systems, including solar, around the state.
The Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit was passed in June 2006, offering a great tax credit for the installation of a solar system in a home or business. The credit is a 30% credit, with a cap at $9000.
In March 2007, the New Mexico legislature passed an amendment to the Solar Rights Act. This is a really cool law that prohibits Home Owners Associations and Cities from passing codes that prohibit the installation of solar panels. Even better, it is retroactive to 1978 when the original act was passed, voiding any such laws passed since that time. It makes the right to use solar energy a property right under New Mexico law.
New Mexico also doubled its efforts under the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2007, requiring 20% of energy produced to come from renewable sources, including the sun, by the year 2020. Moreover, 20% of that renewable energy must be solar energy.
In July 2007, the legislature also passed Senate Bill 994, which offers a 6% tax credit to companies building solar thermal electric plants. The credit is capped at $60 million, so it should generate some serious efforts at solar energy production. Giving the solar industry a further boost is Senate Bill 463, which was passed earlier in 2007, giving a 5% tax credit to companies that produce renewable energy systems and components.

NET-METERING
As of January 2007, New Mexico now allows net-metering on facilities that generate up to 80MW. Under this program, the power company will pay you for the energy generated from your solar panels. Moreover, if you generate up to $50 more than you owe on your electric bill, the utility will credit your account. Beyond $50, the utility will write you a check.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
The state of New Mexico has been quite busy developing and updating incentive and rebate programs for both businesses and residential customers. One huge incentive is the PNM Customer Solar PV Program. Under this program, PNM, one of the largest utilities in New Mexico, will pay $0.13/kWh for excess energy generated by residential solar systems. When you consider that the average rate PNM customers pay out is only $0.0935/kWh, this is phenomenal!

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
A sample 3kW solar system in Albequerque, would cost about $45,000. However, with some serious rebates and incentives, including $10140 estimated payments for excess power sold back to the utility, and an $8458 state tax deduction, the cost is only about $26,770. Also worth noting is that with a state solar rating of Great, this system should pay for itself in between 8 and 15 years. It’s also a great investment for other reasons too since a solar electrical system can raise property values by as much as $12,000 or more.

CONSENSUS
New Mexico is definitely on the right track, putting out lots of effort to make sure that declaring itself the “Clean Energy State” is not just talk. With a wide range of incentives and tax rebates, along with clean energy workshops run by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, is really putting the sun to work above the Land of Enchantment. The state is getting serious about building a clean energy economy.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/new-mexico/

New Jersey

2008-10-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *****

“New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ is recognized as a national model for programs that spur market development and the adoption of clean, renewable energy technologies, managing programs to encourage energy efficiency, and assistance for low-income consumers.” That comes from the state’s website, and refers to actions that have distinguished New Jersey as a leader in promoting renewable energy and implementing progressive pro-solar initiatives. The state also just expanded the Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring the state’s utilities to produce about 1,500 mW of solar by 2021. For setting a high standard for others to follow, New Jersey’s legislators have earned a solar rating of “Excellent”.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
The New Jersey Clean Energy Rebate Program provides incentives for the use of photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, anaerobic digestion, and fuel cells using renewable fuels. Eligible sectors are commercial, residential, nonprofit, schools, and institutional. Rebates are highly variable based on a number of factors and capped for some energy sources. Program budget is $273 million (2005-2008).
In 1980 New Jersey instituted a Solar and Wind Energy Systems Exemption for the commercial, residential, and general public/consumer sectors. A full exemption from the state’s 7% sales tax are applicable to passive solar space heat, solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal electric, solar thermal process heat, photovoltaics, wind, and solar pool heating.
Marketable NJ Board of Public Utilities - Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) can be earned by commercial, industrial, residential, nonprofit, schools, local government, state government, tribal government, fed. government, agricultural, and institutional sectors that generate solar-electric power.
Commercial and residential sectors are eligible for Net Metering on solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, anaerobic digestion, tidal energy, wave energy, and fuel cells using renewable fuels on systems generating up to 2 mW. Excess power is credited to the next month’s bill and purchased by the utility at the end of the 12-month billing cycle.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
The Colonial settlement of Newark was founded in 1666 by settlers led by Robert Treat, who reportedly acquired the property from the Hackensack Indians for “gunpowder, one hundred bars of lead, twenty axes, twenty coats, guns, pistols, swords, kettles, blankets, knives, beer, and ten pairs of breeches”. A real bargain, it would seem. Modern Newark is about 24 square miles in size, roughly the size of Manhattan, and is home to nearly 300,000 residents. For the reasonably athletic, Newark is within walking distance of Manhattan on the opposite side of the Hudson River from Newark and Essex County. New Jersey has a relatively low average electrical consumption of 8,976 kWh annually, but rates at 11.74 cents/kWh, while noticeably lower than neighboring New York, are still higher than the U.S. average of 9.45 cents/kWh. In Newark, power is supplied by New Jersey’s oldest and largest provider, Public Service Electric & Gas. With that background, let’s see what can be accomplished with a residential solar energy system in sunny (solar rating: “Good”) Newark.
A solar collector system on a roof area of 350 square feet should be sufficient to reduce conventional electrical needs by 50%. Midrange equipment and installation costs are estimated at $31,500, but state and federal credits and rebates reduce that by almost half.

CONSENSUS
New Jersey’s Office of Clean Energy is charged with the success of the state’s aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard, which depends in part on installing “sufficient solar capacity to meet the RPS requirements, at the lowest cost to ratepayers, taking into account other policy goals – fairness and equity to all ratepayer classes, job growth, improved reliability/security and improved environmental quality”. They have a big job facing them, but we applaud the New Jersey government and business leadership for putting their shoulders to the task.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/new-jersey/

New Hampshire

2008-10-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***

Not bad, but there has been little legislative effort promoting residential solar power.
The State of New Hampshire appears to have a fairly aggressive program aimed at promoting energy efficiency, in both residential and business applications. However, the only recent solar initiative has been to mandate higher use of renewable energy sources by the state’s electric utility providers. Incentives for residential users have been very limited.

State Legislation
The most significant solar power legislation, House Bill 0873, was signed into law on May 11th, 2007 by New Hampshire Governor John Lynch. The “Electric Renewable Portfolio Standard” will require electric utilities to utilize solar power for 0.3% of their electrical power generation by the year 2014. The law also requires that by 2025, 16% of the state’s electricity needs must be supplied by other renewable energy sources.
Another state initiative, the “New Hampshire Solar on Schools Program” deserves honorable mention. Under grants administered by a joint partnership of the Governor’s Office of Energy and Community Service (ECS), Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH), and Solar Works, Inc., of Wilton, NH, selected high schools are being equipped with a roof-mounted 1-kilowatt photovoltaic cell solar system. The program was started in 1998.

Utility Rebates, Utility Loans and Utility Programs
New Hampshire has a population of about 1.3 million people and an area of roughly 9,000 square miles that ranks it 40-something in size in the nation. In 2006, it was among the top 15 states participating in the EPA/DOE joint “Energy Star” program, in which 17% of the new homes being built in New Hampshire are typically 20% - 30% more energy efficient than conventional housing.
Although the state offers a number of incentive programs to businesses and homeowners for energy efficiency, few incentives are provided to promote alternative energy sources. “The State of New Hampshire does not offer grants, loans or rebates for the purchase or installation of renewable energy systems”, reports the state’s Office of Energy and Planning.
State law allows municipalities to offer renewable incentives in the form of property tax exemptions; 62 cities and towns (a little more than one-third of New Hampshire’s municipalities) offer these incentives. Solar technologies included under NH RSAs 72:61-72 are photovoltaics, solar space heating, solar water heating, and passive solar.

Example: 645 kWh/Month System - Home Installation Cost
Manchester, in the county of Hillsboro, is New Hampshire’s largest city with over 125,000 business establishments, approximately 110,000 people, and more than 583,000 housing units. The average residential electric utility bill in Hillsboro County is $87/month, just slightly under the national average. The area is rated “Good” for relative suitability of solar power.
Alas, only about one-third of New Hampshire’s municipalities offer property tax incentives for home-owners who install solar power or other renewable energy sources, and the city of Manchester is not one of them. Other state or municipal solar power incentives are equally lacking, leaving only federal tax credits as incentives to home-owners. Installation costs vary, but a mid-range system cost of $31,500 (net $29,500 after applying a $2,000 federal tax credit) was assumed in this example to achieve a 50% reliance on solar power. It should be noted that a roof area of 300 square feet is required.

Consensus
To an observer, New Hampshire appears to be fairly progressive in its approach to reducing energy consumption, but is doing little to encourage the residential use of renewable energy sources. Is the state missing an important opportunity here?

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/new-hampshire/

Nevada

2008-10-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ****

Nevada, land of just a little bit of everything; skiing, deserts, mountains, lakes, the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and oh, yeah, Reno and Vegas. With all those lights keeping Vegas turned on, Nevada needs lots of electricity. That kind of demand calls for piles of nice, clean, renewable, solar power. Has the state legislature seen the light? Read on to see what’s shining on Nevada.

STATE LEGISLATION
Nevada’s Renewable Energy Standard
Nevada has taken a big step with the 2005 amendment to its renewable energy portfolio. By 2015, 20% of the state’s energy must come from renewable sources. Even better, 5% must be solar power! To meet that goal, power companies can apply for credits based upon the number of renewable kilowatts they generate – the largest credit is for Solar Power ($2.40/kW)! An extra little credit of $0.05 is added in for customer-generated electricity.
Nevada also now promotes green commercial construction, including developing solar power systems. If you build certified green power and other energy efficiency features into your business, you can take a property tax credit. As of 2007, the tax credit has been reduced to a maximum of 35% of your annual property tax. Why? Well, it was just too darn successful; in the first 2 years of the program, 63 million square feet of development space had applied for LEED certification (that’s the US government program for sustainable construction, and the criterion for the Nevada tax credit).

NET-METERING
Freshly amended in 2007, Nevada’s net-metering law allows for systems up to 1MW in capacity. Utilities can charge fees for systems over 100kW, but since your home system shouldn’t need that kind of capacity unless you intend to operate a giant space laser, no problem. If you generate more power than you need, you’ll get a credit on your next bill. The best thing about this law is that Nevada does not limit the amount of time that you can carry a credit (some states take the credit away after a year or so).

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Nevada has a great incentive for home solar energy installations. Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power Companies (the two major investor-owned utilities in the state), offer a $2.30/watt rebate through the Solar Generations project. Think about it – for the 3kW system described below, that’s $7,900. The credit maxes out at $11,500 for homeowners, businesses $69,000. This means you maximize the incentive at about a 5kW system – plenty of clean energy for your home needs. The best news, your legislators just made this rebate program permanent (it had been scheduled to expire in 2010).

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Nevada enjoys plenty of sunshine, making it a prime location for a home solar electric system. Installing a typical 3 kW system in Las Vegas would run about $26,000. By the time you take your $2.30/watt rebate ($6,900), and the federal tax credit ($2,000), you could get that price down to $17,100.
What? You still think that’s too rich for your blood? Assuming you use 1,300 kWh each month at a rate of $0.1056/kWh, your system will save you about $1,600 a year in electricity! That savings will only grow: estimates show your conventional electricity rate will rise 6% year over year. What’s more, your home value would increase by 20 times your annual savings ($32,000), and that’s tax free!

CONSENSUS
Nevada is well on its way to building a solar power market. The legislature has worked to build in some important incentives in the form of rebates and tax credits for renewable energies. Governor Jim Gibbons also has committed to studying ways to improve the infrastructure for connecting renewable power plants to the grid. As he says, “Renewable energy development is good for Nevada and good for the nation.” So, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but what happens in Nevada could help the rest of the country too. Keep up the good work; solar power’s a good bet.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/nevada/

Nebraska

2008-10-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *

Nebraska has it all. What? you’ve never been to Carhenge? You just have to see it to believe it. Of course there are other sights in Nebraska too, like Chimney and Courthouse Rocks. Nebraska also has vineyards, hordes of cranes, and well.. corn. What Nebraska could really use though is some nice clean solar energy, to keep itself looking good. Here’s what the state’s lawmakers have been doing about renewable power.

STATE LEGISLATION.
Nebraska really has not been too busy when it comes to considering solar power legislation. In 2006, legislators passed a tax credit for renewable power generation, but it is mainly oriented toward large producers since the credit is currently $0.001/kWh and decreases gradually to $0.0005/kWh in 2018. Well, that’s about it…

NET-METERING
Nebraska has yet to establish a net-metering policy. They tried in both the 2001-02 and 2003-04 legislative sessions but had no success in passing a bill. What does that mean for your solar electricity system? Well, it means that your utility can choose to net-meter according to its own whims.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
The Dollar and Energy Savings Loan program does offer Nebraska residents the possibility of taking out a low-interest (5% or less) loan to pay for renewable energy equipment. For example, you could get a loan to pay for a good portion of your solar electricity system since residential loans are capped at between $35,000 and $75,000.
Unfortunately, you should not count on that tax credit to help pay for your solar power system. For an average user who needs 1,300 kWh each month, you could get a credit of $7.80 per year. So Nebraska locals – remember, that using solar energy is good for your state and your environment, not just as a tax break.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
So you’ve made the right decision and chosen to install your own solar electricity system. Putting in a typical 3kW system in Omaha would cost about $54,000. You do get to take the federal tax credit of $2,000 though. Since Nebraska has a solar rating of Good, you should be able to make your system pay for itself in about 30 years (assuming 1,300kWh/month at $0.0759/kWh). You’ll also get to save about $850 each year on your utility bills and best of all, you’ll be keeping 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere. Here are a few more details about your new system:
600 square feet of roof area required
$10,200 estimated property value increase!
$21,400 estimated utility savings over 25 years
conventional electricity rates will only continue to rise, so your savings will too!

CONSENSUS
It’s about time for Nebraska to get with the program on solar energy. The state’s agricultural base needs clean power to survive. So does its wealth of cultural and natural history. Legislators have to step up to the plate or ride off into the sunset. Nebraska may have wide open spaces – let’s fill the legislative open space with solar power incentives.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/nebraska/

Montana

2008-10-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***

Ah, Big Sky Country. The Rocky Mountains and Montana’s wide open spaces make it a natural paradise. Between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, and parts of the Historic Lewis and Clark Trail, you could stay out under the sun for months, exploring the Treasure State. Using clean energy like solar power would really help Montana protect its treasures. Here’s what the state legislature has been doing to promote renewable power sources.

STATE LEGISLATION
2007 was a busy year for the Montana legislature. They’ve taken quite a bit of initiative on solar power and other renewable energy sources. The state legislature passed House Bill 3, making the increased property value from a solar power or other renewable energy system exempt from property tax.
Again in 2007, lawmakers passed House Bill 25. What did it do? It took the important step of requiring public utilities in Montana to offer a renewable power option to customers. That means that customers now have the option of buying clean electricity produced from solar power and other renewable sources.
Also in 2007, the Montana legislature enacted House Bill 330. This bill set up a bond to fund the development of renewable energy including solar power.
The Renewable Energy Standard
Montana’s legislature took another important step in 2007 with House Bill 681. It required both public and private utilities to produce at least 15% of their energy from renewable sources by 2015. This expanded 2005’s Senate Bill 415, which made this mandate for public utilities. That’s at least a good start on harnessing the power of the sun, but why not raise that percentage?!

NET METERING
In 1999, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality established rules requiring utilities to offer net-metering to all customers for generation systems up to 50kW in capacity. Any excess power that the customer generates is credited toward the next month’s bill. At the end of the billing year, remaining net excess power is granted back to the utility though.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
With the Alternative Energy Investment Tax Credit, businesses can deduct up to 35% of the cost of installing solar and other renewable electricity systems from their taxes. If the credit exceeds your tax liability for the year you install the system, you can carry it over for up to 7 years (15 years on an Indian Reservation). The great thing about this credit is that there is no maximum limit specified, so it should go a long way toward promoting clean power.
Residential users can take a tax credit too. However, the residential credit, while 100% of the cost is eligible, is capped at $500. Let’s raise that limit a bit – a clean power generation system that costs $500 is pretty small.
Montana also participates in the Northwest Solar Cooperative's Green Tag Purchase program. Through the Green Tag Purchase program, the Northwest Solar Cooperative will buy the energy you generate from your solar power system at $0.05/kWh. This plan lasts through the end of 2009.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM - HOME INSTALLATION COST
How much would it cost to install a solar electricity system in Montana? Installing a typical 3kW system in Billings would run about $54,000. Don’t forget that you’d get to take $2,500 in state and federal tax credits too. That may seem like a lot to fork over, but keep in mind that your property value would go up, and the increased value is tax exempt! Because Montana has a solar rating of Good, you would generate enough electricity to pay off the system in 26-30 years, assuming an average monthly usage of 1,300kWh at a rate of $0.0814/kWh.

CONSENSUS
Overall, Montana has the beginnings of a strong program of promoting solar power and other clean energy sources. The state legislature has done quite a bit of work in 2007 setting up tax credits, requiring utilities to offer clean power to their customers, and setting a Renewable Energy Standard. Let’s hope that the 2009 legislative session includes some more incentives for both residential and business customers as well. And why not raise the Renewable Energy Standard above the 15% goal the lawmakers set for 2015? After all, it’s Big Sky Country, make use of the solar resources that are just hanging around in that sky.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/montana/

Missouri

2008-10-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *

From the Gateway Arch to Branson, with stops along the way in the Ozarks, Missouri has tons of stuff going on. Don’t forget about the Kansas City Jazz scene either. With all sorts of happenings in the Show Me state, what better way to take care of Missouri than by using renewable energy. Clean solar power is also a great way to keep the state’s important waterways sparkling too. Keep reading to see what the legislature has done with solar energy.

STATE LEGISLATION
Missouri’s Senate Bill 54, passed in June, 2007 is an overhaul of the state’s renewable energy policy. Part of that bill, called the Green Power Initiative, set up a Renewable Energy Standard requiring 11% of the state’s energy needs to be produced from renewable sources by 2020. It is up to the Public Service Commission to decide what renewable energy sources are most important though, so stay tuned.The state does need to review its priorities though. Missouri offers a $5.00/ton tax credit for burning wood from the forestry industry in the state. Maybe we should think about keeping those trees planted in the ground, so that they can reduce the CO2 in the atmosphere, rather than burning them to put more greenhouse gas up there.

NET-METERING
Missouri is a newcomer to net-metering. The governor just signed the authorization in 2007 (also part of Senate Bill 54), and it goes into effect on January 1, 2008. Your clean power system of 100kW or smaller is eligible for net-metering under this plan. The plan also calls for allowing up to 5% of the utility’s peak capacity to qualify for net-metering. Customers get a credit on their next month’s power bill for any excess power generated. That credit can carry over during the annual billing cycle. However, after a year, you get to donate excess credits to the power company. Therefore, it’s extremely important to size your system appropriately so you aren’t giving free energy away.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Missouri does have a nice Energy Loan Program through which schools and local governments can get very low interest loans to purchase solar power equipment.If you are a Columbia Water & Light customer, you can take advantage of their Super Saver Loan program to put in a solar water heater or a solar space heating system. This program will give you a low interest 5-year loan to use the power of the sun to heat your house or water supply.
Columbia Water & Light will also give you a $500/kW rebate for installing a solar electricity system. This applies to any solar system from 250 watts to 10kW. Since an average size system is about 3kW, you’d receive a rebate of $1,500 from them. It’s something, but really, compared to incentives offered in other states for solar energy installation, this is not really that impressive.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
You live in Kansas City and want to take advantage of Missouri’s Great solar rating? Installing a typical 3kW home solar electricity system will cost about $27,000. This system is eligible for a federal tax credit of $2,000, however it must be installed by December 31st because congress couldn’t get their act together to renew it. Also keep in mind that you can take out a low interest loan through the state’s Energy Loan Program to help pay for your system. If you use 1,300 kWh each month, and are set up with Kansas City Power & Light who charges $0.0803/kWh, your system will pay for itself in less than 20 years. During that time, you’ll be saving over $900 each year on your utility bills, and keeping a whopping 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere. Check out these other important details about your system:
600 square feet of roof area required
Estimated property value increase of $10,820
$22,701 estimated utility bill savings over 25 years

CONSENSUS
Missouri is trying to show us they’re getting interested in solar power. However, now is the time to take some more serious action. Let’s get the state off the cutting down forests kick, and onto the solar bandwagon. Legislators in Missouri have taken the first step, but why not go further? For starters, why a renewable energy standard of only 11%? How about shooting for 25-30% or more? Governor Blunt signed the Green Power Initiative, but that’s not the end of the story. Missouri can do much better.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/missouri/

Mississippi

2008-10-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

State Legislator Score: *
Between the Mississippi river delta and the gulf coast, the state of Mississippi hosts some very unique places, not to mention being the birthplace of the Delta blues and a center of the civil rights movement. Even with all of its history and natural beauty, Mississippi has been slow to get on the solar energy train. Here’s what the legislature has done so far.

STATE LEGISLATION
Well, in the last couple of years, the state legislature has not even taken up the issue of solar energy. In the past two years, Governor Barbour has focused all his attention on cleaning up the mess left by Hurricane Katrina, but solar power has not figured into his plans.

NET-METERING
As of yet, Mississippi does not have a net metering policy, so for now, it’s all up to the utilities themselves.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
The Energy Investment Loan Program started in 1989 does offer companies the possibility of low-interest loans for solar energy systems and other renewable energy projects. Also the TVA’s Green Power Switch Generation Partners Program will pay $500 for the installation of a residential solar system, and buy the power generated at $0.15/kWh. However, the $500 incentive only lasts until the entire program reaches a capacity of 150kW.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
A typical 3kW solar electricity system installed in Jackson, Mississippi would cost around $54,000. The federal tax credit would lower the cost by $2,000 though. With a state solar rating of Good, the system would pay for itself in about 25 years. The big savings would show up in utility bills going down by almost $100/month; not to mention the fact that you’d be keeping over 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere.
Building Type: Residential
State & County: MS - Jackson
Utility: Entergy Mississippi Inc
Utility Type: Investor-Owned Utility
Assumed Average Electric Rate:Please check against your bill $0.1012/kWh
Assumed Average Monthly Electricity Usage: Please check against your bill 1,300 kWh/Month
Your Average Monthly Electricity Bill: (Assumed rate x average monthly usage)$132 / Month
Tiered Rates Apply:No
Time-of-Use Metering Offered:No
Net-Metering Available:No

ESTIMATED SYSTEM SIZE
The system size best for your situation will vary based upon product, building, geographic and other variables. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can better estimate the system size best for your situation. We estimate your building will need a system sized between 4.80 kW and 7.20 kW of peak power. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this range.
Solar Rating: Good (4.947 kWh/sq-m/day)
Solar System Capacity Required: 6.00 kW of peak power (DC watts)
Roof Area Needed: 600 sq-ft

ESTIMATED SYSTEM COST
This is only an estimate based upon many assumptions. Installation costs can vary considerably. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can provide you with a more detailed cost estimate. We estimate that a 6.00 kW peak power system will cost between $43,200 and $64,800. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this cost range.
Assumed Installation cost: (before rebates, incentives or tax credits).$54,000 assuming $9 /watt
Expected Entergy Mississippi Inc Utility Rebate: ($0)
Expected MS State Rebate: State incentive does not apply to this utility($0)
MS State Tax Credit/Deduction ($0)
Federal Tax Credit:(Installation type: Residential ) ($2,000)
Income Tax on Tax Credit: $0

YOUR ESTIMATED NET COST: $52,000
Monthly Payment (6.5% apr, 30 years): $329

SAVINGS & BENEFITS
Increase in Property Value: $13,760
Exempt from Property Tax: No
Accelerated (5 yr) Depreciation: (Installation type: Residential ) No
First-year Utility Savings: Since this is not a business application, these savings are in after tax dollars. So, your realized savings may actually be higher! $688
Average Monthly Utility Savings: (over 25-year expected life of system) $96
Average Annual Utility Savings: (over 25-year expected life of system) $1,155
25-year Utility Savings: $28,870
Return on Investment (ROI): (with Solar System ave. cost set as asset value) 140%
Return on Investment (ROI): (with Property appreciation set as asset value) 531%
Years to Break even: (Includes property value appreciation) 20 years
Years to Break even: (Assuming no property value appreciation) 27 years
Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved: over 25-year system life 160.0 tons (320,000 auto miles)

CONSENSUS
The Mississippi legislature is really singing the blues when it comes to solar energy. The state’s leaders have hardly even mentioned the words in their sessions since 2005. With all the rebuilding in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, the state could take the opportunity to protect the environment by promoting clean energy too. It’s about time the legislature took a stand in support of solar power.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/mississippi/

Minnesota

2008-10-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *****
Some unhappy campers have said that Minnesota has only two seasons: winter and the 4th of July. However, that’s not quite true. The state has four distinct seasons, even though it isn’t uncommon to see snowfall during three of them. Nevertheless, sunny skies are not in short supply. In fact, Minnesota has a solar resource equivalent to that of Houston or Miami.

STATE LEGISLATION
At the end of 2006, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a renewable energy bill which was signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty. State Bill 4 requires all utility providers to generate at least 25% of their total energy from wind, solar, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources by the year 2025. The state’s largest utility provider, Xcel Energy is held to an even higher standard, and must produce at least 30% of its power from renewable energy sources by 2025, of which 25% must be wind power. From the Governor’s website:
“Minnesota has led the nation in developing and implementing innovative energy policies. In February 2007, Governor Pawlenty signed into law a “25 by ‘25” renewable energy standard. In May 2007, the Governor signed legislation that shifts the focus of the state’s Conservation Improvement Program from a spending requirement to an energy savings goal and sets aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The state was also the first in the nation to require ethanol in its gasoline.”
On November 14, 2007, Governor Pawlenty joined the leadership of nine other Midwestern states in signing a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. While not specifically addressing solar power issues, the accord is another step by Minnesota in demonstrating its focus on clean energy.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
Minnesota residents can avail themselves of a number of incentives to implement solar energy projects. First, a Solar Choice Program is offered by several local utility companies as noted below, applying to photovoltaic systems in virtually all sectors and providing incentive payments based on kWh of electrical power produced.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce administers a Solar-Electric (PV) Rebate Program funded by Xcel Energy, which absorbs some of the up-front costs of solar-electric (PV) systems connected to the utility power grid. Rebates of $2 per Watt DC up to $20,000 per system are available to all grid-connected electrical customers. Larger systems may be negotiated, project funding is limited, and other conditions should be noted.
It should also be noted that numerous Minnesota public utility companies offer dozens of incentive programs which reward commercial and residential energy efficiency and conservation efforts.
Net Metering, in effect in Minnesota since 1981, is available on photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, municipal solid waste, and chp/cogeneration installations up to a 40kW capacity. Residential, commercial, and industrial sectors are eligible. The utility compensates the customer for net excess generation (NEG) at essentially the same rate that a customer is charged. (With the exception of Wisconsin, customers in other states can generally expect less.) Solar and Wind Easements are covered under a law enacted in 1978 and amended in 2007.
A Mandatory Utility Green Power Option was initiated in 2001,requiring electric utilities to offer customers the option of purchasing “green power”. This is power the utility company derives from photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, fuel cells using renewable fuels, or microturbines.
Under the Community-Based Energy Development Tariff (implemented 5/26/2007), public utilities are required to file with the state Public Utilities Commission to create a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for community-owned renewable energy projects. The tariff is applicable to utilities generating electricity from solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, municipal solid waste, hydrogen, and hydroelectric below 60 mW.
A Minnesota Property Tax Exemption excludes from (real estate) property taxation the value added by the installation of photovoltaic or wind systems. Similarly, commercial and residential users are eligible for a State Sales Tax Exemption applying to Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, and Photovoltaics. An Energy Investment Loan Program available to schools, hospitals, and local governments encourages investment in solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal process heat, wind, and biomass systems. Under this program, Minnesota will buy down up to 50% of the loan principal to 0% interest for any specific renewable energy, energy efficiency or energy conservation “capital improvement” measure with a simple payback of 10 years or less in an existing building. Maximum amount is $500,000 with limited funding; $8 million is available, but if fully utilized, new loan commitments cannot be satisfied until old loans expire.
Minnesota has established Design Requirements for State Funded Buildings which emphasize the use of solar heating and cooling systems or geothermal power.
A similar program, Sustainable Building Guidelines for New State Construction, applies more broadly to passive solar space heat, solar water heat, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, chp/cogeneration and daylighting is described at http://www.msbg.umn.edu/.
Last, but not least, the Renewable Portfolio Standard described in the opening paragraph above

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
Almost 60% of Minnesota’s five million people live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul “Twin Cities” area and use about 9,840 kWh/year of electricity – the state’s average residential consumption. A photovoltaic solar installation to produce 50% of the electrical needs of the average Minneapolis household requires a roof area of 400 square feet. System and installation costs, assuming a mid-range figure, will be approximately $36,000. After applying the $2,000 federal tax refund and an expected state rebate of $6,480, the net installation cost is $27,520. The benefits:
Estimated increase in property value – $6,380
Estimated 25-year utility savings – $13,386
Estimated reduction in greenhouse gases (CO2) – 101 tons

CONSENSUS
Minnesota prides itself on being a leader “in developing and implementing innovative energy policies”, and judging by the number of solar and renewable energy programs available to its residents, they are living up to their promise. The fact that Minnesota is among the top ten states in both green pricing and net metering customers further suggests their efforts are being well received. Kudos to both the state’s elected officials and to participating utility companies.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/minnesota/

Michigan

2008-10-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

State Legislator Score: ****

Government representatives in Michigan have really embraced solar power. In fact, the state has proposed a plan this past September to the state senate which provides its residents and businesses the best solar incentives per kWh in all of North America! This bill is different from all previous energy bills. Why? It facilitates a profit for solar installers who sell their energy back to the electric grid. This is counter to standard net metering plans that merely credit homeowner electric bills when extra electricity flows back into the grid. Let’s take a closer look at the proposed legislation.

State Legislation
The aforementioned bill is called the Michigan Renewable Energy Sources Act (HB) 5218. If passed, this would be the first bill that allows Michigan citizens to profit from their commitment to clean energy. The bill also provides the first wind tariff, providing a needed incentive to utilize Michigan’s naturally windy climate to more fully harness clean energy.

Sample 3kW System – Home Installation Cost
System: 3kW
Michigan Solar Power Rating: Good
System Cost: $27,000
Rebates: Tax exemption & 30% tax credit up to $2,000 for solar electric and solar water heating
Pay-Off Rate: Varies based on usage. Could pay for itself in 9-10 years with new law

Consider you want to cut your electric bill in half and purchase a 3kW solar system for your Michigan home. The only incentive you’re gonna get from the state of Michigan is a tax exemption on the install. However, you can still take advantage of the Federal tax credit. The real value from the state of Michigan is going to come from that new energy bill. When that passes, you can sell the energy you do not use to the power company for .65/Kwh. This is unlike any other system in place to this date in North America and makes it more likely you’ll achieve much faster payback! Moreover, a system like this will save 71 tons of Greenhouse Gas over 25 years! That’s roughly similar to avoiding 90,000 automobile miles!

Consensus
With Governor Jennifer Granholm spear-heading the effort to spur solar energy use in Michigan, the skies look sunny for local residents considering going solar. However, until that legislation passes, installing solar in the state is quite costly. A bill like the one proposed worked quite well in Germany. Their feed-in tariff created 170,000 jobs and resulted in the most solar installed per capita in the world. These results are encouraging, given that skies are sunnier in Michigan than Germany. Therefore, we think it will have a similar effect on the local economy when implemented in Michigan. Expect explosive things to happen to the Michigan solar industry if this bill passes the Michigan House.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/michigan/

Massachusetts

2008-10-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

State Legislator Score: *****
STATE LEGISLATION
In 1997 a utility restructuring law in Massachusetts, the Renewable Energy Trust was created to promote clean energy in the state. A small charge (about 25 cents a month to an average homeowner or small businesses) creates revenues of about $25 million annually. So far, this has funded the use of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources which have produced something less than a year’s worth of power for 60,000 homes of average size. Critics claim the trust fund has been less effective than it should be, and there is currently an effort underway by Governor Deval Patrick’s administration and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi to place the Trust’s management in the hands of a new Department of Clean Energy.
In late November, 2007, the House of Representatives approved state-wide energy initiatives and reform legislation. The Green Communities Act of 2007 provides incentives to individuals, business owners and municipalities to invest in energy-saving technologies and reduce energy consumption. The bill apparently has widespread support from government officials, the business community, and environmental groups. The aforementioned Department of Clean Energy is created under this bill, and will have oversight responsibilities to insure the success of the state’s initiatives to develop clean energy and promote energy conservation and efficiency.While there may have been some past missteps, Massachusetts seems to be marshalling its forces and resources to more effectively use solar and other renewable energy sources to achieve a greater degree of energy independence. This, plus the sheer number of solar incentive programs which offer rebates, credits, exemptions and loans earn the state a Solar Legislator Score of “Excellent”!

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) contains a long list of incentive programs which encourage energy efficiency and alternative energy use in Massachusetts.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
Boston is rich in history. Once home to Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere during the time of the Revolutionary War, an earlier Colonial Boston had also become famous for its molasses-soaked baked beans. In those days, molasses was a major trade item in the young port city of Boston, being used in the making of both rum and the product that earned the city its nickname of “Bean Town”. The delicacy was actually an invention of the Native Americans in residence when the colonists arrived and, interestingly, is no longer made commercially in Boston.Boston Edison, a subsidiary of NSTAR, is also a part of the area’s history. The company has been providing electricity since 1886, and currently serves about 1.5 million customers in and around Boston. Electrical rates in Massachusetts are a relatively high 13.44 cents/kWh and average annual usage is 7908 kWh. Since the area’s solar rating is “high”; let’s see how Bostonians fare in the planning of a rooftop photovoltaic system. Reducing conventional electrical usage by 50% can be accomplished with solar collectors on a roof area of 350 square feet. The midrange cost of equipment and installation will be approximately $31,500 with several offsetting incentives:

Expected state rebate: $5,670
State tax credit/deduction: $1,000
Less income tax on state tax credit: ($280)
Federal tax credit: $2,000
Estimated NET cost: $23,110
OK, not bad; but an increased property value and the area’s high electrical rates provide even greater incentives:
Increase in Property Value: $9,880 to $18,671
25-year Utility Savings: $20,729 to $39,173
Plus:
Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved over 25-year system life: 81.0 tons

CONSENSUS
Residents and businesses of Massachusetts and the rest of the New England states are burdened with the highest electrical rates in the country. This has obviously provided an important reason to look for effective energy alternatives. Fortunately, solar power has received a good bit of legislative attention, and Massachusetts’ leadership is encouraged to keep it in focus as they move forward with the Green Communities Act of 2007.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/massachusetts/

Maryland

2008-10-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ****
Maryland, home of the Star-Spangled Banner, the Orioles, the Appalachian Mountains, Chesapeake Bay, and the warm friendly beaches of the Eastern Shore. Whether you want to go hiking, head for the ballpark, take in some of our nation’s great historical sites, or relax on the beach, you’ll want to do that in a clean safe environment. To keep the Maryland environment looking good, renewable energy like solar power is the word. Here’s what the Maryland legislature has been cookin’ up…
STATE LEGISLATION Back in 2001, Maryland got an early start on using renewable energy. Six percent of the power used by state government buildings must come from renewable sources. Also, by 2010, state buildings must reduce their energy usage by 15%.Renewable Energy PortfolioIn 2004 the Maryland legislature established a renewable energy standard. This set up a framework for ensuring that 9.5% of the power used in the state comes from renewable sources by 2022. The best part of this law came with the 2007 amendment. The amendment forces utilities to get another 2% of their electricity from good, clean solar power by 2022. The state hopes that means 1,500 MW of solar power by 2022.NET-METERING
Maryland’s net-metering rules, established in 1997 and most recently amended in 2007, let you connect a renewable energy generation system of up to 2MW to the grid. Even better, net-metering is available to all customers and the regulation covers all types of utilities as well. If you generate more power than you use in a given month, you get a credit on your next bill at the retail rate! The only down-side to this rule is that if at the end of a 12-month billing cycle, you have still generated electricity more than you use, you grant any credit to your power company. But then, it’s all for a good cause, so think of it as giving the planet a little gift of sunshine if your solar electricity system provides you with more than you need.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
In 2007, the legislature voted to give you a property tax exemption for your solar electricity generation equipment. That means that making your house more valuable by installing a solar system won’t cost you a penny when tax time rolls around.In 2004, Maryland also passed a bill to give you a rebate for installing your solar power system. That means the state will pay you back for 20% of the cost of your system or $3,000, whichever is less. Residential solar photovoltaic systems must be at least 500 watts, but you’ll probably need more than that for your home anyway!

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Here you are on the cutting edge of clean solar power in Baltimore; you’ve decided to install a 3kW solar electricity system in your home. Initially, it will run you about $10/watt, so $30,000. This is for a no-frills system… there may be adders or there may not be. Don’t forget though that you get a $3,000 rebate from the state and you can take a $2,000 federal tax credit too. Because Maryland’s solar rating is Good, you’ll have no trouble generating enough power for the system to pay for itself in about 10-27 years (assuming you use about 1,300 kWh each month at a rate of $0.0836/kWh). All that time you’ll be saving $947 to $1,839 on your utility bills every year. Your savings will keep rising too, since electricity prices are estimated to jump to $0.096/kWh in 5 years and to $0.145/kWh in 25 years. Here’s some more important information about your site.
250 square feet of roof area required
$11,280 to $21,914 estimated increase in property value – tax exempt!
$23,666 to $45,977 estimated utility bill savings over 25 years
207 tons of CO2 kept out of the atmosphere; that’s like taking 36 cars off the road or planting 609 trees!

CONSENSUS
Maryland has been making some good progress on building up the solar energy market in the state. The legislature has begun to pass some important rebates and incentives for both commercial and residential customers. With as much coastline as Maryland has, combatting global climate change with nice clean solar power is a must. Even Governor Martin O’Malley has jumped on the bandwagon and is promoting solar energy, so Maryland is off to a good start! Just don’t stop now; there’s always more work to be done.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/maryland/

Maine

2008-10-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***

Known for a bit of everything from beaches to quaint seaside towns and windswept rocky coastlines to fantastic mountain hiking trails and thousands of lakes, Maine is an outdoor wonder. All that wonder is full of energy too. The wind, the tides, and most importantly, the sun are all at work keeping Maine fueled. The real question is how has the legislature done in promoting all the energy that’s just lying around for the taking? Keep on reading to find out.
STATE LEGISLATION Maine has started to consider some important bills on solar energy in the last couple of years. Most significantly, the legislature voted to renew the Solar Rebate Program, at least through 2010. Solar power has been considered in a number of other bills which unfortunately never got out of the legislature, but on the plus side, at least lawmakers are starting to think in the right direction.
The steps taken by Maine’s legislative body are being pushed along by Governor John Baldacci too. Just yesterday (11/15/07) he gave a speech at the opening of the E2-Tech Conference in Falmouth where he said, “We need to get off the petroleum habit, and Maine is keyed up better than most states when it comes to finding alternative sources of energy.” Ever since being elected, Baldacci has been a big supporter of solar and other types of clean power.

NET-METERING
Maine set up net-metering rules in 1987 and amended them in 2000 to keep up with the times. Under these rules, all utilities in Maine must offer net-metering to customers who generate 100kW or less. Customers get a credit on their next monthly bill for any net excess power generated during a 12 month billing year. At the end of the year, any excess power generated is granted to the utility without compensation. Wouldn’t it be great if the utilities would actually purchase that net excess generation?

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Passed by the Maine legislature in 2005, the State Rebate Program set up a fund to reimburse residents and businesses up to $7,000 for installing a solar electricity system and up to $1,250 for a solar thermal system. In either case, the state rebate will cover 25% of the cost of the equipment and installation up to the cap. The biggest drawback to this program is its success though. The program budget was only $500,000 and the part of that that was set aside for solar electricity systems has already been exhausted (there’s still money for solar heating systems though!). In 2007 some more money was allocated, though and grants will resume between 2008 and 2010. You can qualify for this rebate if the system you install has a capacity of up to 100kW.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Installing a 3kW solar electricity system in Portland, Maine would cost around $63,000. On the surface that sounds a bit steep, but keep in mind that with a state rebate and a federal tax credit, that cost will drop to about $54,000. Still not convinced? Since Maine has a solar rating of Good, your solar system would probably pay for itself in 2-13 years, assuming an average monthly usage of 1,300kWh at rate of $0.143/kWh through the Central Maine Power Co. The savings will only mount too as utility rates are estimated to rise to $0.21/kWh in 25 years. On top of those savings, you’d be keeping 151 tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere. But wait, there’s more; check out these other details on your system:
700 square feet of roof area required
Estimated property value increase of $19,620 to $44,291!
$41,164 to $92,926 estimated utility savings over 25 years!
Greenhouse gas savings equal to taking 26 cars off the road or planting 442 trees.

CONSENSUS
While Maine has been taking the relaxed approach to legislation on solar power, it has made some important first steps that place it ahead of many other states. Governor Baldacci is really pushing hard for clean power, but lawmakers can’t let him do all the work. Legislators should not let the solar rebate run out, and they need to step of the action to further promote the renewable energy market in the state. A good start, but don’t stop now, you’re just at the beginning.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/maine/

Louisiana

2008-10-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **
Louisiana, home to Cajun country and the Big Easy, the sportsman’s paradise has a little bit of everything under the sun. Using renewable energies like solar power could help keep Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest around for years to come. How has the Louisiana legislature fared with promoting clean power? Keep reading.

STATE LEGISLATION
In 2007, the Louisiana legislature passed Act 371, which gives a tax credit for solar and wind energy systems. Beyond this tax credit an a property tax exemption for solar energy equipment, Louisiana has not yet seen the light when it comes to renewable energy.

NET-METERING
Louisiana’s net metering rules, established in 2005, cover residential systems up to 25kW and commercial systems up to 100kW. Net excess power generated gets credited to the customer’s next bill. The good thing about Louisiana’s net-metering rule is that there’s no annual limit on this. The credits continue indefinitely. Customers are paid the wholesale rate for any net excess power generated when they cancel service.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
The Tax Credit for Solar and Wind Energy Systems on Residential Property passed by the Louisiana legislature in 2007 offers a 50% tax credit on the first $25,000 spent by either a corporation or an individual to install a solar or wind energy system. This amounts to a maximum credit of $12,500.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
With a state solar rating of Good, installing a solar electricity system is a great way to lower electric bills at home. A typical 3kW system in New Orleans would cost about $34,500. While saving you around $1,000 each year on utility costs, the solar electricity system will pay for itself in about 20 years. The best part is that you’ll also get to keep about 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere!

Building Type: Residential
State & County: LA - Orleans
Utility: Entergy New Orleans Inc
Utility Type: Investor-Owned Utility
Assumed Average Electric Rate: Please check against your bill $0.0946 /kWh
Assumed Average Monthly Electricity Usage: Please check against your bill 1,300 kWh/Month
Your Average Monthly Electricity Bill: (Assumed rate x average monthly usage) $123 /Month
Tiered Rates Apply: No
Time-of-Use Metering Offered: No
Net-Metering Available: Yes

ESTIMATED SYSTEM SIZE
The system size best for your situation will vary based upon product, building, geographic and other variables. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can better estimate the system size best for your situation. We estimate your building will need a system sized between 5.20 kW and 7.80 kW of peak power. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this range.
Solar Rating: Good (4.74 kWh/sq-m/day)
Solar System Capacity Required: 6.50 kW of peak power (DC watts)
Roof Area Needed: 650 sq-ft

ESTIMATED SYSTEM COST
This is only an estimate based upon many assumptions. Installation costs can vary considerably. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can provide you with a more detailed cost estimate. We estimate that a 6.50 kW peak power system will cost between $46,800 and $70,200. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this cost range.
Assumed Installation cost: (before rebates, incentives or tax credits) $58,500 assuming $9 /watt
Expected Entergy New Orleans Inc Utility Rebate: ($0)
Expected LA State Rebate: State incentive does not apply to this utility ($0)
LA State Tax Credit/Deduction (50% of net system cost) (Maximum of $12500) ($12,500)
Federal Tax Credit: (Installation type: Residential ) ($2,000)
Income Tax on Tax Credit: $3,500

YOUR ESTIMATED NET COST: $47,500
Monthly Payment (6.5% apr, 30 years): $300

SAVINGS & BENEFITS
Increase in Property Value: $12,840
Exempt from Property Tax: YES
Accelerated (5 yr) Depreciation: (Installation type: Residential ) No
First-year Utility Savings: Since this is not a business application, these savings are in after tax dollars. So, your realized savings may actually be higher! $642
Average Monthly Utility Savings: (over 25-year expected life of system) $90
Average Annual Utility Savings: (over 25-year expected life of system) $1,078
25-year Utility Savings: $26,939
Return on Investment (ROI): (with Solar System ave. cost set as asset value) 142%
Return on Investment (ROI): (with Property appreciation set as asset value) 525%
Years to Break even: (Includes property value appreciation) 19 years
Years to Break even: (Assuming no property value appreciation) 26 years
Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved: over 25-year system life 160.0 tons (320,000 auto miles)

CONSENSUS
Louisiana has not yet caught on to the benefits of solar power. While some of that may have to do with cleanup from hurricane Katrina, the legislature needs to start promoting clean energy; Louisiana legislators could open up a whole new market considering all the reconstruction that needs to be done. Creating greater incentives for installing solar electricity and hot water systems could go a long way toward reinvigorating the local economy. Now is the time to get moving on solar power; laissez les bons temps rouler!

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/louisiana/

Kentucky

2008-10-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **
STATE LEGISLATION
Kentucky’s electric utility rates are among the lowest in the country. According to the Department of Energy, Kentucky’s electricity rates average 5.43 cents per kW hour compared to the national average of 8.90 cents per kW hour. E.ON U.S., LLC, formerly Louisville Gas & Electric, is the principal electrical energy provider in Louisville, and in 2007 won the highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking in the Midwestern Region for the eighth time in the last nine years.
That’s about the extent of the good news for Kentucky’s residential electric power customers. The state has introduced very few incentives to encourage utilization of solar power and other renewable/sustainable energy sources, particularly for the benefit of homeowners. Air quality is an issue in Kentucky, and a compelling argument for a greater emphasis on solar energy systems.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
State Bill 247 was enacted in Kentucky in 2004, requiring all investor-owned utilities and electric co-ops (TVA excepted) to offer Net-Metering to customers with photovoltaic solar-electric installations of 15 kW or less. A single, bi-directional meter is to be supplied by the utility; additional meters or distribution upgrades must be installed at the customer-generator’s expense. Excess power generated will be credited to the customer-generator at the utility’s normal retail rate.
On September 30, 2007, the state legislature enacted a Sales Tax Exemption for Large Scale Renewable Energy Projects. It provides the commercial sector an exemption for 100% of sales and use taxes up to a maximum of 50% of the capital investment, and applies to solar energy systems producing at least 50 kW. The incentives also apply to wind power systems, biomass, landfill gas, hydropower, and similar resources generating at least 1 mW. There are other benefits and conditions.
The Kentucky Solar Partnership (KSP) and the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) offer a Solar Water Heater Loan Program, available to both commercial and residential users. It is a monthly installment loan program, with 5% down and a relatively low rate of interest for a fixed term of six years, covering the full equipment and installation cost.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers an interesting program through participating Green Power Switch (GPS) Generation Partners. Solar or wind power produced by residential or small commercial generators can sell 100% of their output to TVA for 15 cents per kilowatt-hour. An additional $500 incentive to help offset start-up costs is also available to residential users who qualify.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
Louisville/Jefferson County has an estimated population of about 700,000 people, excluding annual visitors to the Kentucky Derby, and just over 322,000 housing units that are exposed to plenty of sunshine; the area has a solar rating of “good”. Although utility rates are low, average electrical usage in Kentucky is a relatively high 14,328 kWh/year. To achieve a 50% net reduction in power company usage, a solar installation would require about 600 square feet of roof space and would cost approximately $54,000 (midrange estimate). Unfortunately, a $2,000 federal tax credit is the only direct offset to the cost. On the plus side:
Estimated increase in property value – $8,200
Estimated 25-year utility savings – $17,204
Estimated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – 147 tons

CONSENSUS
The obvious lack of solar incentives in the previous example highlights the need for action on the part of Kentucky’s governor and legislators. Although past and present government officials deserve kudos for whatever role they played in achieving the state’s low electric utility rates, the fact remains that most of their power comes from the burning of coal. Kentucky has fallen short in implementing renewable/sustainable energy alternatives, and needs to make this a priority.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/kentucky/

Kansas

2008-10-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislative Score: *
The Flint Hills of Kansas, well the whole state really, used to be the floor of an inland sea. That means the state is home to a phenomenal wealth of natural history. Not only that, Kansas is the breadbasket of America. Guess what you need to grow food? You guessed it: sun. With all those wide open spaces on the plains, Kansas is the perfect place to take advantage of clean solar power. Using renewable energy would protect the valuable natural history of the state and preserve its farmland too. The state legislature has been taking 1 step forward and 2 or 3 steps backward on clean power though. Here’s how the lawmakers have addressed renewable energy.

STATE LEGISLATION
A Renewable Energy Standard?
In early 2006, the Kansas legislature passed House Bill 2589, setting a renewable energy standard. This bill says that all energy production facilities put into service in 2007 or later must meet the goal of having 10% of their production from renewable sources by January 1, 2010. Sadly, old power plants were grandfathered in and face no new regulations. It must be time to replace those aging utilities in Kansas!

A little tax credit
Kansas also passed Senate Bill 251, giving a $0.005/kWh tax credit to utilities for the sale of clean power generated from renewable sources. It’s a start, especially when combined with the baby step taken by House Bill 2589.

NET-METERING
House Bill 2844, passed in 2006, established net-metering rules for Kansas utilities. Net-metering is available for systems that generate 10kW or less. Net excess generation is credited to the customer’s next bill until the end of a 12-month billing cycle. After 12 months if you generate more than you use, you’ve just made a donation to your utility company (but it’s for a good cause since you’re using clean power). Reimbursement is however capped at 1% of the total number of kilowatt hours sold by the utility. This means that up to that 1%, customers are credited at the retail rate for the power they generate. Beyond the 1% cap, the utility reimburses customers at 150% of the wholesale rate.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
The Kansas Energy Office had a grant program in place that offered to help fund many important clean power projects, but it relied upon money from the US Department of Energy which cut back its support, and as of 2007, the Kansas Energy Office has not found other resources to continue the program. Just goes to show that states need to find their own resources and put pressure on the federal government if solar power and other renewable energy sources are going to remain priorities in the US.
On the plus side, all equipment used to generate renewable energy is exempt from property tax in Kansas. That goes for corporations as well as individual taxpayers. Sadly, Senate Bill 385, passed in 2006, makes it possible for counties to require payment to offset the tax exemption. We’ll have to stay tuned to see what that means for the promotion of clean power in Kansas, but it doesn’t look good from here.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Kansas has a Great solar rating. That means installing a solar electricity system is a cost-effective, efficient means of generating power for your home. Installing a typical 3kW system in Wichita would run about $49,500. With your new system, you’d save about $974 each year on your utility bills, and would raise your property value too. Even better, the system should pay for itself in about 22 years (using 1,300 kWh/month at a rate of $0.0858/kWh), and you’d get to keep about 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere in that time!

CONSENSUS
With all that space in Kansas, solar energy could really make a difference in the future of the state. If only lawmakers could see beyond their own noses and take advantage of this abundant renewable resource. Some work has been done, and at least the legislature has considered the issue from time to time. Unfortunately, the bills that are passed often end up watering down or completely removing any progress on clean power generation. Topeka needs to take solar energy much more seriously. At present Governor Sebelius is still stuck on the dinosaur of “clean coal.” Better check out the fossils in Kansas quickly, they’ll be gone soon…

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/kansas/

Iowa

2008-10-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **
STATE LEGISLATION
Iowa, long known for its prodigious corn crops, is now becoming known as a major producer of ethanol and a leader in the production of alternative fuels. But their leadership doesn’t stop there. On May 23, 2007, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed legislation establishing the Office of Energy Independence, and received generous program funding from the state legislature: $100 million over a four year period – money that will be used largely for the research and development of alternative energy technologies. The new bill, Iowa Power Fund (HF 918), has state officials hopeful that their state will become not only energy independent, but a net exporter of energy. Continuing the momentum, on November 15, 2007, the governor joined a group of other Midwestern states by signing the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. However, the state has failed to provide incentives such as rebates that directly subsidize the purchase of solar energy systems.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
Iowa’s Net Metering rule was adopted by the Iowa Utility Board in July 1984 and applies to customers of Iowa’s two investor-owned utilities, MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy - Interstate Power and Light (IPL). Subject to system limits of 500 kW, net metering is available to all who generate electricity using alternate energy production facilities. Excess power generation is credited to the customer’s future billing. Provisions are more fully described at: http://www.state.ia.us/government/com/util/docs/orders/2006/0808_PURPAStd11.pdf

Solar Access Easements assure that all sectors will be allowed access to sunlight to operate photovoltaic and other solar devices. Furthermore, municipalities have been granted the right to override restrictive covenants by subdivisions that would otherwise prohibit or limit the use of solar collectors. (http://www.dsireusa.org/documents/Incentives/IA04R.htm.)

The Alternate Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) provides loan funds for eligible renewable energy technologies (solar, biomass, wind and small hydro-electric power facilities). Administered by the Iowa Energy Center and funded by the state’s investor-owned utilities, the AERLP provides loan funds to individuals and organizations who build renewable energy production facilities in Iowa. Qualified applicants can receive a loan consisting of AERLP funds up to 50% of the total loan at 0% interest; the maximum loan is $250,000 for a maximum term of 20 years. Lender-provided funds at market rate make up the other 50%. As loans are repaid, funds become available to new applicants. (http://www.energy.iastate.edu/funding/aerlp-index.html.)

In 2005, Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits (Corporate) were made available for the production and sale of renewable energy by the following sectors: commercial, industrial, schools, rural electric co-ops, and agriculture. Eligible technologies include solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, hydrogen, and anaerobic digestion systems. Wind generating capacity can be up to 450 mW, but other renewable energy systems are eligible only up to 20 mW. Maximum incentives of 1.5 cents/kWh are available for ten years after the facility begins producing and selling energy. A similar bill enacted at the same time, Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits (Personal), addressed the same technologies and the same sectors, but added residential users to the eligibility mix and some variations in provisions. These were rather complex bills containing uncertainties in the original language that were clarified and/or amended with statutory changes. For details on Iowa Codes 476B and 476C, go to: http://www.state.ia.us/government/com/util/energy/renewable_tax_credits.html.

A Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems (passive solar space heat, solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, and wind) can be taken by the commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural sectors for full value of the project for five years.
More here: http://www.iowadnr.com/energy/renewable/incentives/solar.html.

A Wind and Solar Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption is also available to commercial, residential, general public/consumer, and agricultural users for 100% of the tax. Details here: http://nxtsearch.legis.state.ia.us/NXT/gateway.dll/2007%20Iowa%20Code/2007code/1/14330/14331/14516/14519?f=templates$fn=document-frameset.htm$q=[field%20folio-destination-name:’sec_423_3′]$x=Advanced#0-0-0-3949.

Iowa’s Green Power Procurement Program, a 2005 directive by former Governor Tom Vilsack, mandated that state agencies obtain at least 10% of their electricity needs from renewable energy sources, including solar power, by 2010. Details at http://www.iowadnr.com/energy/eo41.html.

Alternative Energy Law (AEL) requires Iowa’s two investor-owned utilities, MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy - Interstate Power and Light, to contract for a combined total of 105 mW of their generation from renewable-energy resources. Although photovoltaics are among these resources, the mandated requirement is currently being fulfilled mostly by wind power and biomass. (http://www.dsireusa.org/documents/Incentives/IA01R.htm.)

The state’s Mandatory Utility Green Power Option requires that all Iowa electrical utilities offer green power options to their customers, allowing customers to make voluntary contributions to support the development of renewable energy sources. (http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?category=billinfo&service=IowaCode&ga=82&input=476.47.)

To encourage education and research of energy alternatives and efficiency, Iowa has initiated Grants for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Research. This program is available to universities and colleges, nonprofit energy organizations, and community-based educational groups. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. (http://www.energy.iastate.edu/funding/gp-index.html).

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATIONWith a population of just fewer than 200,000, the State Capitol of Des Moines (Polk County) is the largest city in Iowa. The area experiences enough sunshine to warrant a solar rating of “good”, making it a viable candidate for a solar energy system. The average Iowa resident’s electrical usage is 10,428 kWh/year. If a Des Moines homeowner has 400 square feet of roof space for a solar collector and $36,000 for equipment and installation – less $2000 from a federal tax credit – electricity usage can be reduced by half. The benefits include:
An estimated increase in property value of $8,540
An estimated 25-year utility savings of $17, 918
An estimated 25-year greenhouse gas (CO2) reduction of 107 tons

CONSENSUS
While Iowa has some ambitious goals to develop alternative energy sources, the state could do more to promote of solar power.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/iowa/

Indiana

2008-10-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: **
STATE SOLAR LEGISLATION
The Indiana General Assembly wrapped up its 2007 legislative session on April 31 with some unfinished business. State Bill 2006 would have adopted a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) requiring Indiana to obtain 10% of its electricity from renewable sources, but died because the House and Senate couldn’t reach an agreement on certain language in the bill. Other recent legislative action promoting solar power has been conspicuous by its absence. This, plus a comparative lack of current solar energy incentives, earns a “poor” rating for the state of Indiana. The Hoosier Environmental Council is doing its part to fight for the 10% RES.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
A state property tax exemption allowing an annual deduction against property tax valuations is one of the few solar incentives offered to residents of Indiana. Individual statutes cover solar, wind, hydro power, and geothermal systems. The property tax exemption applying to solar installations used for heating or cooling has been in effect since 1975. It broadly covers the entire system, including equipment for storage and distribution, and solar power installations attached to mobile homes. Specifics are available here.
From the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development, non-residential entities are eligible for grant funding. These are available to Indiana’s public, non-profit, and business sectors under the state’s Alternative Power and Energy (APE) Grant Program, which is supported by an annual budget of $300,000. 50% of the project cost up to $25,000 is available for solar electric or hot water systems, and/or wind power. Funding will be provided for the first 5 kW of rated capacity of solar electric systems and the first 10 kW of rated capacity of wind power systems; larger systems are eligible for a grant, but the additional capacity will not be subsidized. More information about this program is available here.
In September 2004, Indiana adopted Net Metering rules for solar, wind, and small hydroelectric generators with a capacity up to 10,000 kW. Residential customers and K-12 schools are eligible. Details are available here.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
Indiana businesses and residences demand a relatively large amount of electrical power (average: 12,504 kwh/year), requiring a solar power system of commensurate size. The following is an example of a solar installation in Indianapolis (Marion County), the state’s largest city, which has a population of almost 800,000 and more than 350,000 housing units; the main power provider is Indianapolis Power & Light.
* Roof area required – 550 sq. ft.* Estimated mid-range cost of system/installation – $49,500* Federal Tax Credit – $2,000* Property Tax Exemption – yes* Estimated increase in property value – $7,100* Estimated 25-year utility savings – $14,896* Reduction in greenhouse gases – 128 tons

CONSENSUS
As you can see, residential solar power systems in Indiana are a fairly costly proposition, with very little incentive offered by the state to promote their use. Net metering and property tax exemptions are a start, but still a long way from making solar power economically viable for homeowners. A lot more needs to be done here.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/indiana/

Illinois

2008-10-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ****
STATE LEGISLATION
Overall, Illinois is doing a pretty damn good job promoting solar power. The legislature has really encouraged residential and commercial use of renewable energy sources and related technologies. One of the laws recently passed assures the continued funding of the Renewable Energy Trust Fund. So, that fund now provides financial resources for solar and other renewable programs until 12/12/15.
Also, an important new bill went into effect September 24, 2007: Senate Bill 0680 (Public Act 095-0420) established a legal mandate requiring utilities to provide "Net Metering" to customers with renewable energy systems up to 2 MW! For systems with generators up to 40 kW, equipment is paid for by the utility; for larger systems, equipment is paid for by the customer.
In July of 2007, Illinois joined ranks with 24 other states to implement Renewable Energy Standards (RES), and is committed to achieving targets of 10% renewables by 2015 and 25% by 2025. Under this plan, 75% of the standard must be met by wind power, which relegates solar technologies to a relatively minor roll. However, there are a number of other programs promoting solar use which are detailed below.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Illinois offers a Property Tax Exemption to commercial, industrial, and residential sectors for on-site installations of passive solar space heat, solar water heat, photovoltaics, and solar space heat, as well as wind and geothermal electric technologies. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO) offers a Solar Energy Rebate Program which is available to just about everyone, providing rebates up to 30% of the project cost to a maximum of $10,000. Rebates apply to new photovoltaic or solar thermal systems.
In October of 2007, Governor Rod Blagojevich (One of our favorite political names.. conjures lovely images of slaw and kielbasa) announced over $1.5 million in grants for solar thermal energy systems under The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity “Renewable Energy Resources Solar Thermal Energy Grant Program”. Benefits are available to commercial, industrial, nonprofit, schools, associations, local and state government. Renewable energy projects are covered up to 30% of cost to a maximum of $400,000 (grants are subject to limitations of annual funding).

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
While Chicago is known as “the windy city”, that moniker ain’t attributed to the strong breezes emanating from Lake Michigan. Chicago earned its windy reputation in the 1800’s from politicians who couldn’t seem to keep their mouths shut. Nevertheless, both wind and sunshine prevail in Chicago and surrounding Cook County. A solar rating of “Good”, and several state and federal incentives make solar installations quite attractive here. An example of a Chicago solar installation is described below.
The average residential use of electrical power in Illinois is 9,708 kwh/year. The installation of a solar power system to produce 50% of that electrical demand would require a roof space of 400 square feet and an estimated mid-range system and installation cost of approximately $36,000. Here’s what you get in return:
A $2000 federal tax credit
A $10,000 state rebate
An estimated $7,920 in increased property value
25 years of utility savings projected to be $16,617
100 fewer tons of greenhouse gases
Note: The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) was founded in 1975 to promote widespread use of solar and other renewable/sustainable energy alternatives. For a virtual tour of 89 residential and commercial solar installations throughout the state.

CONSENSUS
Illinois has implemented a number of forward-thinking programs which encourage the use of solar power and other green energy sources and technologies. There seems to be good momentum here, with a chance that Illinois will be a trendsetter for alternative energy development.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/illinois/

Idaho

2008-10-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislative Score: **
From Lake Pend Oreille to the Sawtooth Mountains and Hell’s Canyon, Idaho has some truly unique natural beauty. Since there’s so much to see and do outdoors in Idaho, keeping the environment clean by using renewable power sources should be a top priority. Don’t forget about all those potatoes either; clean energy helps farmers too. How has the state legislature taken up the issue of renewable energy? Read on!

STATE LEGISLATION
In 2005, the Idaho legislature passed Senate Bill 1192, setting up a bond to fund independent renewable energy projects. This bill was a big step taken to encourage private utilities to develop solar and other clean power generation systems.Also in 2005, the legislature passed House Bill 106, authorizing a sales tax rebate for the purchase of solar power generation equipment.
However, the going might get tougher, as Governor “Butch” Otter has gone on record with his preference of nuclear energy over solar and other renewable energies in 2007. Let’s hope the legislature can overpower the nuclear governor.

NET-METERING
In Idaho, net-metering is available to residential and small business customers of the three investor-owned utilities (Avista Utilities, Idaho Power, and Rocky Mountain Power) who generate up to 25kW of power. Each utility has it’s own rule as there is no statewide regulation, but all are similar in nature. Residential and small business customers get a credit at the retail rate toward their next month’s bill. The biggest limit to the plans is that system-wide net-metered capacity is set at 0.1% of peak generation from the year 2000.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
In 2005, the Idaho legislature approved Idaho Code Chapter 63, paragraph 3622QQ, which offers a sales tax rebate for the purchase of solar power and other renewable energy generation equipment. All systems capable of generating 25kW are eligible.Chapter 63 also includes paragraph 3022C, which allows taxpayers to deduct 40% of the cost of a solar electricity system (or other renewable power generation systems). A taxpayer can take a 40% deduction in the first year, and a 20% deduction for each of the next 3 years (limited to $5,000/year - $20,000 total deduction).
Lastly, on a first-come, first-served basis, Idaho residents can apply for a rebate on the cost of a site assessment for a solar electricity system. This means that you can have the state pay $75 of the cost of having a grid-connected system designed, or $175 of the cost for a system off the electrical grid.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Installing a 3kW solar electricity system in Boise (Ada county) would cost about $49,500. After state and federal tax credits, you would only have to pay $33,244. Since Idaho has a Great solar rating, you would generate more than enough electricity to pay for the system in about 20 years, with an average monthly usage of 1,300kWh at a rate of $0.0660/kWh. During that time, you could expect to save about $740 each year on your utility bills. More importantly, you could keep about 160 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere. Here are a few more important details to consider from this estimate.
550 square feet of roof area needed
$8,820 estimated property value increase
Estimated utility savings over 25 years of $18,505

CONSENSUS
Idaho has taken some important steps toward building a solar and renewable energy market. In the past couple of years, the state legislature has passed important tax incentives to support residential and small business installations as well as a bond measure that could help the energy industry move toward clean power. It’s not time to stop yet though; with all the sun that shines on Idaho, solar energy could become a serious part of the energy equation with continued promotion from the state capitol. Get Governor Otter off of the nuclear kick too. With solar power Idaho can grow, with nuclear it’ll just glow.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/idaho/

Hawaii

2008-10-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *****
With all of the recent speculation on what Hawaii would look like under a few feet of water, the move to adopt more environmentally friendly forms of energy has gained considerable momentum there. Under the Hawaii Global Warming Solutions Act, the state has plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. To make this big plan a reality, the state is literally giving money to small businesses, residences, farmers and ranchers who invest in technology to reduce their oil dependence (Hawaii’s current energy system is 91 percent dependent on oil and the price of crude went up to 80 bucks just the last week).
Here’s a rundown of state incentives available to Hawaiian businesses and residences looking to lessen their carbon footprints and electric bills:

Residential Rebate Program
The Residential Energy $olutions program for solar water heater rebates offers $1,000 for retrofits or systems installed on new construction in the service territory of HECO, MECO or HELCO.

Example residential solar water heater install:
Average Cost of solar water heating system $5,250.00
Less Instant Hawaiian Electric Rebate -$1,000.00
Customer Payment to the Contractor $4,250.00
Federal Tax Credit (30%)($4,250 X 30%) -$1,275.00
State Tax Credit (35%)($4,250 X 35%) -$1,488.00

NET SYSTEM COST TO CUSTOMER $1,487.00

Here, you might say, “Whoa, $4,250 is a lot to have to pay up front for savings of $50 a month! Why would I wanna do that?” Again here though, you can qualify for a 60 month ZERO interest loan on this equipment! Your down payment will be absorbed by your federal and state tax credits! YOU CAN DO THIS! Here’s what it would look like:

$5,250 :Typical SWH system cost. (Varies by family size, hot water use, system type, and geographic area)

-$1,000: Maui Electric Company rebate paid to participating solar contractors.

-$1,488: Typical down payment (35% of $4,250 = $1,488, paid by you to solar contractor)
(You can recover this amount through the state and/or federal tax credit)

$2,762: Your loan amount. (Billing will be separate from electric bill)

$46.03: Your monthly payment (Paid off in 5 years)

~$50.00: Your monthly savings (immediate after install)

TAX CREDITS
$1,488: State tax credit of 35% (max of $2250). Consult with your tax professional.
$1,275: Federal tax credit of 30% (max of $2000). Consult with your tax professional.

SUMMARY
Awesome
$1,488 out of pocket for loan, $2,763 ($1,488 state + $1,275 federal) back in your pocket after tax cycle, $4 a month savings until year 5, >$60 a month savings after year 5 (loan is paid off and energy prices have increased a bit). TOTAL SAVINGS PER YEAR AFTER YEAR 5: $720
So for less than $50 a month ($2,762/60 = $46.03), you can pay off your loan in 5 years. You also recoup your down payment the first tax cycle with a nice federal and/or state tax credit! Awesome! Keep in mind, if you’ve got a family of four, you are going to save roughly $50 a month in water heating costs anyway so the system can actually pay you about $4 a month right after hookup! Afrer 5 years, your loan is all paid off and the system now saves you more than $60 a month (accounting for energy price increases)!
Tax Credits
In the examples above, there were state tax credits shown. Here are the specifics of those incentives:
For solar thermal energy systems, the maximum allowable credits are as follows:
Single family residential property is eligible for a credit of 35% of the actual cost or $2,250, whichever is less;
Multi-family residential property is eligible for a credit of 35% of the actual cost or $350 per unit, whichever is less; and
Commercial property is eligible for a credit of 35% of the actual cost or $250,000, whichever is less.
For photovoltaic systems, the maximum allowable credits are as follows:
Single family residential property is eligible for a credit of 35% of the actual cost or $5,000, whichever is less;
Multi-family residential property is eligible for a credit of 35% of the actual cost or $350 per unit, whichever is less; and
Commercial property is eligible for a credit of 35% of the actual cost or $500,000, whichever is less.
For wind powered energy systems the maximum allowable credits are as follows:
Single family residential property is eligible for a credit of 20% of the actual cost or $1,500, whichever is less;
Multi-family residential property is eligible for a credit of 20% of the actual cost or $200 per unit, whichever is less; and
Commercial property is eligible for a credit of 20% of the actual cost or $500,000, whichever is less.
Honolulu Million Solar Roofs Loans
The Honolulu Solar Roofs Loan Program is made possible through a partnership between Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and The City and County of Honolulu. The program offers low-interest loans (0% or 2%) to income-qualified homeowners on the Island of Oahu for the installation of solar water heating systems through the City’s Rehabilitation Loan Program. The contract occurs between the City and County of Honolulu, who provides the funding, and the customer with HECO facilitating the installation of the solar hot water heaters.
The low-interest loans are available for single-family homes, condominiums, and coops. The maximum loan is $80,000 for each dwelling unit for owner-occupied properties up to 4 dwelling units not to exceed $125,000 per property. For all other properties, the maximum loan amount is determined by a formula. Most solar hot water heater installations cost approximately $4,000 to $5,000. Loans will be secured by a promissory note and a mortgage on the property.

Maui Million Solar Roofs 0% Solar Loans!
Maui County’s Solar Roofs Initiative Program provides for interest free loans for those who want to install a solar water heater! In a joint effort between Maui County and Maui Electric Company, loan recipients are also eligible for a $1,000 discount.
What about Kauai? They got a nice program too! Through a partnership with Kauai Community Federal Credit Union (KCFCU) and Kauai County Housing Agency (KCHA), the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) also provides qualifying members with interest-free loans for solar water heating systems. KCHA, through funding from the Community Development Block Grant Program, and KCFCU provide funding for the loans. KIUC pays the interest, markets the program and verifies that systems will meet Energy Wise program standards for sizing and installation.
Participants pay the loan back to the lender with 60 monthly payments (no down payment is required). KIUC pays the interest on the loan directly to the lender for the customer. Participating members also make their monthly payments directly to the lender. There is no maximum loan amount, however commercial systems are not eligible..USDA Loans and Grants (Need to meet “rural” specs.. e.g., Molokai)
To qualify as a small business, a company must have fewer than 500 employees and make less than $6 million a year.
Grants can only constitute 25 percent of the project, and must range between $2,500 and $500,000 for renewable energy projects and $1,500 and $250,000 for energy efficient improvements projects. Any renewable energy project under $10,000 means that the farmer in question has to foot the bill.
As for loans, they can make up no more than 50 percent of a project’s total cost and must range between $5,000 and $10,000,000.
Eligible renewable energy systems include biomass, wind power, solar power, an anaerobic digester (which converts things like livestock waste into energy), and geothermal power.

Consensus
Hawaii definitely has a lot of incentives to get moving with solar power. They’ve got bold plans for energy efficiency and the state is really putting money where its mouth is in terms of reducing reliance on outside oil. Other states could learn quite a bit from Hawaii’s plans and incentives for businesses and homeowners.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/hawaii/

Georgia

2008-10-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ****
Rolling hills and trees characterize most of Georgia’s residential communities. Add a generous supply of azaleas and other flowering plants to the trademark dogwood, peach tree, and magnolia blossoms, and you have a picture-postcard look at life in the heart of Dixie. It is truly beautiful. However, if you actually live in Georgia, there are times when you must deal with unwanted effects of pollen combined with an excess of air pollution. Your sinuses and lungs might occasionally beg for relief. One form of relief could come from state legislation to strongly encourage the use of pollution-reducing energy alternatives, such as solar power.
STATE LEGISLATION - (Updated 7/16/08):Unfortunately there has been no legislation to promote residential or commercial use of solar energy systems in Georgia. Net metering and solar access easements (as described below) pave the way for solar power in a very limited fashion. The fact that only one (1!) Georgia customer signed up for net metering in 2005 – the most recent year of DOE net metering statistics by state – clearly shows that other incentives are necessary to get people on the solar bandwagon here. (NO LONGER TRUE - SEE NEXT PARAPGRAPH)
Finally! The state of Georgia has come through and passed some groundbreaking solar legislation! According to House Bill 670 passed a few weeks ago, businesses and residences are eligible for a clean energy property tax credit. The public service commission defines “clean energy property” as any that uses solar radiation to convert energy to useful forms. So, this includes photovoltaics, solar water heating, etc. You’ve got from now until December 31st, 2012 to put your system on line to qualify. Additionally, you need to file an application with the Commissioner of Revenue. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis from a pool of $2.5 million. The credits are administered by the Department of Revenue who can be reached at 404-417-4477.

Here’s the incentive rate schedule:

Residential installations
1. The lesser of 35 percent or $2,500 for solar energy equipment for water heating.
2. The lesser of 35 percent of $10,500 for solar energy equipment for heating applications.
3. The lesser of 35 percent or $2,000 for certified geothermal heat pump systems.

Business installations
1. The lesser of 35 percent or $500,000 for solar energy equipment for solar electric (photovoltaic),other solar thermal electric applications, and active space heating, wind equipment, and biomassequipment2. The lesser of 35 percent or $100,000 for solar energy equipment for domestic water heating
3. The lesser of 35 percent or $100,000 for Energy Star certified geothermal heat pump systems

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
Net Metering rules have been in effect in Georgia since June 1, 2002 for photovoltaics, wind power, and fuel cells. System size is limited to 10kW for residential installations and 100 kW for commercial installations. All utility companies are included in this plan, but are obligated only to pay for excess customer-generated power to a maximum of .2% of the utility’s annual peak demand the previous year.
Check out what David Moye from Dublin Georgia was able to accomplish as a result of the new legislation and by working with Georgia Power:
9/2/08-
We are an electrical contracting company here in Dublin Georgia are in the process of installing a 20KW system on our commercial building. I have done lots of research. Georgia Power resource schedule RNR-3 lays out the metering plans. You can either backfeed your panel and use the utility as a battery (They will pay you 4.22 cents a KWHR if you have a negative at the end of the month) It is called Bi-directional metering (fee = $4.18 a month).
We are going the other route and installing a completely seperate service and selling every single KWHR to the utility. Georgia power will pay 17.4 cents a KWHR for this system. Customers elect to pay more for their power if it is produced by renewables. We expect to get a 30% tax credit from the federal government and a 35% tax credit from the state. The remainder is a tax deduction, leaving you with about 15% of the total install cost. The only iffy in this entire deal is the Georgia Tax Credit; it is first come - first serve and they won’t review your tax form until the system is operational.
A solar access law provides for the negotiation of easements that assure owners of solar-energy systems continued access to sunlight.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers an interesting program through participating Green Power Switch (GPS) Generation Partners. Home or business owners can sell 100% of their solar or wind power output to TVA for 15 cents per kilowatt-hour. An additional $500 incentive to help offset start-up costs is also available to residential users who qualify.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
Georgia’s thriving population center of Atlanta had very humble beginnings. It was originally the 0-mile marker of a railroad that became a trade route from Georgia to the Midwestern U.S., and was known simply as “Terminus”. In the early 1840s, the fledgling community had about three dozen residents who felt a more appropriate name was required. Atlantica-Pacifica was chosen, but later shortened to Atlanta when the town was incorporated in 1847. Today, Atlanta embraces both Fulton and parts of Dekalb counties, and currently has nearly a half million people; the metro Atlanta area has about five million people, or nearly half the state’s population.
The principal electric supplier is Georgia Power, serving about half of the state’s electrical customers. Georgia’s average usage is 13,776 kWh/year at an average rate of 8.64 cents per kWh. An Atlanta resident can replace 50% of that energy use with a solar power system at an estimated net cost of $37,000 (that’s a mid-range projection for both the system and installation costs after a $2,000 federal tax credit and a $10,500 state tax credit), and 550 square feet of roof area. You may think to yourself, “My goodness, that still seems like a lot of cash I have to fork out to do the right thing for my checkbook eventually and the environment”. However, there are some great financing options available which will probably add up to the total amount you were paying before on energy usage per month anyway. To explore some of those options, request contact with one of the installers in our network by clicking the link below.
Since the region’s solar rating is “good”, it’s about time the state legislators came through with a tax credit to encourage residential solar power installations in Atlanta or elsewhere in the state. The following advantages of installing a 3kW system should be considered (results shown are for Fulton County; DeKalb County provides slightly better financial benefits):
Estimated increase in property value – $9,920
Estimated 25-year utility savings – $20,813
Estimated reduction in greenhouse gases (CO2) – 141 tons

CONSENSUS
Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation. Government and local utilities officials both have finally provided residential and business incentives for solar power and other renewable energy alternatives to mitigate demands on the state’s electrical capacity. Kudos! More can still be done.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/georgia/

Florida

2008-10-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***
With all those miles of sandy beaches and groves of orange trees, who could argue with naming Florida the Sunshine State? From Tallahassee to Miami, and at all points in between, Florida has an amazing outdoor environment warmed by the sun. Is there a more perfect location for using solar energy resources? Read on to find out what the Florida legislature is doing to promote clean energy and protect the environment.

STATE LEGISLATION
In July 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed two executive orders (EO 126 & 127) calling for Florida to increase its use of renewable energies, including solar power. However, upon backing up this order with some real regulations, Crist has come under fire from his political opponents. Before his tenure, the legislature did manage to pass the Florida Energy Act in 2006. This set aside money for grants and rebates. In particular, the act offers a $0.01/kWh credit to power companies that use renewable energy. This act also established a grant program for corporations and other organizations to research and develop renewable power sources.

NET-METERING
Florida does not have a net-metering policy yet. Utilities get to make it up as they go. There are interconnection standards for systems up to 10kW though. For example, JEA offers net-metering for residential users, but not to commercial customers. The net excess power generated is credited to the customer’s account. On the other hand, the Tallahassee Electric Utility does not compensate customers for net excess power generated at the end of a 12-month billing cycle.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
As part of the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program offers rebates for individuals or businesses to purchase solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and solar thermal pool heating systems. Solar photovoltaic systems are eligible for a $4/watt rebate, capped at $20,000 for homes and $100,000 for businesses. Solar thermal systems are eligible for a $500 residential rebate or $15/BTU, capped at $5,000 for businesses. Rebates of $100 are also available for solar thermal pool heater installation.
Wanna put in a Solar Energy System in Florida? Solar Energy Systems Incentive Program Rebate can help. This program is HUGE. You can get $5000 for a solar water heater and FOUR DOLLARS A WATT for a photovoltaic solar system. So say the standard home system installed is 3kW, you’re gonna get $12,000 from the state! Match that with the federal $2000 tax credit and you’re looking at a VERY cheap system. (Note: this money is first come first serve. They have $3.5 million allocated).
Are you a homebuilder in Florida? Sunbuilt has incentives in the form of rebates for Solar Water heaters, in addition to other services.
Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems and the components of such systems as certified by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) are exempt from tax under Section 212.08(7) (hh), F.S. The term “solar energy system” means the equipment and requisite hardware that provide and are used for collecting, transferring, converting, storing, or using incidental solar energy for water heating, space heating and cooling, or other applications that would otherwise require the use of a conventional source of energy such as petroleum products, natural gas, manufactured gas, or electricity.”

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Florida’s solar rating is Good, which means Floridians should have no trouble generating power from a photovoltaic system like the one in this sample. A typical 3kW system in Jacksonville might cost about $54,000, which seems a little steep until you factor in the State tax rebate of nearly $20,000. With all that savings, the system should pay for itself in about 16 years. All the while, you’ll be saving an average of over $800/year, by using solar electricity.
Building Type: Residential
State & County: FL – Duval
Utility: Jacksonville Electric Authority
Utility Type: Municipal Utility
Assumed Average Electric Rate: Please check against your bill $0.0759 /kWh
Assumed Average Monthly Electricity Usage: Please check against your bill 1,300 kWh/Month
Your Average Monthly Electricity Bill:(Assumed rate x average monthly usage) $99 / Month
Tiered Rates Apply: No
Time-of-Use Metering Offered: No
Net-Metering Available: No

ESTIMATED SYSTEM SIZE
The system size best for your situation will vary based upon product, building, geographic and other variables. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can better estimate the system size best for your situation. We estimate your building will need a system sized between 4.80 kW and 7.20 kW of peak power. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this range.
Solar Rating: (4.991 kWh/sq-m/day) Good
Solar System Capacity Required: 6.00 kW of peak power (DC watts)
Roof Area Needed: 600 sq-ft

ESTIMATED SYSTEM COST
This is only an estimate based upon many assumptions. Installation costs can vary considerably. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can provide you with a more detailed cost estimate. We estimate that a 6.00 kW peak power system will cost between $43,200 and $64,800. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this cost range.
Assumed Installation cost: (before rebates, incentives or tax credits).$54,000 assuming $9 /watt
Expected Jacksonville Electric Authority Utility Rebate:(Limited to not exceed state max. incentive amount) ($0)
Expected FL State Rebate ($4/watt installed) (Maximum: $20000) ($19,440)
FL State Tax Credit/Deduction ($0)
Federal Tax Credit: (Installation type: Residential ) ($2,000)
Income Tax on Tax Credit: $0

YOUR ESTIMATED NET COST: $32,560
Monthly Payment (6.5% apr, 30 years): $206

SAVINGS & BENEFITS
Increase in Property Value: $10,200
Exempt from Property Tax: No
Accelerated (5 yr) Depreciation: (Installation type: Residential ) No
First-year Utility Savings:Since this is not a business application, these savings are in after tax dollars. So, your realized savings may actually be higher! $510
Average Monthly Utility Savings:(over 25-year expected life of system) $71
Average Annual Utility Savings:(over 25-year expected life of system) $856
25-year Utility Savings: $21,400
Return on Investment (ROI):(with Solar System ave. cost set as asset value) 159%
Return on Investment (ROI):(with Property appreciation set as asset value) 507%
Years to Break even:(Includes property value appreciation) 16 years
Years to Break even:(Assuming no property value appreciation) 23 years
Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved: over 25-year system life
160.0 tons (320,000 auto miles)

CONSENSUS
Bring the Sunshine back to Florida! With the reputation sunny Florida has, that the legislature has done so little to promote clean energy, especially solar power, is almost unforgivable. Governor Crist is taking a step in the right direction, but he needs lots more help from lawmakers to get the ball rolling in Florida.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/florida/

Delaware

2008-10-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: ***
Delaware, our very first state! With that title, you just know there’s a ton of important history to protect in Delaware. With some of the most beautiful parts of the Atlantic coast too, Delaware takes its natural environment seriously too. Using green power like nice clean solar energy will help the state take care of both its natural and cultural heritage so that we can enjoy it for many more generations. Here’s what the legislature has done to promote renewable energy in Delaware.

STATE LEGISLATION
Originally established in 1999, and most recently updated in 2007, the Delaware Green Energy Fund is one of the most progressive bills passed in the state. A small surcharge is added to your electricity bill to fund efficiency and renewable energy programs around the state. The charge is only 0.356 mills which amounts to little more than nothing on your monthly bill, but it adds up to a $3 million donation to the fund each year.
Renewable Portfolio StandardIn 2005 the Delaware legislature also passed a Renewable Energy Standard that requires 20% of the energy sold in the state to come from renewable sources by 2019. The original bill had only set that at 10%, but in 2007, the legislature realized how meager 10% was, and doubled it! Even better, the 2007 amendment states that 2% of that renewable energy must be solar power.

NET-METERING
Under the Delaware net-metering policy, residential renewable energy generation systems up to 25kW are eligible. Commercial customers are allowed to have systems as large as 500kW. There is a limit on participation set at 1% but that is up to the discretion of the utility; so if your utility wants to be intelligent and allow more net-metering customers, they can. The good part about Delaware’s net metering rule is that at the end of a billing year, you sell your excess power to the state Green Energy fund at your utility’s wholesale rate.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
Most of Delaware’s solar incentives come from the Green Energy Fund. The two grant programs, the Research and Development Grants and the Technology and Demonstration Grants allow companies, local governments, and non-profit organizations to apply for grants to develop and test out renewable power systems including solar energy generation equipment. The Research and Development Grants provide 35% of the cost (up to $250,000) for projects improving the design, adaptation, or development of renewable energy products. The Technology and Demonstration Grants provide 25% of the cost (up to $200,000) for projects developing a new renewable energy technology or implementation system. One of the most useful incentives is the State Rebate Program though. You can get Delaware to pay for up to 50% of the cost of your solar power system (with a cap of $31,500 for residential customers). There’s no size restriction on your system either, so this can really help you cut the cost of solar power at home!!

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
You just found out that Delaware has a solar rating of Good, and you’ve made the decision to install your own solar electricity system at your home in Wilmington. Good choice! Your system might seem a little pricey at $58,500, but remember that you’ll be able to get a $29,250 rebate from the state, and you get to take the $2,000 federal tax credit, so you’ll only have to shell out about $27,250 all together. You’ll start saving up to $642 your first year with an average usage of 1,300kWh / month at a rate of $0.0946/kWh. What’s more, your system will pay for itself in only about 8 years. Here are some other key points to keep in mind:
You’ll need around 650 square feet of roof area
$12,840 estimated property value increase
$26,939 estimated savings on your utility bills over 25 years
Electricity rates are expected to rise to $0.099/kWh in 5 years and to $0.15kWh in 25 years, so your savings will grow by leaps and bounds
you’ll keep 278 tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere; that’s equal to taking 49 cars off the road or planting 815 trees!

CONSENSUS
Delaware is taking some important first steps when it comes to solar power. That rebate program alone should make Delaware residents stand up and take more interest in clean solar power! The legislature has made a good start with increasing the renewable energy standard too. Let’s keep up the good work, and soon solar energy will be a big part of life in Delaware.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/delaware/

Connecticut

2008-10-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *****
STATE LEGISLATION
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund was created by PA 98-28, an act which restructured the state’s electrical utility industry to permit retail competition. A provision in the act established a small surcharge to be added to consumer electric bills, providing funding for grants and other incentives to promote renewable energy technologies. It was also felt that Connecticut businesses would be important participants in evolving technologies, and supporting them with money for R&D would be good for the state’s economy. A third objective was to educate consumers about the benefits of clean energy, and to encourage the use of renewable/sustainable energy sources. The CCEF was created in 2000, but that was neither the beginning nor the end of Connecticut’s significant efforts to address its energy needs with solar power and other renewables. A host of rebates, grants, and other incentives, and their continuing progress on the solar front earn the state’s legislators a solar rating of “Excellent”.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
Mass Energy - Renewable Energy Certificate Incentive is a program under the Energy Consumers Alliance of New England (ECANE) which purchases Renewable Energy Certificates from solar-electric power generation in Connecticut’s commercial, industrial, residential, nonprofit, schools, and institutional sectors. ECANE will purchase the RECs for 3 cents/kWh for a period of three years, and become a marketable item thereafter. Effective October 1, 2007, Connecticut offers a Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems applicable to just about everything under the sun: passive solar space heat, solar water heat, solar space heat, photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps, tidal energy, wave energy, and ocean thermal. This is an exemption of 100% available to the following sectors: commercial, industrial, residential, multi-family residential, and agricultural. (Note: exemption for Class I resources applies only to 1-4 unit residential.) The CCEF - On-Site Renewable DG Program provides state grants to support the installation of systems that generate electricity at commercial, industrial and institutional buildings, including schools and local and state governments. Photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, fuel cells, small hydroelectric, tidal energy, wave energy, and ocean thermal systems qualify for grants up to $4 million (plus other incentives) out of a program budget of $32.75 million. A program initiated in December of 2004, the CCEF - Project 100 Initiative also provides grants from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, fuel cells, small hydroelectric, tidal energy, wave energy, and ocean thermal installations. Commercial, renewable energy project developers are eligible.
The DPUC - Capital Grants for Customer-Side Distributed Resources, was established in July of 2005. This program rewards retail end-user customers of electric distributors who (A) install photovoltaic and other clean energy generators on their premises, and (B) who reduce energy consumption through conservation and other methods. This applies to commercial, industrial, residential, nonprofit, schools, agricultural, and institutional sectors, as well as local, state and federal governments. Awards can be up to $500/kW on installations with a 65 mW maximum capacity. Another grant program is offered by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management to encourage and reward the commercial sector for the development of virtually any type of new clean energy technology:
The OPM - New Energy Technology Program. The grant is limited $10,000, and the fund that supports is $50,000.
A CCEF - Solar PV Rebate Program provides generous rebates on Photovoltaic systems up to 10 kW in size to residential, nonprofit, local and state government, multi-family residential, and institutional sectors. Maximum rebates are $46,500 for residential installations and $50,000 for government and non-profit organizations. A Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems applies to solar water heat, solar space heat, photovoltaics, and geothermal heat pumps. The 100% tax exemption, available to commercial, residential, and general public/consumer sectors, became effective July 1, 2007. HB7432 (Sec. 68, 69) provides the applicable statutes. Net Metering Rules have been in effect since 1998, and apply to solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, fuel cells, municipal solid waste, small hydroelectric, tidal energy, wave energy, and ocean thermal installations up to 2 mW in generating capacity. Eligible sectors include commercial, industrial, residential, general public/consumer, nonprofit, schools, local, state, and federal governments, multi-family residential, agricultural, and institutional. Utility customers receive a credit for excess power generation that is applied to the next month’s bill; or purchased by the utility at the end of a 12-month billing cycle at an avoided-cost rate.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
The Dominion of New England in America (1686-1689) was an unpopular government imposed by King James II, who attempted to impose a tighter control over the Colonists. The Connecticut Colony stood alone in refusing to surrender its charter, a hard-won document from James’ predecessor, King Charles II, granting the Colonists an unusual degree of self-government. According to legend, the Connecticut Colony’s charter was hidden, at least temporarily, in a large oak tree. This became known as the “Charter Oak Incident”, and its importance is marked by the image of the Charter Oak on the 1999 Connecticut commemorative quarter. Although the tree fell during a violent storm in 1856, a monument now marks the spot where it once stood in the city of Hartford.
Hartford has served as state capital several times since Connecticut statehood in 1788, but continuously since 1875. It is the third-largest city in Connecticut and in the heart of the state’s largest metro area containing a population of over one million.
We’ll consider a residential solar installation here, where Connecticut Light & Power is the major provider. The state’s customers use an average of 9,660 kWh of electricity at a rate of 13.64 cents/kWh, numbers which argue favorably for the economics of solar power. To cut conventional power usage by half, a solar installation will require about 450 square feet of roof area and will cost $40,500 (a midrange price estimate that includes both equipment and installation charges). That may sound high, but the benefits of going solar in Connecticut far outweigh the cost, as you will note below:
Expected state rebate: $18,225
Federal tax credit: $2,000
Estimated NET cost: $20,275
Exempt from property taxes: YES
Increase in Property Value: $16,300 to $34,743
25-year Utility Savings: $34,199 to $72,894
Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved over 25-year system life: 99.0 tons

CONSENSUS
The above listing of incentives and the resulting impact on solar installation costs say it all. Keep up the good work, Connecticut.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/connecticut/

Colorado

2008-10-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *****
In 2004, Colorado clean energy advocates were the first in the country to ask voters to pass a ballot initiative creating a state-wide renewable energy portfolio standard. The RPS required 0.4% of the state’s power to come from solar by 2015. The vote succeeded. While four tenths of a percent may not sound like a whole lot, this legislation was a groundbreaking victory.
Amendment 37 set the stage for sweeping changes to solar regulations in Colorado. Since the vote, state advocates successfully increased the net metering limit to 2 MW (equal to the country’s best standard established in New Jersey). The interconnection process has also been streamlined for systems up to 2 MW. As a result of Amendment 37, Xcel Energy has established a huge residential solar rebate program and will soon begin its commercial solar program. The rebate you can take advantage of right now as a homeowner is $4.50/watt. The average cost per watt installed in Colorado is about $9.00, so you’re lined up to save about 50% off the cost of your system with this rebate.
The state of Colorado enacted legislation (SB 145) authorizing counties and municipalities to offer property and sales tax rebates or credits to home and business owners who install renewable energy systems.
Eligible renewable energy property is defined as “any fixture, product, system, device or interacting group of devices that produce electricity from renewable resources, including, but not limited to, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, small wind systems, biomass systems, or geothermal systems.”
The program is administered at the local level by individual cities and counties. You need to contact the cities or counties where your property is located to see if a tax rebate or credit is or will be established in your community.

Business Energy Grants
Holy Cross Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, has developed a voluntary carbon reduction strategy designed to slow the growth of carbon dioxide emissions created in the generation of electricity. It offers its industrial and commercial members an energy efficiency grant which can pay for up to half the cost of a professional, engineering grade energy use evaluation of your business’ facilities, or up to half the cost of actual labor, equipment and/or material costs to install energy saving measures identified in an energy evaluation.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/colorado/

California

2008-10-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislative Score: ****
Governor Arnold has our back here in California. He has made leaps and bounds toward increasing the solar production in California, which comprises about 85% of all solar installations in our country. He has worked with the power companies to get them to commit to producing 20% of their power with renewable energy by 2010, and plans for solar power plants are exploding.

The California Solar Initiative - The State Rebate for Solar
The CSI is part of Arnold’s Million Solar Roofs program, which aims to create 3000 MegaWatts of new solar power by 2017 in California. The bulk of this program is run by the California Public Utilities Commission and is for existing homes, new and existing businesses, and public entities. The rest is handled by the California Energy Commission which manages a 10-year, $400 million program to encourage solar in new home construction through its New Solar Homes Parnership.
The rebate started at $2.50 per watt and drops in 30 cent increments as more and more people install Solar Power. Amazingly PG&E is reporting no backlog for CSI applications. There are special rebates available for low-income households.

California Solar Tax Credits
Unfortunately, both solar and wind tax credits and California went away 12/31/05. There were probably not replaced because the “Million Solar Roofs” program, also called the Califonia Solar Initiative, was magnificently large ($3.3 Billion) and enough to get the job done. You still can qualify for the federal solar tax credit.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/california/

Arkansas

2008-10-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *
A small rock formation on the southern bank of the Arkansas River was used as a landmark by French explorers in the early 1700s. La Petite Roche, “the little rock”, soon became the site of a trading post. A century later it was incorporated as the city of Little Rock, and had grown in importance to become the Territorial Capitol. Today, the State Capitol of Little Rock is the most populous city in Arkansas, with about 204,000 residents living in the city and about 650,000 in the greater metropolitan area. Little Rock also serves as the Pulaski County seat.

STATE LEGISLATION
As with most states, Arkansas has initiated a number of loan programs and other initiatives that reward energy efficiency in residential and commercial construction. However, renewable energy programs are notably lacking. State officials currently offer no solar incentives, and they don’t seem to have any on the drawing board, either.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVESNet Metering is offered in Arkansas through all utility companies. Provisions apply to solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal, and in virtually all sectors: residential, commercial, industrial, government, institutional, and non-profit organizations. Systems can be up to 25 kW for residential applications and 300 kW for commercial use. The net excess of power generated by the customer is applied as a credit to the next month’s bill; any excess remaining at the end of a 12-month billing cycle reverts to the utility company. There are only a small handful of Arkansas customers participating in Net Metering arrangements.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATIONResidents of Little Rock enjoy a good bit of sunshine, and the area earns a solar rating of “great”. Combined with the state’s relatively high energy consumption and electrical utility rates, there are several important reasons to go solar. Unfortunately, with the exception of a federal tax credit of $2,000, there are no financial incentives to spur the use of solar power in Arkansas.
Entergy Arkansas supplies power to Little Rock and about half of the 1.3 million electrical customers in the state. Average usage is 13,584 kWh/year. Replacing about 50% of that electrical consumption with solar power can be accomplished with a 500 square foot area roof installation at a (midrange) cost of approximately $45,000, or a net cost of $43,000 after the federal tax credit.
The benefits:
Estimated increase in property value – $9,900
Estimated 25-year utility savings – $20,771
Estimated reduction in greenhouse gases (CO2) – 139 tons

CONSENSUS
There is not much left to be said. State programs to foster the use of solar energy are virtually non-existent, and Arkansas must be ranked as one of the worst in the country in this regard. It’s time for the legislators to roll up their sleeves and put their state back into the game.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/arkansas/

Arizona

2008-10-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislative Score: ***
Arizona, with Lake Powell, the red rocks of Sedona, Flagstaff’s impressive mountains, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, has a lot to protect by building up its renewable energy resources. Despite its abundant solar energy resources, the Grand Canyon State is in a bit of a hole when it comes to promoting renewable energy, solar in particular. What’s being done to protect the impressive native American heritage and the home of the Sun Devils? Here’s how the legislature is getting down to business.

STATE LEGISLATION
Renewable Energy Standard
At the end of October 2006, the Arizona Corporation Commission, which oversees public utilities, voted to beef up its Renewable Portfolio Standard to require 15% renewable energy, and 30% of that should come from distributed generation projects like solar photovoltaic systems. They do however have a lot of work ahead of them. The Arizona state Attorney General approved the newRenewable Energy Standard in June 2007. Now it’s up to the utilities to figure out how to comply, and that’s going to require some concerted effort.

NET-METERING
Arizona has no net-metering standard yet, and this is really holding back the development of solar electricity systems. Why? you ask. Well, without a standard, each public utility can make up its own plan for connecting private systems to the electrical grid. Arizona Public Service (APS) actually set up a system in which they got compensated for lost revenue when customers set up their own electrical system. As a result, if you set up your own solar electricity system, you paid the utility even when you were not using their power. This kind of craziness did attract the attention of lawyers, and the policy was successfully challenged in court. At the moment, most utilities cap system size at 10kW (that’s pretty low). APS now has a program (after losing the court battle for charging for net-metering) that is a bit better; it’s limited at 100kW. One other issue is that there is still no interconnection standard mandated by Arizona law. This means each utility sets its own rules for connecting your solar electricity system to their grid.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
In June 2006, Arizona extended a tax credit for solar and wind power generation for commercial uses. In July 2007, the legislature passedHouse Bill 2491, which expanded this to all non-residential electricity customers. The 10% tax credit is capped at $25,000 per year. A similar credit is offered for residential solar and wind energy systems, but it is a 25% credit capped at $1000.
House Bill 2429, the 2006 act authorizing the tax credit for corporate solar and wind energy systems also gives an exemption from property tax caused by an increase in property value due to the installation of renewable energy systems.
Lastly, House Bill 2429 offers a tax credit for sales tax paid on renewable energy generation equipment, so you can install your solar electricity system tax free!

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
Arizona has a “Great” solar rating. That’s a good thing, because it means you’ll be able to generate lots of solar energy. The total cost for a 3kW system is about $45,000. State, local, and utility company incentives (check them out above) could bring that cost down to around $30,000. Even better, installing a solar electricity system could add $12-25,000 or more to your property value, and that’s exempt from property tax! With all those savings, a system like this could pay for itself in as little as a year (check out the estimate below though since it would more likely take a bit longer).

Building Type: Residential
State & County: AZ - Maricopa
Utility: APS
Utility Type: Investor-Owned Utility
Assumed Average Electric Rate:Please check against your bill $0.0935/kWh
Assumed Average Monthly Electricity Usage: Please check against your bill 1,300 kWh/Month
Your Average Monthly Electricity Bill: (Assumed rate x average monthly usage) $122 / Month
Tiered Rates Apply:Yes
Time-of-Use Metering Offered: Yes
Net-Metering Available: Yes

ESTIMATED SYSTEM SIZE
The system size best for your situation will vary based upon product, building, geographic and other variables. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can better estimate the system size best for your situation. We estimate your building will need a system sized between 4.00 kW and 6.00 kW of peak power. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this range.
Solar Rating: Great (6.328 kWh/sq-m/day)
Solar System Capacity Required: 5.00 kW of peak power (DC watts)
Roof Area Needed: 500 sq-ft

ESTIMATED SYSTEM COST
This is only an estimate based upon many assumptions. Installation costs can vary considerably. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can provide you with a more detailed cost estimate. We estimate that a 5.00 kW peak power system will cost between $36,000 and $54,000. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this cost range.
Assumed Installation cost: (before rebates, incentives or tax credits). $45,000 assuming $9 /watt
Expected APS Utility Rebate: ($3/watt installed) (Limited to 100% of cost) ($12,150)
Expected AZ State Rebate:State incentive does not apply to this utility ($0)
AZ State Tax Credit/Deduction (25% of net system cost) (Maximum of $1000) ($1,000)
Federal Tax Credit: (Installation type: Residential ) ($2,000)
Income Tax on Tax Credit: $280

YOUR ESTIMATED NET COST: $30,130
Monthly Payment (6.5% apr, 30 years): $190

SAVINGS & BENEFITS
Increase in Property Value: $12,680 to $25,301
Exempt from Property Tax: Yes
Accelerated (5 yr) Depreciation:(Installation type: Residential ) No
First-year Utility Savings: Since this is not a business application, these savings are in after tax dollars. So, your realized savings may actually be higher! $634 to $1,265
Average Monthly Utility Savings:(over 25-year expected life of system) $89 to $177
Average Annual Utility Savings:(over 25-year expected life of system) $1,064 to $2,123
25-year Utility Savings: $26,604 to $53,083
Return on Investment (ROI):(with Solar System ave. cost set as asset value) 220%
Return on Investment (ROI):(with Property appreciation set as asset value) 524% to 262%
Years to Break even:(Includes property value appreciation) 1 to 10 years
Years to Break even:(Assuming no property value appreciation) 9 to 17 years
Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved:over 25-year system life 160.0 tons (320,000 auto miles)

CONSENSUS
Arizona is taking baby steps in the renewable energy market, but everyone has to start somewhere. If the legislature could just agree on some regulations for net-metering and interconnection, the state could start to become a more friendly place for solar energy. We’ll have to stay tuned to see if they really do rise from the ashes.

Alaska

2008-10-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Solar Legislator Score: *
STATE LEGISLATION
Alaska’s largest electric utility company, the Chugach Electric Association, recently installed and is operating a fuel cell system for the U.S. Postal Service. The one megawatt system is the largest commercial fuel cell installation in the nation, and marks the first time that such a system has been hooked up to an electric utility’s grid. Aside from that one event, Alaska has a very low profile in the promotion of alternative energy.
State legislators have no profile at all, particularly with regard to solar power. Alaska is the final frontier, and remote settlements mean many homes are built off-grid. Rising fuel costs are an added reason for the state to adopt aggressive measures to promote solar use by its residents. Having failed to provide such measures, Alaska’s Solar Legislator Score is “Pathetic”.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
The Golden Valley Electric Association - Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) Program serves about 90,000 residents in and around Fairbanks. Commercial, industrial, residential, nonprofit, schools, agricultural, and institutional GVEA customers are eligible for production incentives on solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, and biomass installations. Systems up to 25kW in size qualify, but must be used exclusively for the generation of power sold to the utility; compensation is in the form of an annual payment. Loans to local government, municipal utility, and independent power producers are available through the only state solar incentive: the Power Project Loan Fund. Applicable to solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind, renewable transportation fuels, and municipal solid waste, the program is designed for the development or upgrade of small-scale power production facilities, conservation facilities, and bulk fuel storage facilities. Maximum loan amounts are determined by the amount of available funds in the program.

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION
If Alaska, our 49th state, were a sovereign nation, it would be the 19th largest in the world. There are a lot of wide open spaces to accommodate its sparse population of about 600,000 – an average of just slightly less than one square mile per inhabitant. Since Alaska is our northernmost state, it is also the coldest; nevertheless, the Alaskan skies provide plenty of sunshine for a solar energy system. Contrary to what some might assume, solar electric (photovoltaic) power is totally viable in Alaska (with the exception of a 3-month period in the dead of winter when efficiency is reduced by short daylight hours and a low angle of solar radiation).
We’ll look at a solar installation in Metro Anchorage, where about half the state’s population resides. Alaska’s high electrical rates but low usage produces an annual utility bill roughly equivalent to the national average; however, an array of solar collectors on a roof area of 450 square feet could produce enough supplemental power to cut that bill in half. A solar electric system would cost approximately $40,500 (midrange estimate for equipment and installation costs). Offsets include:
Federal tax credit: $2,000
Est. increase in Property Value: $8,700
Est. 25-year Utility Savings: $18,253
Est. greenhouse gas (CO2) saved over 25-year system life: 82.0 tons

CONSENSUS
It is quite apparent that the preceding numbers do not add up to a lot of encouragement for Alaskan homeowners to install solar energy, something which reflects on the lack of legislative priority. Not even Net Metering is available in the state. While there may be nearly a dozen other states that have similarly dropped the ball, Alaska’s leadership should look to the dozen or so more progressive states that have implemented many successful solar energy initiatives. In other words, Alaska, the performance bar is on the ground; pick it up and place it high.

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/alaska/

Alabama

2008-10-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

ALABAMA STATE SOLAR POWER REBATES, TAX CREDITS, AND INCENTIVES
Solar Legislator Score: *
Earlier in the month I wrote about how in the state of Washington you could at least recoup some of your upfront PV installation costs via state tax incentives. I also joked that although it was not an immediately huge amount, at least homeowners there didn’t live in Alabama, where I guessed there were none. So, I decided to do a little legwork on the state solar incentives offered in Alabama. My findings? Well, not only are there zero state incentives for solar power generation, there is a personal deduction for burning firewood! How backwards is that? Maybe this makes sense though. I mean, imagine you’re an Alabama state legislator and you gotta look at that state flag (pictured above) when you’re trying to get new laws through congress. Looks like a big NO!
There is however some hope for solar power rocking in the Yellowhammer state, since some green bigwhigs over at the Tennessee Valley Authority (note, this was not legislation passed by folks down in Montgomery) set a goal for a renewable power generation on the part of residents and businesses to hit 5 Megawatts. Good! What happens when that goal is reached is anyone’s guess, maybe there will be some fireworks.. or a wood-fired hog roast.
How are they planning on getting there? Well, participating power distributors in TVA’s “Green Power Switch” Generation Partners program offer production-based incentives for solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind projects to residential/small-commercial customers and incentives for PV projects to large commercial customers in Alabama.

Here are the specifics:
To jumpstart the initiative, the owner of a qualifying residential system will receive a $500 payment when the site is connected to the grid until a total capacity of 150 kW has been reached. (That means you)
Under the residential/small-commercial contract, TVA will purchase the entire output of a qualifying system at $0.15 per kWh through a participating power distributor, and the consumer will receive a credit for the power generated.
Consumers participate as either residential/small-commercial or commercial customers.
A solar or wind generation source is installed by a residential or small commercial power customer served by a participating distributor of TVA power.
Payment is made in the form of a credit issued by the local power distributor on the monthly power bill for the home or business where the generation system is located. Payments are guaranteed for 10 years from the date of the contract. Energy consumed at the home or business, whether it is generated at the site or delivered over the local power distribution system, is billed at the standard rate.
All equipment must be in compliance with national standards and all applicable codes and be certified by a licensed electrician.
The credit of $0.15/kWh is available for a minimum of 10 years from the signing of the contract, regardless of the amount produced. Payment is made in the form of a credit issued by the local power distributor on the monthly power bill for the home or business where the generation system is located. TVA retains sole rights to any renewable energy credits.
In September 2004, larger commercial customers were included in the program. Under the larger commercial contract, TVA will purchase the output at $0.20 per kWh.
Participation in this program is entirely up to the discretion of the power distributor.
For commercial consumers, qualifying sources are restricted to PV only. Although the maximum output for commercial generation systems remains at 50 kW, (more possible)
Customers of other TVA distribution utilities who are interested in this program should contact their utility customer services representative.

Example residential 2 kW PV system install:
2 kW PV system for residential PVA distributor customers
$20,000 Total installed cost
-$500 PVA connection credit
$19,500 Amount paid by customer to contractor
- $0 Alabama tax credit (N/A)
-$2,000 Federal tax credit (30% of $19,500, $2,000 cap)
-$5,250 Green Power Switch Producer credit (3,500 Kwh/year * $0.15 * 10 years)
$12,25 Final net cost to customer

Consensus:
Thanks to the TVA, the state of Alabama is not completely anti-green initiatives. However, there needs to be more consideration in Montgomery to incentivize renewable energy users and producers instead of those cutting down trees for firewood. The state has an excellent solar resource rating. Why not use the sun for energy instead of wood?

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/alabama/

South Carolina

2008-10-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

SOUTH CAROLINA SOLAR POWER REBATES, TAX CREDITS, AND INCENTIVES

Solar Legislator Score: ***
South Carolina is home to waterfalls, lakes, and the Blue Ridge mountains as well as amazing beaches and coastal resorts. The Palmetto state is also filled with historical sites dating back to the Civil War and the Revolution. Using clean energy will keep the waters clear and the skies above blue. Read on to see what the state legislature has done to promote solar and other renewable power sources.

STATE LEGISLATION
In 2007, the South Carolina legislature passed Senate Bille 243, an overhaul of its omnibus renewable energy policy. It includes tax credits for solar electricity systems. The legislature also passed the South Carolina Renewable Energy Grant Program. What does it do? Well, it offers up to $200,000 to build renewable energy demonstration systems, including solar photovoltaic electricity and solar water heating systems.

NET-METERING
South Carolina has yet to develop a net-metering plan, although the Public Service Commission has set rules for the interconnection of residential systems up to 20kW and business systems up to 100kW.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
In 2007, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 243, which gives some tax credits for installing solar electricity systems. Individuals and businesses are allowed a tax credit amounting to 25% of the cost of their system, but this is capped at $3,500 (or 50% of the individual’s or business’s tax liability). 2007 also brought theSouth Carolina Renewable Energy Grant Program, designed to fund demonstration projects for solar electricity among other things.

EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
A typical 3kW solar electricity system installed in Columbia would cost around $54,000. After state and federal tax credits, the net cost could be under $50,000. South Carolina has a solar rating of Good, so with that much sun falling on your solar panels, the system should pay for itself in about 20 years. All that time, you’ll be saving over $1,000 each year on your utility bills and adding over $13,000 to the value of your home. Best of all, you know that you’re keeping tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere.
Building Type: Residential
State & County: SC - Richland
Utility: South Carolina Electric & Gas
Utility Type: Investor-Owned Utility
Assumed Average Electric Rate: Please check against your bill $0.0979 /kWh
Assumed Average Monthly Electricity Usage: Please check against your bill1,300 kWh/Month
Your Average Monthly Electricity Bill: (Assumed rate x average monthly usage) $ 127 / Month
Tiered Rates Apply:No
Time-of-Use Metering Offered: No
Net-Metering Available: No

ESTIMATED SYSTEM SIZE
The system size best for your situation will vary based upon product, building, geographic and other variables. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can better estimate the system size best for your situation. We estimate your building will need a system sized between 4.80 kW and 7.20 kW of peak power. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this range.
Solar Rating: Good (4.988 kWh/sq-m/day)
Solar System Capacity Required: 6.00 kW of peak power (DC watts)
Roof Area Needed: 600 sq-ft

ESTIMATED SYSTEM COST
This is only an estimate based upon many assumptions. Installation costs can vary considerably. We encourage you to work with a Solar Pro who can provide you with a more detailed cost estimate. We estimate that a 6.00 kW peak power system will cost between $43,200 and $64,800. This estimate assumes the mid-point of this cost range.
Assumed Installation cost:(before rebates, incentives or tax credits).$54,000 assuming $9 /watt
Expected South Carolina Electric & Gas Utility Rebate: ($0)
Expected SC State Rebate State incentive does not apply to this utility ($0)
SC State Tax Credit/Deduction (25% of net system cost - Maximum of $3500) ($3,500)
Federal Tax Credit:(Installation type: Residential)($2,000)
Income Tax on Tax Credit: $980

YOUR ESTIMATED NET COST: $49,480
Monthly Payment (6.5% apr, 30 years): $313

SAVINGS & BENEFITS
Increase in Property Value: $13,300
Exempt from Property Tax: No
Accelerated (5 yr) Depreciation:(Installation type: Residential )No
First-year Utility Savings:Since this is not a business application, these savings are in after tax dollars. So, your realized savings may actually be higher! $665
Average Monthly Utility Savings:(over 25-year expected life of system)$93
Average Annual Utility Savings:(over 25-year expected life of system)$1,116
25-year Utility Savings: $27,904
Return on Investment (ROI):(with Solar System ave. cost set as asset value)142%
Return on Investment (ROI):(with Property appreciation set as asset value)528%
Years to Break even:(Includes property value appreciation)19 years
Years to Break even:(Assuming no property value appreciation)27 years
Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved: over 25-year system life 160.0 tons (320,000 auto miles)

CONSENSUS
The South Carolina legislature has taken some important, though small steps toward developing renewable energies in general and solar power in particular. Offering tax credits for the installation of solar panels and giving grants for demonstration initiatives should help get the ball rolling for the state’s renewable energy market, but much more needs to be done.

Real Energy Rebates

2008-10-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Real Energy Rebates blog! This is a useful directory of government and power company rebates for appliances, insulation, heating and air, solar power, energy saving construction, and many others. We are working to provide information on federal government rebates for all 50 states. Please visit periodically for updates!