If
you have looked into getting home
solar power, you have likely realized that it can be
quite expensive. But do not let the price of home solar power stop
you from getting it! Think of how much money you can save in the long
run!
Besides, some states have funded solar rebate programs or tax credits
you can utilize. And if you produce more electricity than you need,
you can actually sell it back to your utility company. That is right,
you can actually make money by setting up a home solar power system.
So, now you are probably wondering whether or not your state offers
any rebates or tax credits. Here is a list of states that do*:
Arizona – The Tuscon Electric Power Solar Rebate Program is
for their customers only, and an interconnection is required. They
will fund $3000/kw DC up to a 5kw system size. Homeowners can get
a credit of 25% the cost of solar power, but there is a cap at $1000.
California – The California Energy Commission supports home solar
power by having reserved 118 million dollars specifically for funding
solar projects throughout Northern California. Until the funding has
been depleted the rebates will drop every six months. To get this funding,
you must be interconnected through participating utilities.Businesses
can get a 30% federal tax credit.
Delaware – You can get 50$ off of your total installation
cost for your commercial or home solar power system (this caps at
$22,500). This is offered by the Green Energy Program.
Nevada – You must have an interconnection with participating
companies to receive the Photovoltaic residential rebate program rebate.
You will get $3/watt (max. of 5kw) for residential. If your solar
power system adds value to your home, that value will be exempt from
property tax.
New Jersey – If you live in New Jersey and you plan on starting
up a home solar power system, you are in luck! New Jersey has the
largest solar rebate available in the United States. Their Photovoltaic
program offers a $5.50/W rebate (for systems up to 10kw). Of course,
the savings do not stop there. You can still get a rebate for the
next 90kw, as well. And this rebate is still for $4!
New York – The state will give you a rebate of $4-4.50/W with
a maximum system size of 50kw. They will give you a 25% tax credit
on the total cost of your installed solar energy system.
Oregon – The Oregon state rebate program offers different rebates,
depending on which utility company you are with. Pacific Power customers
will receive a rebate at #3/watt while PGE customers receive a slightly
better rebate at $3.25/watt. If your home solar power system adds
value to your home, it will be exempt from tax.
Pennsylvania – PECO energy customers can get a solar installation
rebate of $4/W (and this goes up to $20,000).
Other states also offer incentives for renewable energy sources.
Be sure to check with your state first, before installing a system.
And most certainly be sure to check with them before you decide that
a home solar power system is too expensive!
* Information gathered from http://www.premierpower.com