Browsing articles from "November, 2011"

Update on Solar Incentives

Nov 15, 2011   //   by Helio Power Systems   //   Blog  //  No Comments

Keeping up to speed on solar incentives can be pretty tricky, even at the best of times. In states such as PA, CA, and MA where both State and Federal incentives exist, it’s hard to know what is available to you, yet alone deadline dates, exceptions, and other small -but important- details. To help you understand just exactly what kind of incentives are available to you, here is the low-down on Federal incentives, and those specific to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, broken down into residential and commercial sectors.

FEDERAL

Residential
Incentive amount: 30% of the total PV Solar System cost
Available to: All homeowners
Eligible sizes: All system sizes
End date: 12/31/2016

Commercial
Incentive amount: 30% of the total PV Solar System cost
Available to: All commercial building owners
Eligible sizes: All system sizes
End date: 12/31/2016

The 30% Tax Credit may be taken as a cash grant until 12/31/11, available to commercial applicants only.

PENNSYLVANIA

Residential
Rebate amount: $0.75/watt
Available to: All residential homeowners
Eligible sizes: 1kW – 10kW
End date: Ending imminently – no specified date

10-Year Tax Abatement – Philadelphia homeowners are exempt from paying increased property taxes as a result of the increased property value added by a PV Solar System.

Commercial
Rebate amount: $0.75/watt up to 10kW, $0.50/watt from 10kW to 100kW
Available to: All commercial/ business owners
Eligible sizes: 1kW – 10kW
End date: Ending imminently – no specified date

10-Year Tax Abatement – Philadelphia business and commercial property owners are exempt from paying increased property taxes as a result of the increased property value added by a PV Solar System.

Notes
The PA Sunshine Rebate Program is in it’s last stage. The state is still accepting new rebate applications, however there is no guarantee that your rebate will be approved. Rebates are being approved and paid once an installation is complete, and so payment of the rebate is on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis.

NEW JERSEY

Residential
Sales Tax Exemption on the total amount of the solar power system
Property Tax Exemption from increased property value added by the solar power system

Commercial
Sales Tax Exemption on the total amount of the solar power system
Property Tax Exemption from increased property value added by the solar power system

In addition to these incentives, the cost of solar power has never been better, making it an ideal time to make the switch. In addition to these incentives, SRECs reduce the payback of your solar power investment over the life of the system. And remember the golden rule when purchasing solar power: Government rebates will not be around forever. Take advantage of rebates and other incentives while they are available!

For more information about Federal and State renewable energy incentives, visit www.dsireusa.org.