If you are tired of being at the mercy of the energy markets with their price swings and budget busting rate changes,
then solar power is for you. Whether you are a residential consumer of electricity, a commercial or industrial business or a utility scale purchaser of electricity — technology, government support and regulatory policy is swinging heavily toward making solar power the smart play. Beacon Renewable Energy can make your transition to
renewable energy easy and affordable.
When you go solar, you reap a range of benefits. Not only do you save money on your per kWh cost of electricity, you help to reduce carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, and your own reliance on the uncertain price of electricity in the future.With typical residential solar installations running in the $40-$60 thousand dollar range it may seem like an expensive proposition. However, current government programs can reduce your initial cost by up to 50%, and sometimes more. Investment in solar power is not free, but Beacon Renewable Energy can guide you though the process and help minimize your cost to “go solar.”
Federal Incentives
Following the enactment of solar tax credits in 2005, there has been unprecedented expansion of solar power in the U.S. Twice as much solar electric capacity was installed in 2007 as compared to the previous year. In late-2008 “The Economic Stabilization Act” extended the 30% tax credit for residences and commercial installations. Other solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provisions eliminated the $2,000 cap for residential solar, establishing the ability to realize the full 30% tax credit for property put into service after 12/31/08.
State solar rebates and other programs
Considering solar in Pennsylvania? Great news! $100 million dollars is on the way in the form of Pennsylvania Sunshine, a provision added to Gov. Ed Rendell’s Alternative Energy Investment Act. That $100 million takes the form of grant funding for commercial and residential solar projects. Pennsylvania Sunshine passed with a unanimous vote from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. That money will surely help solar take off in the Keystone State. This legislation is hugely important as electricity rate caps on utility supplied electricity expire at the end of 2009 for PPL and at the end of 2010 for most of the other major Pennsylvania electric utilities . A solar system can give you important protection against uncertain future electricity prices, including the unknown but potentially large increase in electricity costs due to efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.
Power Company/Utility Incentives
Various utility companies are trying various ways to “incentivize” solar as well. There are direct rebates, billing credits, and “discount per watt” programs that will drive down installation costs as well as ongoing energy bills. Beacon Renewable Energy can work with you to integrate your system with your local utility. We are fluent in “utility-speak” and can provide the most up-to-date information regarding rebates, and incentives, to make this process seamless and easy.
The word is getting out that solar is the best bet among the various renewable sources. With continuing discounts based on actual use as well as tax credits and creative solar financing arrangements, there is a sustainable future ahead, one that relies to a great degree on solar power. There is a lot to consider, but you are not alone in the process. Getting the experts on your side and making the move to renewable solar energy is good for your wallet as well as the world.
The Green Incentive
By turning sunshine into electricity or for heating water we reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lessen smog greenhouse gases and global warming. Perhaps there is no issue that has a greater impact on life on earth as the decisions we make regarding energy generation.
The environmentally benign opportunities from the clean, safe and reliable power of solar energy along with intensive energy efficiency measures, are among the most important activities we can pursue in leaving a positive legacy for future generations, as well as immediate benefits for our current population.
Renewable energy technology is making huge strides in being able to compete on a level playing field in the marketplace. There is growing consumer interest in renewable energy and we know that fossil fuels only exist in limited amounts. As global climate change is capturing the world's attention, there will be more and more pressure to factor in the full costs of thermal and fossil fuels, and renewable energy will be progressively more attractive to consumers and government. Renewable energy retrofits positively address:
- Energy affordability
- Household self-reliance
- Environmental benefits
- Cost efficiency and effectiveness
- Community and rural economic development
- Energy reliability
