Review of the
Energy Tax Credit Plans

Energy Tax Credits are what the federal government and the different states grant to encourage the investment in renewable clean energy that will gradually replace the energy produced by burning fossils and in some of the energy conservation home improvements investments as detailed bellow

The purchasing of energy star appliances does not entitle the purchaser to claim a tax deduction

New Cars Tax Credit

Until November 1st you might exploit the new cash for clunkers bill to buy a new fuel efficient car

Talking about new cars, view my page on hybrid car tax credit

Clean Home Energy Tax Credit Window of Opportunity

The reasons for this generosity stem from an ambition to achieve the following goals:

• Reduce the carbon footprint and mitigate the adverse effects of global warming
• Minimize the nation dependency on imported oil from politically unstable regions
• Generating more jobs in the US related to clean energy (R&D, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, education)

This is a window of opportunity for you to exploit (The IRS tax credit is valid through 2016)
The solar tax credit is substantial and make your out of pocket Capital Expense more manageable and the Return on your Investment period much shorter.

View my page on energy financing to see the entire financial picture

The Federal Energy Tax Credit Plans

The IRS provides the following energy tax incentives. I restrict myself to residential property (or home owners in other words)

Solar Heaters and Solar Electric Panels

• For new (as of January 2009) residential solar power systems and residential wind turbines the tax credit is 30% of the investment, with no upper limit.
• For new (as of January 2009) solar water heaters the tax credit is 30% of the investment, with no limit.

For other investments related to improving residential energy efficiency (e.g. better furnaces, building insulation, doors and windows insulation, roof insulation, a biomass furnace), the tax credit is 30% limited to 1,500$ in 2009 and 2010 combined.

You may correctly assume that there are constraints and conditions for getting the tax credits. You can consult your tax consultant

Stimulus Energy Tax Credit for windows, doors and skylights

On February 17th 2009, the president signed into law the American and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. This bill modified the tax rebate on purchasing Energy Star windows, doors and skylights to 30% of what was purchased up to a limit of $1,500. click here to view more details on the 1500 energy tax credit

Canada Energy Tax Plans

Canada and the different provinces/territories have Energy Tax Incentives and Rebates plans. Click to view a link to the Canada Energy Tax Credit plans

States Incentives

Each state has a different incentives’ package, therefore I’ll build up gradually a list of what is available in the different states. I invite you to come again as the list grows…(you are invited to click on the RSS buton bellow the NavBar to get online updates)

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• New York State
• Texas Energy Tax Credits: The state doesn't have a tax rebate program. These utilities do have tax rebate programs:Austin Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program, Austin Energy - Solar Water Heating Rebate, Bryan Texas Utilities - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program, Bryan Texas Utilities - Solar PV Rebate Program, CPS Energy - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program, CPS Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program, Farmers Electric Cooperative - Residential/Agricultural Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Renewable Energy Rebates, Oncor Electric Delivery - PV Incentive Program, Oncor Electric Delivery - Solar Water Heating Incentive Program
• for other states click here to view a good data base