Time for Solar Electric Power?

Washington D.C., Feb 17, 2009 – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – $787 Billion stimulus package signed into law by the Obama administration. Some of the money is even earmarked for Alternative Energy programs.

So, what does this news mean to those of us in Washington state that are looking to add one of the Alternative Energy sources to our homes to try and offset the never ending  rise in energy costs our utility companies are heaping on us?

In cast you didn’t know, Washington state has had an incentive for residents that supplement their energy with alternative sources like solar for a few years now.  The state, through participating utility providers, will reimburse 12 cents per KwH that you collect from alternative energy sources through June 30, 2014. Unfortunately, this only applies to residents that are using grid tied (hooked to the main power grid) systems.  Off grid systems are not eligible.

While Washington state’s incentive is not much and doesn’t come close to comparing to what other states are doing to promote alternative energy, it can add up over time.

Now, if you add the 30% tax deduction (of both cost of materials and installation) that the new stimulus package adds in for home owners, you now have the best deal Washington state residents have ever seen on alternative energy packages. There’s never been a better time in Washington state to add solar or wind power to your home.

Note: The 30% only applies to solar, wind and fuel cell power. You get 10% for geo thermal heat pumps.

With the help of the new stimulus package, it’s now a three part savings plan… first, you reduce your energy bill and save by reducing the power you purchase from the profiteering utility companies, next – Uncle Sam gives you a 30% tax write off and finally, the state kicks in and pays you 12 cents per KwH for all the power you generate.

With all that in play, even a small system could have a very large impact on reducing your total energy bill.

This means that you have the option to start small with just a few solar panels and then add on later when you can.  Most solar panels now carry a 25 year warranty. That means that if you pay off the system within even as long as 10 years – you still have another 15 or more years of FREE energy coming.

Building a new home?  Then including solar and/or wind should be a priority for you as you can add the cost right into the home loan and see the most benefit from the energy gain as well and increase the value of your home from the start.  Even if you are not building new… Including alternative energy sources as part of your homes remodel and updates should be a priority.  Now more than ever, the incentives are in place to help make your new solar or wind power system a reality.

The time is coming that all homes include alternative energy sources.  Why not be one of the originals that see the future is hear now.

Even if you’re not in Washington State… Check your states incentives out.  I think you’ll find now is the best of times to add al

Wes Waddell is currently in the process of building his own Passive and Active solar dream home on 15 acres in Washington States east side.  Follow along with everything he learns and does on his www.BuildingSolarNews.info BLOG.

Tags: alternative energy rebate, solar panel price, solar power rebate