Solar San Diego

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

The Federal Government's Energy Star program website has a rundown of Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency for consumers including those for home improvements, auto purchases and alternative energy.  The incentives are as follows:

SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Product Category	Product Type	Tax Credit Specification	Tax Credit	Notes
Windows & Doors	Exterior Windows and Skylights	ENERGY STAR qualified OR meets IECC1	10% of cost, up to $2002 for all windows, skylights and storm windows	All ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit.Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified windows and skylights. Installation costs are not included. For tax purposes, save your receipt and either the ENERGY STAR label from all your new windows OR the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Storm Windows	Meets IECC1 in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, for the applicable climate zone	10% of cost, up to $2002 for all windows, skylights and storm windows	Manufacturer Certification Statement3will list classes of exterior window (single pane, clear glass, double pane, low-E coating, etc.)4 that a product may be combined with to be eligible in specific climate zones. Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Exterior Doors	Meets IECC1	10% of cost, up to $5002	ENERGY STAR doors will almost always qualify, except for certain parts of California4. Learn more aboutENERGY STAR qualified doors. Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Storm Doors	In combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC1, and does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC	10% of cost, up to $5002	Eligibility will be confirmed by manufacturer and documented in the Manufacturer Certification Statement3 Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Roofing	Metal Roofs,  Asphalt Roofs	ENERGY STAR qualified	10% of cost, up to $5002	All ENERGY STAR labeled metal roofs qualify for the tax credit. Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty. Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Insulation	Insulation	Meets 2000 IECC & Amendments	10% of cost, up to $5002	For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate. (example: vapor retarders are covered, siding does not qualify). Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
HVAC	Central A/C	Split Systems: EER >=12.5 SEER >= 15  Package systems: EER >= 12 SEER >= 14	$3002	For a list of qualified products, go to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency product directory , click on the Air Conditioners and in the “CEE Tier” enter “Residential Tier 2.” Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. ENERGY STAR specification: Split Systems: EER >= 11.5 & SEER >= 14  Package systems: EER >= 11 & SEER >= 14 Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Air Source Heat Pumps	HSPF >= 9 EER >= 13 SEER >= 15	$300²	Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. ENERGY STAR specification: Split systems: HSPF >= 8.2 & EER >= 11.5 & SEER >= 14  Package systems: HSPF >= 8 & EER >= 11 & SEER >= 14 Manufacturer’s Certification Statement³ required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Geo-Thermal Heat Pump	Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Closed Loop: EER >= 14.1 COP >= 3.3 Open Loop: EER >= 16.2  COP >= 3.6  Direct Expansion: EER >= 15  COP >= 3.5	30% of the cost, up to $2,000.	All ENERGY STAR labeled geo-thermal heat pumps qualify for the tax credit. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Use IRS Form 5695   Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1, 2008–Dec. 31, 2016.
	Gas, Oil, Propane Furnace or Hot Water Boiler	Furnaces: AFUE >= 95  Boiler: AFUE >= 95	$1502	For a list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association  Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. ENERGY STAR specification: Furances: AFUE >= 90 Boilers: AFUE >= 85 Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan	No more than 2% of furnace total energy use	$502	For a partial list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association  Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Water Heaters	Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater	Energy Factor >= 0.80 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.	$3002	Note: ENERGY STAR qualified high-efficiency gas storage water heaters will not qualify for the tax credit. All ENERGY STAR qualified whole-home gas tankless and gas condensing models will qualify. ENERGY STAR criteria: Whole-Home Tankless: Energy Factor >= 0.82 Gas Condensing: Energy Factor >= 0.8 For a partial list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association  Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Electric Heat Pump Water Heater	Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0	$3002	All ENERGY STAR qualified electric heat pump water heaters qualify for the tax credit. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Biomass Stove	Biomass Stove	Stove which burns biomass fuel5 to heat a home or heat water. Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%.	$300	Manufacturer’s Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Cars	Hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles		Based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models	There is a 60,000 vehicle limit per manufacturer before a phase-out period begins. Toyota and Honda have already been phased out. Credit is still available for Ford, GM and Nissan. For more information visit:Fueleconomy.gov  Use IRS Form 8910  for hybrid vehicles purchased for personal use. Use IRS Form 3800  for hybrid vehicles purchased for business purposes.
	Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles		$2,500–$7,500	The first 250,000 vehicles sold get the full tax credit (then it phases out like the hybrid vehicle tax credits). Effective January 1, 2009.
Solar Energy Systems	Solar Water Heating	At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household. The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs. The water must be used in the dwelling. The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).	30% of cost, up to $2,000	Use IRS Form 5695   Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.
	Photovoltaic Systems	Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.	30% of cost, up to $2,000. After January 1, 2009 the $2,000 cap no longer applies.	Use IRS Form 5695   Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.
Small Wind Energy Systems	Small Wind Energy Systems		30% of the cost, up to $500 per half kW of capacity (not to exceed $4,000)
Fuel Cells	Fuel Cells	Efficiency of at least 30% and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.	30% of the cost, up to $1500 per half kW of power capacity	Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.

¹Either the 2001 Supplement of the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code or the 2004 Supplement of the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code.

²Subject to a $500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.

³A Manufacturer’s Certification is a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. The IRS encourages manufacturers to provide these Certifications on their website to facilitate identification of qualified products. Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return.

⁴Additional information on exterior window features may be viewed at Anatomy of an Energy Efficient Window.

⁵Biomass Fuel means any plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis, including agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), plants (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers.

The IRS defines “placed in service” as when the property is ready and available for use.

Fortune Mag: Grean Energy Makes Money

"Venture investment in energy technology firms reached new highs this year, more than tripling the investment recorded for 2005, according to data released Wednesday by Thomson Financial and the National Venture Capital Association." states an article in Fortune Small Business.

Wind Energy Reseach Plan Meeting at UC Davis

The California Wind Energy Collaborative is hosting a "workshop on 11 December 2007 to gather input toward development of a Wind Energy Research Plan for California. The research plan will identify and prioritize wind energy research, development, and deployment efforts that will facilitate California's renewable energy policy goals."

Hey Ho, Where'd You Go Ohio?

Out of Ohio, comes word that politicians have aspirations to make the Buckeye State  into "the Silicon Valley of Alternative Energy."  The article recounts the history of similar high tech initiatives and how Ohioans differing backgrounds are joining together to make the dream a reality.  What's pointed out i the article however is that Ohio doesn't yet have a renewable energy standard mandating goals for alternative energy.  It appears that for now, Silicon Valley and other areas of innovation have little to fear from Ohio's entry into the arena. Read the entire article here.

Energy Alternatives Competing For Funding

The Palm Beach Post, has a piece about different forms of alternative energy competing for governmental funding. 

WASHINGTON — In what one industry representative calls a struggle for supremacy, advocates of various sources of alternative energy are beginning to point out the competition's warts.

"Everyone wants to use the energy crisis as leverage to support his solution," said Bob Rose, executive director of the Fuel Cell Council.

But with limited government research and development money for ways to replace oil, any technology's gain is a loss for the others. So the criticism is flying in all directions: • Solar energy? A retired University of Connecticut physicist who advocates increased development of nuclear power calls solar energy "a fraud."

• Ethanol? Some critics say that at best it will swap food for fuel, and at worst it will use more energy than it yields.

• Rechargeable batteries for autos? Some call the current technology too expensive and environmentally suspect.

• Hydrogen? One advocate of ethanol fuel recently declared that the dream of a hydrogen-based economy is a "hoax."[/blockquote]

Read the entire article here, or listen to it here.

Why It's Not Easy Being Green

ZDNet, has a piece about why its is not easy to be green when it comes to energy choices.

PALM DESERT, Calif.--Numerous technologies exist to curb energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The problem is that consumers lack the willpower to embrace them, according to at least one energy expert.

"This country only gets excited about energy when oil prices get high," Dan Arvizu, director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, said during a presentation at the Clean-Tech Investor Summit taking place here. "We do have a problem with how serious we are about our energy challenges."

Arvizu, who advises the White House on energy policy, underscored the point by displaying pie charts detailing U.S. and global energy consumption at the present and projected for 2030.

In 2004, oil accounted for 40 percent of the U.S. energy budget, while coal took up 26 percent. Natural gas accounted for 21 percent; nuclear power, 6 percent; and renewable energy, 7 percent.

Read the entire article, which is somewhat dismaying to this alternative energy advocate, here.

Truckee Says No to Coal

The Truckee Donner Public Utility District board of directors rejected a 50-year deal to buy power from a coal-fired plant in Utah.  The District followed the advice of many ratepayers and the opinon of this site in rejecting the 11th hour long term contract that would have been curtailed to 5 years on January 1, under a newly passed statute.  This is a great day for proponents of clean renewable energy and it is up to advocates, companies and the government to make sure that renewable energy grows in the leaps and bounds to meet our energy needs.         

Glam to Be Green says BW

BusinessWeek's has a piece about how "going green" in one's residence, through the use of renewable energy, has a rising cachet.

Is green the new black? Over one million U.S. households now warm their homes in the winter with heat from the earth instead of using furnaces or fuel lines. Elton John, Richard Branson—the chief executive of Virgin Airlines—and Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft (MSFT), use ground-source energy in their homes too.

Even George W. Bush has a geothermal system in his vacation home in Crawford, Tex. Designed by architect David Heymann, Prairie Chapel Ranch captures solar energy and has a cistern that gathers rainwater and wastewater, purifies it, and then uses it to irrigate the greenery around the Presidential vacation home.

The article goes on to discuss how renewables are changing the face of the US housing market as homeowners purchase solar arrays and wind turbines and socialy conscious homeonwners equip their homes with renewables.

groSolar Grows, Purchases Energy Outfitters of Oregon

           

The Vermont Guardian reported yesterday that groSolar, the White River Junction based solar energy systems company, has purchased Energy Outfitters, a wholesale distributor of renewable energy systems, out of Grants Pass, Oregon with offices in the Eastern United States and Canada.   The purchase should give the Vermont company nationwide reach including the California market.   The article gives a good discussion of the potential of solar energy from  groSolar's co-founder Jeff Wolfe.
While some may not see Vermont as the likeliest home base for a national solar company, Wolfe disagrees.

"...'We have this myopic vision in Vermont that it’s cloudy and solar doesn’t work in Vermont,' said Wolfe.

The two countries that are investing the most in solar power are Germany and Japan, he noted. And, Vermont receives 30 percent more sun than Germany. In fact, it receives 80 percent of the sun that Florida does.

'Too often people compare any given region’s solar resource to that of Southern California, and that’s problematic,' Wolfe said. 'There are only six places in the world that have the solar resource of Southern California.'

As with oil and coal resources, Wolfe said the United States has more solar resources than many countries. But, it is not yet fully utilizing its potential...

Coming Soon to Solar San Diego, Your Direct Source for Renewables™

The future for Renewables in Southern California and beyond is bright.

By the time 2007 dawns, Solar San Diego will begin to unveil a new part of the site that brings together renewable energy providers and renewable energy customers: Your Direct Source for Renewables™.  Interested providers who want to get in on the ground floor of this opportunity should send an e-mail inquiry to solarsandiego@gmail.com.