The federal government has been trying to implement incentives for more responsible energy use for the past five years. The first tax break of its kind was the Energy Policy Act in 2005. People who opted for renewable energy were awarded it. Today's world has definitely changed a lot, since there used not to be many incentives to induce people to switch to renewable energy before this act, if any at all.
You as a homeowner can now cash in a tax credit of up to 2000 or 30% of what you've invested in solar panel installation and equipment costs as a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 alone. While only homes that primarily made use of solar energy that were in existence from 2005-2007 were eligible to be covered, it was extended in 2008. You're good to go if your home was built up through January 2009.
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act was passed in 2008 in addition to this act. Solar panels are just one of the ways it provides people with even more incentives for using solar energy. It also adds more credit for people who intend to do home improvements in 2009 or beyond, as well as extending the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This bill favors the 30% rebate on investments in solar energy and removes the 2000 tax credit maximum. It is even retroactive in some instances.
The state level might also extend tax incentives for installing solar panels. The list includes, but may not be limited to, New Mexico, Florida, Vermont, Minnesota, Washington, New York, Texas, Virginia, Arizona and California. Tax rebates and the reduction or elimination of sales tax on solar panel equipment costs are some state benefits that exist. You should definitely consider it if you want to be environmentally friendly. Professional installation packages or do-it-yourself kits are available, depending on your needs. The tax incentives alone are a good reason to switch, as well.
