Energy bill/tax credits

Constantin

... largely on where the installation is situated, what it does, and so on.

For a in-depth view, analysis, etc., check out the <a href="http://www.retscreen.net/">Retscreen tools</a> developed by the canadian government. They are free and allow a good economic analysis using all costs, taxes, incentives, etc. to calculate ROI, NPV, etc. The package is free but requires Windows Office (won't run on a Mac).

Up here in the NE where insolation varies almost 90% from the peak in the summer to the depths of winter, it's a pretty hard case unless your system is dirt cheap, the incentives broad, etc. After all, most of us spend less than $50 on utilities to heat water in a month, so how much NPV can you derive from that?

Down south where Insolation is more constant, solar makes a lot of sense to heat hot water using simple collectors. PV is still a niche application for those that live far enough from the grid to justify the economic benefits of avoiding pole-setting charges, etc. Plus, it can be more reliable than the grid if you're in a remote location.

BTW, the Retscreen tools also allow insights into other building energy technologies like CHPs and other fun stuff. Check it out!

don_148

Tax incentives encourage energy efficiency

Solar is going to take off once again with the new energy
bill.

30% tax credit for residential solar installations.
500 dollar credit for purchasing and installing energy saving equipment in your existing home.Lifetime personal tax credit up to 500 dollars.

And for all you builders out there,1000 to 2000 dollars per
dwellings tax credit.I sure hope this help to change some builders way of thinking when it comes to hvac equipment in
the home they are building.Only time will tell.

Your thoughts?