USA - 30% tax credit through 12/31/2008 for solar energy systems

[MHSC]

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#chart

Solar Energy Systems

Tax credits are available for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The credits are available for systems ?placed in service? from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008. The tax credit is for 30 percent of the cost of the system, up to $2,000. This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.

 

[DRJJ]

Re: USA - 30% tax credit through 12/31/2008 for solar energy systems

How much solar energy can you get for $6667.00?

 

[Mellie]

Re: USA - 30% tax credit through 12/31/2008 for solar energy systems

Roughly a 1 K-watt photovoltaic system, not counting rebates into the cost.

 

[gjs47]

Re: USA - 30% tax credit through 12/31/2008 for solar energy systems

Would this include the Xantrex 1500 (and other series) if used for heating hot water, cooking, etc. It could possibly be adapted for many uses.

 

[MHSC]

Re: USA - 30% tax credit through 12/31/2008 for solar energy systems

<TABLE class=proc><TBODY><TR><TD>I don't see anywhere that it restricts the brand of system that you install. There may be further info, but this is what I found at first glance.


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).

</TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>Photovoltaic Systems

• Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

</TD><TD>





</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Mellie]

Re: USA - 30% tax credit through 12/31/2008 for solar energy systems

Photovoltaic systems are much more costly to buy and install than solar water heating systems.

We set up a "bread box collector" for heating water in the early 1970's as a preheater for our hot water heater. We added a thermosiphon copper coil system into our woodstove chimney and made it part of the same preheating system for wintertime use. It was very cost effective since we made the plans and built it ourselves out of recycled hot water heater tanks from the dump. 4x8' glass was an expense as was copper pipe for the thermosiphon coils.

In comparison, photovoltaic pannels are costly because they require high tech for production and, if you work off the grid, you also have to purchase other components, such as inverter and deep cycle batteries.

If your system is on the grid (tied in with your local energy company), when PG&E goes down due to storm or otherwise, your system goes down as well.

I believe that your system must be on the grid to qualify for the rebates. Our on-grid system in town qualified. A friend's off-grid system in the wilderness with no PG&E access did not.