Some states like TX and NJ will subsidize solar energy 40% worth.
But the technology to date has been quite costly in spite of these states’ subsidizing the cost. However, solar energy is starting to turn the corner cost-effectively in the past year or two.
Why is there no serious encouragement from the federal gov’t to encourage homeowners to install solar energy panels by offerering subsidies or rebates for installing it?
Would this be a good idea?
Here is a link to the form for the 30% Federal Tax Credit on Renewable Energy http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf . The cap has been lifted as of this year, so it’s really 30% off your total price. For more information try Googling "irs renewable energy tax credit" .
Because no big bux are available to pay of congressmen.
That seems like a good idea on the surface. However, government subsidies will keep prices higher. This is was what happened temporarily with car prices due to the cash for clunkers program. Government intervention is also part of what is keeping home prices higher in some markets like in parts of California. I know both because I visited the dealership where I bought my car in March and saw the price inflation for the same models first hand. I have also been searching to buy a house in the Silicon Valley and the first time buyer’s credit is partially responsible for keeping home prices higher than they should be. Always trust the government to screw things up somehow. (Ironically, the emergency increase in the California sales tax and vehicle licensing fees are what prompted me to purchase back in March.)
What they could do for solar is mandate it for new construction, especially for larger homes. A $20K system is peanuts on a >$500K new home.
great idea…but the time hasent come yet. I came accross a new, proven and tested home made wind power system and solar power system which eliminates our electricity bills. It was written by a Renewable energy enthusiasts Michael Harvey the diy called Earth4energy. You can get your copy to save energy and help environment while eliminating your power bills. Get it from here:
http://how-to-build-cheap-solar-energy.blogspot.com/