| It is undeniable that energy prices are going | | | | during the day, your solar system sends |
| through the roof. Just take a look at your | | | | energy to the utility and your power meter |
| utility bill. The good news is using solar | | | | actually runs backwards. When you come home |
| power can save your bank account, | | | | at night and use power, the power meter runs |
| particularly with new incentives. | | | | forward. All and all, net metering will |
| | | | either slash or completely eliminate your |
| Personal Tax Credit and Deductions | | | | utility bill. With solar panel systems having |
| | | | a life of 40 years, think how much money |
| If anything is more aggravating than | | | | you'll save! While a majority of states have |
| exploding energy costs, it's your tax bill. | | | | net metering laws, not all do. Make sure to |
| New and established government programs let | | | | check if yours does. |
| you attack both by going solar. The first | | | | |
| method is by simply saving money on taxes. If | | | | Property Tax Incentives |
| you install a solar energy system on your | | | | |
| home, the federal government is going to give | | | | Property taxes. How we all hate paying |
| you a tax credit of up to $2,000. Tax credits | | | | property taxes. Well, many states now provide |
| reduce your tax liability dollar for dollar | | | | exemptions, exclusions or credits for homes |
| unlike deductions which are subtracted from | | | | with solar power. Each state handles this |
| your gross income. A majority of states now | | | | issue differently, so look into the potential |
| also offer tax credits you can use when | | | | savings in yours. |
| paying state taxes. Each state handles the | | | | |
| matter differently, but you can expect to get | | | | Rebate Programs |
| a credit for a percentage of your | | | | |
| installation cost or a fixed figure. | | | | To promote solar energy, rebate programs are |
| | | | offered to homeowners by states and |
| Net Metering | | | | utilities. Again, the characteristics of such |
| | | | programs vary wildly, but typically come in |
| Net metering is a concept that has resulted | | | | the form of rebates ranging from a couple |
| in exploding sales in the solar energy | | | | hundred bucks to $4,000 or more. |
| industry. Net metering refers to state laws | | | | |
| that require utilities to purchase power | | | | With your utility bills going through the |
| generated from your residential solar system | | | | roof, it is time to consider steps you can |
| at the same price the utilities would | | | | take to save money. The economic benefits of |
| otherwise charge you for electricity. In | | | | going solar have never been better, which |
| effect, net metering lets you use the utility | | | | makes now the time to convert. |
| company as a battery. While you are at work | | | | |