| Alternative Energy is all the rage after the State of the | | | | customers to non-utility energy sources.Solar panels |
| Union speech given by President Bush. If you live in | | | | systems are typically used to produce electricity. If you |
| Illinois, you should know there are already rebate | | | | are going with a solar panel system, the requirements |
| programs available.How To Get A Rebate for Using | | | | are very simple. The system must be approved by |
| Alternative Energy in IllinoisRebates for using alternative | | | | Underwriters Laboratories, a fairly common certification |
| energy platforms are handled under the Renewable | | | | throughout the solar industry. The system must also |
| Energy Resources Program. The program is designed | | | | have a rated capacity of 800 watts for |
| to motivate Illinois residents to use alternative energy | | | | production.Solar-thermal systems are used to produce |
| by providing financial incentives in the form of rebates | | | | heat, often in the form of hot water. If you are going |
| for those that modify their energy use.The Renewable | | | | with a solar thermal system for your alternative |
| Energy Resources Program has been around for | | | | energy needs, it must be approved by the Solar Rating |
| awhile, but new regulations went into effect on | | | | and Certification Corporation or similar certification. The |
| January 1, 2006. Under the regulations, rebates for | | | | system must produce at least 50,000 BTUs a day or |
| going solar may now be as high as $10,000 for eligible | | | | have at least 60 square feet of collectors. Put in |
| solar thermal systems and up to 30 percent of the | | | | simple terms, you need to have roughly a system |
| cost of solar panel systems. These new rebates, | | | | measuring 8 x 8 feet. If you are using the system for |
| however, have a finite life span. You must apply for | | | | a pool, you only get the rebate if the pool is available |
| either or both of them by April 30, 2006.To get in on | | | | to the public for regular use.While President Bush |
| these healthy rebates, there are a few requirements | | | | surprised many by highlighting alternative energy |
| you must meet. First of all, you must be eligible. Eligible | | | | platforms in his recent speech. Alas, Illinois was already |
| parties included individuals, businesses, schools, | | | | heading down that road.Rick Chapo is with |
| non-profits, and institutions of higher learning. You must | | | | SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy |
| also be a customer of utility company, meaning you | | | | companies. Visit us to read more articles on solar |
| can not be an off-grid energy residence or structure | | | | power and renewable energy. |
| since the rebates are designed to move utility | | | | |