Environmental Awareness
Solar Energy: Tax Breaks Offered In NY Area For Clean Energy Initiative by Dena Ventrudo
By Dena Ventrudo
Dena Ventrudo is the Assistant Editor of Merlian News. She is a published poet and creative writer. Dena volunteered as an environmentalist with the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) for three years serving as a project leader, an intern, and a board representative. She has a BA in Liberal Studies.
Aug 12, 2006 - 1:54:00 PM

Solar energy: a perfect way to conserve energy and power your homes and offices in the cleanest way available.

Environmentally friendly, but is it economically friendly?

The answer is YES and the time is NOW.  To install a solar powered system is costly, but now New York state provides a 25% tax credit for residential solar energy system installations up $3,750. Akeena Solar (a major solar energy company) is presently installing systems in the following counties: Richmond, Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Sulivan, and Suffolk.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Residential Photovoltaics Program was established to encourage the solar energy market by installing high-quality, well-designed, reliable, grid-connected solar energy systems at residences in New York State. These rebates are available to customers in the following utility service areas: 

*Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation 
*Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. 
*New York State Electric and Gas Corporation 
*Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation 
*Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc

"Long Island has a seperate rebate program which is administered under Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). Long Island rebates are presently $3.75 per watt, which helps pay up to 50% of system cost. Go to their website to find out more about their program: http://www.lipower.org/cei/solar.html

Photograph by Dena Ventrudo

A 30% federal tax credit also applies to residence systems, up to $2000.

Federal Business Solar Energy Incentives:

30% Investment Tax Credit
This tax credit is available for businesses (not residences) that invest in or purchase qualified solar energy equipment. This credit applies to qualified home offices.

5 Year Accelerated Capital Depreciation
This accelerated depreciation is available for businesses (not residences) that invest in or purchase qualified solar energy equipment. This accelerated depreciation also applies to qualified home offices.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), through the New York State Energy $mart^sm program, is providing incentives of $4.00 to $4.50 per watt for the installation of approved, grid-connected, PV systems up to 50 kW. Under the NYSERDA program, cash incentives are only available for PV systems purchased through an eligible installer." ( http://www.akeena.net/solar_energy_benefits/incentive_programsny.html ) For more information on eligable installers, visit NYSERDA Incentives.

Dena Ventrudo

So if there ever was a time to take a step towards reducing global warming and other environmental damage, this is it.  Not only has it just been made more accessible, it has been made more affordable, so the average person can do their part.

Take the step, let the sun into your life and help heal the Earth!

For more information on incentives, solar power, NYSERDA approved providers, and more please visit www.powernaturally.org

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