| I thought this was great news in February when the | | | | power. You get 10% for geo thermal heat pumps. |
| American Recovery and Reinvestment Act put some | | | | With the help of the new stimulus package, it's now a |
| $787 Billion in a stimulus package backed by the | | | | three part savings plan... first, you reduce your energy |
| Obama administration. It was wonderful that some of | | | | bill and save by reducing the power you purchase |
| the money was even earmarked for Alternative | | | | from the profiteering utility companies, next - Uncle |
| Energy programs. My only question was, what does | | | | Sam gives you a 30% tax write off, and finally, the |
| this news mean to those of us in Washington state? | | | | state kicks in and pays you 12 cents per KwH for all |
| What if we are looking to add one of the Alternative | | | | the power you generate. |
| Energy sources to our homes to try and offset the | | | | With all that in play, even a small system could have a |
| never ending rise in energy costs our utility companies | | | | very large impact on reducing your total energy bill. |
| are heaping on us? | | | | This means that you have the option to start small |
| In case you didn't know, Washington state has had an | | | | with just a few solar panels and then add on later |
| incentive for residents that supplement their energy | | | | when you can. Most solar panels now carry a 25 year |
| with alternative sources like solar for a few years | | | | warranty. That means that if you pay off the system |
| now. The state, through participating utility providers, will | | | | within even as long as 10 years - you still have another |
| reimburse 12 cents per KwH that you collect from | | | | 15 or more years of FREE energy coming. |
| alternative energy sources through the middle of the | | | | Building a new home? Then including solar and/or wind |
| year 2014. Unfortunately, this only applies to residents | | | | should be a priority for you as you can add the cost |
| that are using grid tied (hooked to the main power grid) | | | | right into the home loan and see the most benefit from |
| systems. Off grid systems are not eligible. | | | | the energy gain as well and increase the value of your |
| While Washington states incentive is not much and | | | | home from the start. Even if you are not building new... |
| doesn't come close to comparing to what other states | | | | including alternative energy sources as part of your |
| are doing to promote alternative energy, it can add up | | | | homes remodel and updates should be a priority. Now |
| over time. | | | | more than ever, the incentives are in place to help |
| Now, if you add the 30% tax deduction (of both cost | | | | make your new solar or wind power system a reality. |
| of materials and installation) that the new stimulus | | | | The time is coming that all homes include alternative |
| package adds in for home owners, you now have the | | | | energy sources. Why not be one of the originals that |
| best deal Washington state residents have ever seen | | | | see the future is hear now. |
| on alternative energy packages. There's never been a | | | | Even if you are not in Washington state... with the |
| better time in to add solar or wind power to your | | | | better deals many states have, there has never been |
| home. | | | | a better time to add alternative energy such as solar |
| Note: The 30% only applies to solar, wind and fuel cell | | | | panels or wind turbines to your home. |