What Are Solar Incentives?

by

03 December 2018

Energy

Solar Incentives

In a bid to put an end to global warming, more and more technological inventions are tilting towards promoting the sustenance of the environment; which is practically the main reason why the solar panels are invented as a means of producing electricity in the first place. To get more people on board to subscribe to this new means of producing power, measures were put in place; in which one of them is to allow the owners of the solar panels to enjoy certain privileges, which are loosely called Solar Incentives.

So you ask, What Are Solar Incentives? This is a measure put in place to ensure that owners of the solar panels enjoy certain benefits, just by installing and using the product. These solar incentives have led more people to subscribe to the idea of installing and using the panels for their homes and business; because not only is it profitable to the environments, it is also profitable to their finances in the long run.

The following are some of the Solar Incentives there is:

1. Solar Investment Tax Credits:

Of all solar incentives available, this is the one that is commonly known. In this case, Solar owners benefit by having the privilege, as made possible by the federal government, to take out a portion of the cost of the solar panels from their taxes. What that means is that the cost of the system is being subsidized by a certain percent, from your taxes. The common investment tax credit percent is 30% of the cost of the solar panel system. Enticing isn’t it? So, if the solar panel system costs $10,000, you are only paying 70% of that amount, with the remaining 30% already footed for from your taxes.

The only twist to this is that to be able to claim the investment tax credit, your taxable income should be higher or equivalent to the investment tax credit.

2. State Tax Credit:

This is basically similar to the federal investment tax credit, only that this time, a small portion of the cost of the solar panel system can be deducted from your state tax bill, relieving you of some costs that would have been invested in purchasing of the solar panel system. The only twist to this is, unlike the federal tax credit, this is not applicable to all states; only residents of some states are privileged to enjoy this package.

For those that could enjoy this package, they could end of saving about 50% of the cost of the solar panel, making it easier for them to purchase the solar panel system and enjoy its benefits.

3. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC):

The New Jersey’s Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) program have made it possible for residents in new jersey that have acquired and installed the solar panel system to enjoy a special kind of solar incentives called certificates – though this is not exclusive to new jersey alone.

You may be asking, what are Solar Renewable Energy Certificates?

These are a type of solar incentive that allows owners of a solar system to sell the certificates to their utility. By standard, if you can generate 1000 kilowatts hours (kWhs) from your solar system, you are eligible to get one SREC; and an SREC is worth at least $300. Now imagine how much that figure can rise up to if you can make 6000 kilowatts hours. Let me just leave you to do the mathematics yourself.

If you were once unsure about purchasing a solar panel, this should make you change your mind.

4. Net Metering:

It is common knowledge that some owners of the solar panel system produce more than they can consume, in which they decide to store the overflow in an On-site battery. What if I tell you that instead of storing that in an on-site battery, you can sell to your local utility company and get returns which can be used to foot other bills. Amazing deal, isn’t it? I can bet you think it is.

That’s basically what Net Metering is all about.

So in days, you create more electricity beyond what you can consume with your solar panel system, instead of hoarding it in your battery, you are given another opportunity to get returns for it. Think about the future energy bills and other bills you can foot by selling excess power produced by your system.

5. Cash rebates:

These are basically cash backs for the owners of the solar panel systems. It could come from different parastatals – like the government, utility company etc. – that are concerned about promoting the use of solar energy. This could also help subsidize the cost of the solar system.

With the aforementioned solar incentives available, the idea of investing in the purchase and installation of a solar panel system is becoming more appealing. What are Solar Incentives? I hope this article has done justice to answering that question.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Mobile Solar Generators

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

Solar power has been around for quite some time, and the first photovoltaic cells were created in the 1950s.   Since then, technology has been improving, and the efficiency of modern photovoltaic cells has increased immensely, making solar power a viable option.  If you are considering getting mobile solar generators, here is everything you need to know.  What Are Mobile Solar Generators?  Most solar generators are static, which means they do not move. However, there are mobile ones that you can transport to any location and use if there is enough sunlight.   These items are common with people who love camping, RV camping, and boats, and they come in a variety of sizes.   They are also popular for use in infrastructure projects, agriculture, and even remote communities.  Mobile solar power generators have a bank of photovoltaic cells. These cells turn sunlight into energy, which can then be stored in batteries. This type of power generator is handy for your next outdoor adventure.  What Do You Need for Mobile Solar Generators?  When you are looking to purchase or make mobile solar generators, four components make the device, which are:  Solar Panels  An Investor  A Solar Charge Controller  Solar Batteries  The solar panels and batteries are the parts of this device that can vary in quality. You will want to select the most efficient solar panels you can afford and high-quality batteries to store your electricity.  How Do They Work?  You first need to transport your system to where you want to set it up and then assemble the solar panels. The solar panels collect energy from the sun, which is converted to a Direct Current (DC), and it is then passed through the solar charge controller.   The controller regulates the voltage of the electricity when charging the battery, where you store the power to be used later.   When ready to use the energy collected from your solar panels, the inverter converts the DC power into AC (Alternating Current), which most electrical appliances use.  The Pros & Cons of Mobile Solar Power  There are a lot of benefits to using solar power, but there are some drawbacks as well. One of the best things about solar power is that it is 100% clean and renewable energy that you are using, and there are no fuels to burn, which will create pollution.   They are also relatively simple to maintain, and the biggest task will be to clean the solar panels and ensure that they are running at maximum efficiency.  There are some cons to solar power as well. The biggest one is that there is a significant upfront cost required to purchase the equipment you will need.   You are also limited to the amount of power you can store, depending on the size and efficiency of your batteries. The charging process is also slow.  The expense of solar technology can pay for itself in a short time, so it is worthwhile to invest in.   You will have the luxury of being able to use your electrical devices wherever you go, safe in the knowledge that you are doing your part for the environment.  How Mobile Solar Generators are Good for Digital Nomads  As a digital nomad, one of the things you will love about this lifestyle is that you will have all the freedom to work from wherever you may be.   That said, it can be challenging to stay connected or keep your devices charged, and that is where mobile solar generators come into play with an easy eco-friendly solution.  Whether you’re working in a coffee shop or camping in the wilderness, mobile solar generators will keep your devices charged. Here’s how.  On-the-Go Power  Mobile solar generators are lightweight and compact, so you can take them with you on the road.   No matter if you’re driving in a van or RV or backpacking around the world, your generator comes with you to power your mobile office no matter where you set it up.  Minimize Digital Nomad  As a digital nomad you can minimize your carbon footprint by using the sun as your source of energy, instead of relying on fossil fuels.   Most of us tend to be living a sustainable and minimalist lifestyle already, so this suits us well!  The initial investment for a mobile solar generator may seem high, but it pays for itself over time. With the sun as its fuel source, you save on fuel costs. Additionally, many nations provide tax credits or reimbursements on renewable energy usage.  Quiet Operation  Traditional generators can make a lot of noise, which isn’t necessarily something you want in a quiet, natural environment as a digital nomad.  Mobile solar generators don’t produce any noise pollution. So, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings without a constant drone running a petrol engine.  Independence from the Grid  Modern mobile solar generators are equipped with advanced batteries that store energy efficiently.   This means you can have a consistent power supply even on cloudy days or at night.   Many models also offer multiple output options, including USB ports, AC outlets, and DC carports, to charge various devices simultaneously.  Since you don’t need electricity to generate more electricity with these gas-free solar generators; you are not chained to the local electricity grid.  Especially when it takes weeks for electrical companies to get everything up and running again. Yes, it’ll not affect you at all.   Read Also: The Benefits of Solar Lighting in a Nutshell 10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home What You Should Know About Solar Energy for Schools Benefits What Are Solar Incentives? Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall

READ MOREDetails
Solar Energy

What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits

The use of solar energy has grown by leaps and bounds in recent times, and now, you don't just see it in residential or commercial buildings any longer – solar panel systems are now being utilised for more schools as well. The government encourages this growth and has even come up with its own form of support for schools and other educational institutions wanting to go solar. There are indeed a lot of benefits brought by having your own solar energy, but what else can you expect from it? How can you make sure that your solar investment is fully utilised? Here's everything you need to know about solar energy for schools: benefits, expectations, and more. How you can save on expenses – and earn: With solar energy, there are three ways through which you can save and earn on your expenses. One way is with your actual usage of energy from the grid. Since you produce your own energy, your energy usage from the grid will go down, thus resulting in lower electricity bills. The second way is through what you can earn based on the electricity your panels can produce. This the Feed In Tariff. The third way through which you can save and make money is when you get paid for whatever electricity isn’t used by your school. This is referred to as the Export Tariff. Will the sun be enough? This is one of the more common questions asked by many, and the answer is a simple yes. There is enough sun, even in the UK, for your solar panel system to work – and work well, at that. Although bright sunlight is always best in regard to solar energy, your solar panel system will continue to produce energy even when the days are cloudy. For every 1 kilowatt of solar panel installed, you can expect to produce an average of between 750 to 900-kilowatt hours of energy. If you are located in the south, your system will generate even more. Is it the best solution for my school? Granted, while a solar energy system is generally a good and worthwhile investment, you still have to be sure that it’s the right solution for your school, as experts in solar in Cheshire like Atlantic Renewables attest. Many of the schools in the UK are suitable, however. For instance, does your school have a roof that is flat or pitched and is the roof facing south-east, south-west, or south? If it is, that's already good news. Also, if you don't have any buildings or trees shadowing your roof, this is a good sign as well. You should also have a strong roof, although most roofs are already strong enough to hold solar panels. How to pay for it: There are different things you can do to help you pay for a solar panel system for your school, one of which is help from your local education authority. You can ask them to provide you with the capital you need at a very low or even zero rate of interest. Another way through which you can finance your solar panel system is to go to your local council. Community funding is also possible, and you may be surprised at how many communities have already worked together to bring a solar energy system to fruition for schools. Read Also: Ready Rooftops – How To Install Solar Panels Prepare Your Solar Panels For The Fall

READ MOREDetails
Solar Panel

10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home

Solar panel has become increasingly popular in the past few years. This is partly driven by how environmentally friendly it is, although many people have noted how economical it can be too. Despite being a smart decision for lowering energy bills, potential users can be put off by its installation costs. This shouldn't be an issue, as installing solar panels at home can be much easier than people might expect. As long as you have some DIY electrical knowledge, then you should be able to install the panels yourself. As Gem Energy Brisbane Solar Power notes, there are a number of steps that you'll need to take when installing a solar panel at home. Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home 1. Calculate Your Electrical Load: Before you decide on anything, you should calculate your current electrical usage. Once you've done so, you'll then be able to determine which solar panels and other parts you'll need. This is relatively simple to do, and often only requires a bit of math, plus an energy reading from your meter. 2. Battery Selection: Which battery you choose can be vital for your solar power. Naturally, the panels only generate electricity during the day, so you'll need to store some for the night. To do so, you should choose a high-quality one that provides a consistent amount of electricity over time. This will make it reliable when you're running several appliances during the evening. 3. Select Your Solar Panels: There are a considerable number of solar panels to choose from, which can be overwhelming. When you're deciding on one, you should look at its energy rating. This is typically determined based on set conditions, with some being more appropriate for certain weather. As a result, you should research how well a model will perform in your area. 4. Know Where To Place It: When you're considering a solar panel, you should determine where the best place on your property to put it is. There can be a few factors at play here, with access to sunlight being the most notable. The obvious place to install the panel is your roof, although you'll need to decide where to place it here. 5. Choose A Charge Controller: This is a device that's placed between your battery and solar panel and regulates the flow of electricity between the two. Choosing the right one can make a large difference, as it dictates how effectively your battery will charge. This means that you should spend a considerable amount of time picking one. 6. Pick The Right Inverter: Solar panels typically turn sunlight into alternating current (AC). However, most appliances function on direct current (DC). As such, you'll need to purchase an inverter, which switches from one to the other. There are a few types of inverters to choose from, each with its benefits. As such, you should spend time researching each. 7. Mount The Solar Panel: Once you have the equipment, it's now time to mount the solar panel. You can either create your own mounting mechanism or purchase a premade one. If you're not overly familiar with the process, then it's recommended that you buy a kit. When creating your own, be aware of the angle that you're mounting it at, as this will affect how much sunlight it receives. 8. Inverter & Battery Stand: Similar to the solar panel itself, you may need to build a stand to hold your battery and inverter. However, this isn't a complicated task, as you'll be able to make do with a box that includes a hole for the wiring. Once everything has been wired, it's important to note that you should cover this hole as much as possible to keep everything from being damaged. You should also ensure that it's kept away from running water. 9. Start Wiring: The wiring may be the most overwhelming part of the process, although it can be more straightforward than you think. Put simply, the connection should go from the solar panel to your charge converter to your load, i.e., your appliances. Alongside this, the charge controller should be connected to your battery, which should also be connected to your load. 10. Start Enjoying Your Solar Panel: Once you've connected everything in the appropriate manner, you can start enjoying your solar power. While setting everything up, you should ensure that you've done so in the right way. The wiring is the most important area here, so you should take care of it. Read Also: What You Should Know About Solar Energy For Schools: Benefits, Expectations, And More

READ MOREDetails