Did You Make Energy Improvements in 2011?
Energy Saver’s Blog has some timely information on what qualifies for tax credits as you prepare your 2011 returns. :
The Products Eligible for Tax Credits Through 2011 are documented in Part I of IRS form 5695 as “Nonbusiness Energy Property Credits.” If your purchase was placed in service by December 31, 2011, you can take the tax credit for the 2011 tax year only. Products include
- biomass stoves
- HVAC systems
- insulation
- roofing
- water heaters (non solar)
- windows, doors, and skylights.
There are also Products Eligible for Tax Credits Through 2016. These credits are documented in Part II of IRS form 5695 as “Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit” and include
- geothermal heat pumps
- solar energy systems
- wind energy systems
- fuel cells.
Finally, there may still be Vehicle Tax Credits that you can take advantage of if you buy a highly fuel efficient vehicle. Deadlines vary by vehicle type.
Colorado Has the Solar Thermal Advantage
Reading through my email this morning, I received a very informative message from CoSeia, a great non-profit that is really working hard to make solar energy affordable in Colorado. They’ve already streamlined the permit process and cut the red tape for solar installations, both of which help cut costs to consumers.
They are also working on consumer financing options, commercial advantages and solar gardens. They are key to keeping solar at the forefront of the Colorado legislators and public.
But what really caught my eye was this fact:
According to NREL & the Florida Solar Energy Center, solar water heating performs better in Colorado than in any state in the U.S.
This means that it makes fiscal sense to look at solar thermal to offset energy consumption. Call us at 303-589-4428 to receive a free evaluation of your site for solar feasibility.
Solar Gardens
Here’s a great idea that’s catching on. Check out what’s going on in Colorado and in other states around the country.
Solar panels are appearing on more and more roofs. But what about people who rent, live in a condominium, have shaded roofs, who might move or live in a historic district or home owners association? This is the majority of Americans! In several states, people can own solar panels in a common array called a solar garden, supplying their homes through the existing power grid.
Link: Colorado Community Solar Gardens Final Rules – September 12, 2011
Link: California SB843 – text of proposed solar gardens law
Legislation at the federal level and in several states is making this possible, with tax rebates and electric company incentives available to solar gardens subscribers.
Says SolarGardens.org founder Joy Hughes “For the first time, low income homeowners and renters will be able to go solar. We’ll put the first facilities on libraries, schools, and hospitals so these institutions can benefit. Solar gardens are sprouting up everywhere!”
By pooling resources and buying panels as a group, a community can save money and give subscribers a lower cost than going it alone.
In Colorado, the Community Solar Gardens bill will allow individuals to subscribe to solar energy within their county. The Solar Panel Hosting company has initiated the 70-acre Founders Garden in Jefferson County. This will be an Open Garden, allowing each solar company to have its own “patch” for their subscribers.
In Massachusetts, the Green Communities Act has made solar possible. My Generation Energyhas developed two subscriber based facilities, and applied for a trademark on the term “Solar Garden”. My Generation founder Luke Hinkle says he intends to use the trademark to help certify the quality and best practices of community solar gardens everywhere, and has given his support to this effort.
Visit the About page and FAQ to learn more about organizing your community to go solar!
Keep Your Home Safe and Warm
Aqua Care Solar has a winter promo going on. When you schedule your annual boiler or furnace check-up, you’ll receive a free carbon monoxide detector.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
On average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas. In 2005 alone, CPSC staff is aware of at least 94 generator-related CO poisoning deaths. Forty-seven of these deaths were known to have occurred during power outages due to severe weather, including Hurricane Katrina. Still others die from CO produced by non-consumer products, such as cars left running in attached garages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms every year to be treated for CO poisoning.
Make sure your family is safe. Have your boiler or furnace checked every year and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home.
Again, according to CPSC:
A CO alarm can provide some added protection, but it is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
Keep your home safe and warm this year. Call us at 303-589-4428 to schedule your boiler or furnace check-up today and get your free CO detector while supplies last.
If You’re Looking to Replace/Repair Your Roof READ THIS
If you are looking to replace your roof and you have solar thermal panels on the roof, you will want to contact a certified solar thermal technician to remove and replace your panels to prevent any damage. Just like you would NOT want solar technicians to replace your roof, you do not want a roofer to remove and reinstall your solar panels. These are complicated systems that need to be properly removed and reinstalled to prevent panel damage, pipe damage and keep you from having expensive repairs in the future.
And if your roofer suggests you just remove your system, remember that a properly working system is a TEN to TWENTY THOUSAND dollar investment that can save you $250 to a $1000 a year in heating costs.
Contact us if you have any concerns about your new roof and your existing solar system. It could save you a lot of money to have all the facts before you make a decision. info@aquacaresolar.com or 303-589-4428
Car Shopping?
For the average person, the costs of heating and cooling their home, residential hot water and driving are where most of their energy dollars go. We can help you with optimizing your home energy costs and now it looks like the DOE has some tools to help you optimize your fuel efficiency costs.
They now have a vehicle cost calculator. Give it a try.
Vehicle Cost Calculator
This tool uses basic information about your driving habits to calculate total cost of ownership and emissions for makes and models of most vehicles, including alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.
Businesses and Sustainability
Found this article interesting this morning, so I thought I would pass it on. Several big name companies have formed BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy) - oh, how I love the acronym.
From Climate Reality Project:
Over the past several years, electric utilities, automobile manufacturers, investors and other businesses have started to recognize that climate change is real and that humans are contributing to it. These companies also realize that they can be part of the solution — and that it makes business sense to do so.
To this end, a number of forward-thinking companies formed “Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy” or BICEP nearly three years ago. Members include Nike, Starbucks, Levi Strauss & Co., Timberland, Target, Best Buy and other major brands.
These companies know that climate change threatens their supply chains, and therefore increases risk and uncertainty. For example, 95% of Levi products are made from cotton, which is sensitive to extreme heat and both too much and too little water.Aspen Skiing Co. will feel the impacts of climate change directly; a lack of snow affects the entire $66 billion-per-year industry that depends on skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts for financial survival.
BICEP companies are working individually and collectively to explain the reality of climate change and to demonstrate solutions. For example, Nike is investigating the use of recycled materials, which could halve the amount of energy needed to make a pair of shoes. Levi is also cutting energy use, which is good for both the climate and the company’s bottom line; energy efficiency could reduce costs by 33% each year (about $600,000) at a single facility. And companies like Clif Bar are working to transition to clean sources of energy throughout their supply chain.
For more on this story, head over to read the complete article.
“Like” Us and Get a Deal
We’re starting a new promo. Like us on Facebook and get $20 off your next service of $150 or more of labor. If you’ve already liked us, you’re all set, just let us know when you call for service.
Thank you!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us on Saturday at the Home and Garden Fair. It was a great time.
Here are some new photos of a solar thermal install with a view. Been meaning to put these up for a while:
Definitely a roof with a view.
That’s Steve braving that pitch. Panels are tilted up to allow for maximum sun exposure and drainage.
Meet Us at the Fair
Saturday, August 27 is the date for the Boulder Home and Garden Fair. Come and see us, we’ll be there with lots of good information on solar thermal, high-efficiency boilers, furnaces and water heaters. See how you can save money on your home energy costs.
The Fall Boulder Home & Garden Fair will be presented outdoors on the main thoroughfare at Twenty Ninth Street from 10 to 4. This FREE event allows the public to step inside a wide-array of exhibitor tents filled with inspiration for inside and out of your home. Scattered amongst the vendors (from all areas of home improvement) will be thematic sections such as the Decorator Den, Green Living Tent, the Art Zone, the Wellness Wing, Culinary Corner and Garden District. Speak directly to a large variety of local companies showcasing wares and offering services and enjoy tastings from some of Twenty Ninth Streets finest restaurants.
The Boulder Home & Garden Fair is located at the Twenty Ninth Street Retail District – just east of 28th Street and north of Canyon Blvd in Boulder. Admission is free, with plenty of free parking, and fun for the whole family in the Kids’ Play Area.
It’s free and the weather for tomorrow looks to be 90′s and cloudy. Perfect weather for a day in the park. Hope to see you there.
TaMara
