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Solar Power Incentives Texas
KXAN Austin Solar Power Coverage
Alternative Energy Questions:
Solar Energry Costs, Home Value and Tax Incentives?
I recently bought a new home and am interested in installing solar panels. I looked into windmills but the HOA in my neighborhood wont allow it. I was wanting to know what can I expect to spend on materials and installation of solar panels and system to power a 2000/sqft house in an area that gets an average of 8 hours of good sunlight per day. I also wanted to know what this would do to the value of my home. This house is not my dream home and will be looking to upgrade within the next 5 years. I wanted to know if solar energy will raise the value enough to offset the cost now.(excluding present market conditions). Also does anyone know what the tax incentives are, either natoinally, state or locally for Texas or other states that I could use as a comparison. Thanks.
I answered a similar question today see if you can find it, its much more detailed answer.
In brief you don't have a chance to break even with cost equal to new value. Certainly not in 5yrs, or maybe never. I see you live in Texas think about putting in a emergency generator system with automatic transfer switch, About 12k if you shop carefully and do some of the work your self. Added value to your home 20k to 30k. Value will continue to grow as time goes buy because generator systems keep going up in price and electrical codes keep getting stricter. Use natural, or propane, or LP gas as a power source. Its non corrosive, no fouling, and doesn't age and varnish up the carburetor like gas or diesel.
Good luck
Join the Movement--Go Solar and Save Money
It’s not just utility companies and environmentalist who are encouraging the solar powered moment. For many years, federal and state governments have offered incentives to homeowners who make energy saving changes to their homes. These changes include adding solar energy. The states of Oregon, New Mexico and Texas offer property tax breaks for homeowners who have installed solar panels. The federal government has a tax break of up to 30 percent of your investment if you make your home more energy efficient with solar panels. A $2,000 cap on the credit was lifted.
As what is being called the “green movement†continues, state and federal legislators are expected to approve more legislation that gives additional tax breaks. Nevada lawmakers debated on much of the summer. And the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 that gives further financial incentives to properties that install clean energy measures. The bill is waiting for approval from the Senate.
These tax breaks and financial incentives are just another reason you should consider installing solar panels. Maybe you have already thought of it but you thought the price was too high. Having a contractor install solar panels is expensive and can cost thousands of dollars. What many people don’t know is that you can construct and install solar panels with just a few supplies from the local hardware store.
Do it Yourself (DIY) solar panels are the easiest way to save on your energy bill and do something good for your environment. The Internet is full of solar panel reviews that extol kits that teach you to build your own. Here’s what’s true and what’s not so true about these kits:
- FALSE. You have to be an expert to put these kits together and install them. Many homeowners use the kits as a weekend project to educate the entire family on the benefits of ‘going green.’
- FALSE. All of the kits are basically the same. The truth is some kits are easier to follow than others. But most of them come with a money-back guarantee so if you find you can’t put the panels together, you have lost nothing.
- TRUE. You can save money with just one or two solar panels. While you eventually will want to install them on your home, you can use them to save money elsewhere. If you have a recreational vehicle, use them instead of looking for a place to “plug in.†Use them to power outdoor appliances. Anywhere you need energy, you can use solar panels.
- TRUE. You can find all you need to make the panels at a home improvement store for less than $200.
How many financial incentives and tax breaks you can receive depends on where you live and how you use the solar panels. While saving money is great, installing solar panels have another benefit. By using the natural energy of the sun, you are helping the environment by using renewable energy.
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