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Solar power
While the government has not fully embraced solar power and other forms of green energy (after all, it is difficult to give up that favorite son, oil), but it has allotted ways of encouraging alternative energy on a local, state, and federal level. Such “encouragement” comes in the form of Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), tax incentives and rebates, and net metering.
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
First of all, what is a RPS? It is a state policy requiring electricity providers to use alternative forms of energy, like solar power and wind power. It is set up by individual states, so some states may require electricity providers to have a minimum of 10% of energy to be from green power sources while others may require 25%. Some states have no RPS to follow at all, and other states have nonbinding, voluntary goals for adopting renewable energy resources.
Of course, while a state may have a high RPS, it may not need to be fully in effect for a decade or more. For instance, Minnesota has an RPS of 25% which does not need to be in full effect until 2025. California, on the other hand, has an RPS of 20% which needs to be in effect by 2010. To see whether or not your state has an RPS, go to this link:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/states/maps/renewable_portfolio_states.cfm
Tax Incentives, Rebates, Grants, and More
If you are interested in installing solar power at home or at a business, be sure to check and see what state and federal incentives may apply. Many states and local agencies offer specific incentives that make the purchase and installation of solar power more affordable.
There are also federal incentives, including corporate deductions, exemptions, tax credits, and depreciations, as well as personal exemptions, tax credits, and incentives. There are also federal grants and loans available.
To see which incentives apply to you, check out:
Net Metering
What is net metering? Basically, someone who is on the grid and generates more solar power than he or she needs can turn the meter backwards. Retail price can be received for the excess energy that a customer generates. Thirty-five states currently offer net metering.
Of course, not all electric companies offer net metering. If your electric provider does not offer it, the provider will buy the excess power at a lower rate than the retail rate.
To learn more about net metering and solar power, check out:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/netmetering.shtml
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