In an effort to promote energy efficiency, the City of Austin provided one of the largest solar rebates in the nation to help residents pay for solar roof top installations. Austin Energy paid out more than $18 million in solar rebates, which led to a total of 900 rooftop solar installations that generate three megawatts of solar capacity. The improvements to Austin energy efficiency were so dramatic that the number of solar installers in Austin grew from four to 24.
Just as the City used rebates to increase Austin energy efficiency, the federal government is offering tax credits making your home more efficient. Not only does the tax credit apply toward solar and wind installations, but also to weatherizing your home. The tax credit applies to 30 percent of total costs for solar, wind or geothermal installation, and weatherization.
Solar Sales Boom Nationwide
The amount of installed solar capacity in the U.S. grew 37 percent last year to 2,108 megawatts (MW), according to the Solar Energies Industry Association.
Solar Industry Revenue grew 36 percent to $4 billion, driven by strong demand in residential sectors similar to Austin’s, by state and federal incentives, and by declining solar panel prices. The report also stated that the sector had a strong start in 2010 with more than 46MW of solar capacity having come online by early February as a result of new grants released as part of the U.S. stimulus package.
Weatherizing Your Home
Weatherizing your house involves insulating in order to keep heat from leaking outside or into non-living areas. Not only does this save $20 to $30 of every $100 you spend on energy to heat your house, it also saves you money on repairs in the long run. Tax breaks are provided for more energy efficient roofing, water heaters, doors, and windows as well. Before deciding whether or not to make changes to your home, seek an expert opinion from Building Science and Systems.
Find out exactly what improvements your home or business needs to become more efficient by getting an energy audit from Building Science and Systems. Their certified experts perform detailed tests that determine exactly what home systems need to be upgraded or replaced in order to reduce your carbon footprint and electric bill. By making a few adjustments suggested by a certified energy auditor, you can join the rest of the country in becoming more energy efficient.
There are many different companies that can perform an energy audit, but Building Science and Systems improves Austin energy efficiency with a green touch. They apply a 21st century approach utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and cutting edge technology to treat your home as a system. They provide education and skilled professionals to show homeowners how to maintain, improve, repair, and protect the value of their home. Building Science and Systems is a total home care service with a green touch that takes the hassle out of maintaining your home. They provide custom, hassle-free, Energy Audits and Green Home maintenance programs.
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Author: John Haines. 4-21-10. <a href=”http://www.buildingscienceandsystems.com”> Austin energy efficiency</a> Building Science and Systems is a total home care service with a Green touch that takes the hassle out of maintaining your home. We provide custom, hassle free, Energy Audits and Green Home maintenance programs.
Summary: Federal and city government tax breaks are producing great results with solar power. These tax breaks extend to weatherizing your home, which residents can take advantage of with Building Science and Systems energy audit.
Edited By: Ethan Luke
Date: 4.27.10
Sources:
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2261492/sun-shines-renewable-energy , http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index ,
