Time Is Energy

Proposed solar legislation

I'm sure it is a mistake to discuss legislation before it passes (like counting the proverbial chickens before they hatch) but a recent bill could really have a positive impact. It is called Securing America's Energy independence Act. For one, it creates a long term federal incentive (8 years--4 times as long as any previous incentive) for investing in solar, and it increases the cap to a $2k per kilowatt cap rather than a $2k per installation cap. Some relevant language:

The Senate and House bills both include the following
provisions:Residential Solar Tax Credit: Extends a 30-percent tax credit, created in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, for the purchase of residential solar water heating, photovoltaic equipment, and fuel cell property. Changes the maximum credit to $2,000 for each kilowatt of capacity for solar equipment and $1,000 for each kilowatt of capacity for fuel cells. Credits may be taken against the alternative minimum tax. Expires after December 31, 2015.

It seems to me that at this point in time with all the talk about energy security this kind of a bill should fly through congress...of course this means some group promoting the enslavement of unborn children and/or citizens for a mercury filled future will probably torpedo the initiative.

posted by Daniel @ 9:53 PM