Sunlight is free and it is the most reusable, sustainable Month: April 2016
Sunlight is free and it is the most reusable, sustainable 
When most people think about solar power system, they often think about solar panel and solar panel installation. What they do not realize is that there is much more to solar energy than just the panels on the roof. There are several creative applications that can be used to harness power from the sun.
Solar Power Cell Phone Chargers
These chargers are excellent for anyone whose phone often dies when they are not at home or in their vehicle. There are a few types of solar power phone charges. Some need to have the cells embedded in the phone, some are sold as a charging device, and some are a cell phone cover with solar cells. It usually takes 2 hours of sunlight to get 30 minutes of talk time.Solar Power Backpack
You can purchase a backpack that is covered in solar cells, that will charge all of your electronics inside. It is a great way to charge a phone, GPS, MP3 player, and laptops.Solar Powered Attic Fans
Keep the space between the attic and the roof dry with a solar attic fan, without costing additional money on energy charges.Solar Hot Water
A solar hot water system will give you free hot water using the sun. With solar a solar hot water system, you can save greatly on your energy bills.Solar Fabric
Solar fabric is made when solar cells are woven into textile fibers. One product where this works great is a solar tent. When inside, you can charge all of your electronics using the solar energy. Solar Paint Solar paint can be used on siding, roofing materials, windows, and other building materials. It is a great way to generate energy from the sun. When used around the home, this paint can on energy costs. Solar Cookers If you like camping or off-grid living, solar cookers are great for you. You don’t need electricity to use the cooker, and if used in the home, the heat won’t overheat the home the way that a traditional oven will. Solar Lawn Mover This is a great way to cut the lawn, without needing to use gasoline or electricity. When the embedded solar panels are left in the sun for a few hours, the panels generate enough solar energy to cut the grass all afternoon. Solar Street Lights and Traffic Lights Many cities and towns use these already. A solar panel is placed beside the sign, giving it the power it needs to run, without spending the taxpayers money. Solar Power Generator These are great for anyone struggling when the power is out. Because they run off the power of the sun and not gasoline, you don’t need to drive around to find a gas station that has power. With all of the strives that we are making when it comes to solar power, it is only a matter of time before everyone will be using the sun to generate clean energy for all of their electricity needs.In order to promote the use of solar power in American homes, the Department of Energy and EPA have come together to offer tax credits for homes that use solar energy. Understanding how to take advantage of the solar panels available to you may seem difficult, but it need not be. This guide will explain how federal solar energy tax credits work.
Why Are Tax Credits Available?
Tax credits are provided for Americans who rely on solar power because it is excellent for the environment. It does not pollute the world around us, and it reduces the reliance on fossil fuels. The hefty price you spend to reduce your carbon footprint means that the government will give you a tax break.Solar Installation Credits
In 2016, all solar power systems that are approved by Energy Star would allow homeowners to claim 30 percent of the cost as a tax credit. Credits are taken off the amount of tax you would have paid, not from the portion of your income considered taxable. Homeowners are allowed to claim credit for homes they live in, vacation homes, and new constructions.How to File for Solar Credits
Claiming this credit is not difficult. Simply file the IRS Form 5695 alongside the rest of your tax return. You will be asked to determine the credit you deserve on the form and then fill in the number on the Form 1040. For installations up to 2019, you may receive a 30 percent tax credit. The credit’s percentage will begin to decrease after that point, reaching 22 percent in 2022.Restrictions on Solar Credits
Here’s the bad news: you cannot receive the full credit if it turns out that the credit is bigger than your tax bill itself. You won’t expect to receive a refund because of it. On the other hand, you will be allowed to carry the credit over for the next year. There is no cap on the credit amount; however, you cannot claim credit if you install the system on a property that you rent out. Reduced credit is available for homes you live in part time. Additionally, you may not receive a credit for solar panels that heat a swimming pool or hot tub. If you are intent on solar panel installation, the tax credits will be just one more incentive to relying on solar energy. For many, it is just an added bonus rather than the central reason for having the panels installed.
The number of solar panel installations has increased over the past couple of years, owing to various improvements in solar technology and increased sensitization on the benefits of solar energy. Below is a brief look at the top benefits of switching to solar.
1. Increase the Value of Your Home/Building
Home buyers and tenants understand that a building structure fitted with a solar power system translates to lower energy bills. In addition, they know that solar energy is environmental friendly. Hence, solar panels are likely to make your home more attractive on the property market.2. Save on Energy Bills
Switching to solar energy enables you to significantly cut your energy bills. As such, you are able to save hundreds of dollars from your regular electricity bills.3. Renewable Energy Source
Solar is a renewable source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which run out after some time, you won’t have to worry about sunlight ever running out.4. Government Incentives
You can benefit from a wide range of incentives offered by both state and local government when you install solar panels. An example is the lifting of the $2,000 cap on Federal Solar Tax Credit, which enables you to claim back 30% of the total cost of equipment and installation of your solar power system. Other incentives include Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and tax rebates. All these incentives combined can enable you cut the cost of switching to solar by almost half.5. Predictable Energy Costs
Solar power has a distinct advantage over mains electricity in that you no longer have to worry about fluctuating energy bills. Electricity bills have been on the increase over the years, with power companies blaming the fluctuations on several factors such as variations in oil prices, forex adjustment etc. Solar energy is not affected by any such factors. Hence, you can be sure that you have made a secure investment by installing solar panels.6. Environmental Friendly
Solar power systems reduce the environmental impact caused by non-renewable energy sources. Solar panels produce clean electricity – reducing carbon dioxide emissions and effectively lowering the carbon footprint.7. Energy Independence
Reliance on petroleum has brought about numerous challenges to the economy since a good percentage of the crude oil has to be imported. Solar energy eliminates this dependence on foreign energy.8. Scalability
Solar panel installations can be scaled to fit different applications. Apart from the residential solar power systems, you can find solar panel configurations and options to fit commercial applications such as office or industrial complexes, educational institutions, and government agencies.9. Solar Financing Options
Solar panel installation can be financed in two major ways, either solar leasing or solar purchase power agreements (PPAs). As a homeowner, you can choose the option that works best for you in order to switch to solar for little or no money down.10. Reliability
Solar panel systems are very durable and reliable. You don’t have to worry about repair or replacement costs, apart from the occasional maintenance.
