A quick post with some updated information about tax incentives for renewable evergy - we started the conversation here.
A few days ago the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Package was introduced in the Senate by John Ensign (R-NV) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). This bill extends the tax credits for installing a solar energy system in your home or business. Right now homeowners receive a $2,000 tax credit to offset the upfront cost of a solar energy installation, but this tax credit is set to expire at the end of the year.
If you haven’t been in the 3rd grade recently you may want to take a look at this video which explains technically the process needed for this tax credit to move forward.
This article is a follow up to my previous post which outlined the basics of PV solar power. I’m going to talk about some tax incentives and how they effect the adoption of solar power. I am not an expert in this area so this is really a collection of research from trusted sources along with a little commentary.
Solar energy for the home or office is a long term investment with steady returns. Generally solar energy contributing to a home’s electric consumption returns between 4-12% annually with very little risk. As energy prices increase over time this percentage return also increases. The solar power which has already been paid for is now replacing electrical power that is more expensive.
As with many long-term investments the cost of solar energy has a large upfront cost with savings/returns being earned in future years. This upfront cost is one of the biggest barriers to widespread adoption of solar energy. As the initial investment decreases more people and companies are turning to solar to power their home or office.
Fortunately, the Federal Government (and many state governments) recognize the value of solar power and are willing to help homeowners install solar panels. Currently the Federal Government offers a tax credit of $2,000 to offset the cost of solar energy installations. This tax incentive is a major catalyst pushing the adoption of this clean sustainable energy.
Unfortunately it is not all good news. The renewable energy tax credits known as ITC and PTC are expiring at the end of the year. Without these tax credits solar energy installations (and many renewable energy projects) will slow. The House of representatives has passed a bill, The Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 (HR 5351) to extend these incentives and the bill is being discussed in the Senate. As can be expected, the problem is money.
The move has been applauded by solar and wind energy lobbyists and could be good news for solar startups and wind giants. Though, the bill conspicuously doesn’t say how these extensions will be paid for. Previous iterations of the bill called for cuts in gas and oil subsidies to fund the tax credits, but that move sank the bill in the Senate and garnered a threatened veto from the White House.
In the past few weeks I have learned a good deal about how solar energy works and I wanted to share some of the basic information. I am not an expert, but this is a conversation that I’d like to start and an area that I am very interested in. This post is part of a series that will highlight some current issues regarding solar energy.
There are several forms of solar energy collection. I will discuss Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy which is probably what first comes to mind when you hear the term solar power. Photovoltaic energy collection consists of solar panels located in direct sunlight that convert sunlight directly to electricity. You can find PV panels on the roof of houses and other places like parking meters.
In most cases PV panels help to power homes and businesses that are connected to electricity utilities. Solar power contributes to the energy that the home or business uses. If the power required exceeds the amount being produced, the system simply draws power from the grid. Likewise if the solar system produces excess electricity, that electricity goes into the grid and the owner is credited by the utility company. This is called Net Metering and in many states it is mandatory that the electric company allow this.
There is a wealth of information about solar energy on the internet, here are a few great links.
Please check back. The next post will discuss some current political issues of interest. Please leave a comment if you feel there is anything important to add to the discussion or anything important left out.
I thought that rickrolling was over. Afterall, it’s 2008 and the first rickroll probably happened in 03 or so. It was a funny little inside joke that happened to me once or twice and made me laugh a bit.
Recently I’ve seen mainstream articles on rickrolls and the mainstream is starting to get the joke. That isn’t good. I’m imagining in the near future I’ll wince every time that I click a link from family and friends because rickrolling will be running rampant.
I can imagine my mom trying to rickroll me with family vacation pictures.
My boss trying to rickroll me with industry reports.
The trouble with being into the Internet is that you hear the bad jokes a million times. Don’t know what rickrolling is? Click Here
Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time at the computer with my headphones in. I am overwhelmed with Pandora.com, the personal Internet radio station.
In the past I’ve used the website and it has been so so. Either their technology has gotten a lot better or I previously didn’t give them enough of a chance. I never thought that I could be so completely understood by a database located somewhere in Kansas, but it has happened.
If you don’t know about the site it is basically a radio station that learns the songs you like and then adjusts the play lists accordingly. You start by choosing a station named after a song or artist. Pandora plays similar songs based on a genome-type algorithm. As songs play you can give them a thumbs up or a thumbs down (which will skip the song). The more you listen the more the site learns about your taste.
Currently I’ve been listening for hours and have given a thumbs up to the last 15 songs in a row. Goddamn do I love Ace of Base.
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Tonight I donated to a political campaign for the second time in my life. Barack Obama has $50 more for jet fuel or TV ads. I was impressed with donation process. After taking my donation the confirmation screen connected me (anonymously) with another donor.
It’s not like I would become best friends with another supporter, or want to hear their life story. But this small feature is both original and engaging. It is a digital hi-five or a vertical tweet, just great.
Think of how many websites ad features to manage 50% of your life. Sometimes it is perfect just to say hi.
I hope that we will look back and realize that this election was the first time that a candidate really harnessed the power of the Internet to win the presidency. Sure in ‘04 Howard Dean built a following using the Internet especially meetup.com, but we know how that turned out. In ‘08 and beyond I believe the Internet will be a vital tool for campaigns, and I think that is a good thing.
Ron Paul has leveraged the Internet like no candidate before him. Dr. Paul has used the Internet to spread his message, which is clear and unique. From this message he has gained attention and considerable funding. I think the reason for his success is that his platforms speak to heavy Internet users and he is genuine. He has also been very lucky in getting the support of Internet giants such as Google. Dr. Pauls consistency to sensible ideas have resonated with people fed up with the mainstream media.
Barack (has my vote) is using the Internet extremely well. Given Barack’s message of hope for the future and his appeal to young voters, it’s essential that he gets this right. The Internet fits well with Obama’s strengths, the greatest being a charismatic speaker. Take a look at the video below released an hour or two after the State of the Union address. It’s direct and conversational just like something you would find on YouTube. It cost nothing to create and it’s another important point of contact to get his message across.
And Barack’s message is great. He is speaking of unity and hope, how can anyone argue against this?
The Obama website is also phenomenal. It is the best designed site and very easy to navigate. A few minutes after arriving at the website I was looking at a google map of my neighborhood with events noted. 5 minutes later I had RSVP’ed and received contact details. It’s extremely important to keep things simple if you want to get people active.
Now take a look at Hillary’s website. The design isn’t bad but I think the UE has a lot to be desired. For instance when you rollover “Take Action” you’re presented with 11 choices - Everything from login to plan a party. Including some very unclear actions like Hillraisers and Hillblazers - no idea either.
The biggest disappointment with Hillary’s site is evident below. Where Dr. Paul and Barack Obama do a great job with their video, Clinton’s video is very sub par. She has basically posted her commercials on the website. We all know how much people love to watch commercials online. They are neither engaging, emotional or believable, and I feel this is a symptom of the old world thinking that has caused me not to vote for her.
Just an hour ago CNN announced that Barack Obama won the South Carolina Primary by a wide margin. In what was thought to be a close race Obama pulled away and earned 55% of the vote to Hillary’s 27%.
Again, not only am I happy to see a big win for Barack, but I’m excited about another victory speech. I have never been thrilled about watching a political speeches in the past, but Obama is a great speaker with an extremely powerful message. If you have time I suggest that you watch the speech - even the first few minutes.
It is tough to summarize, but the message is of hope, change and unity for this country that seems to be torn in half. At no point does he insult other candidates, it’s a truly positive message.
Take a look and be sure to check out barackobama.com and register to vote.
