Welcome to SOLARCON

WHY SOLAR?

Solar is the fastest growing energy source in the world, and for good reason. It offers a limitless supply of clean, safe, renewable energy for heat and power. And it’s more affordable, more efficient, and more reliable than ever.

The advantages of Solar and other renewable power sources are clear:

• A solar electric and/or thermal system adds value to any home or building without increasing your property taxes and pays for itself for years to come.

• The energy from the sun is free - a huge and unlimited source of energy.

• Energy generated from solar systems can replace and offset energy generated from fossil fuels.

• Energy generated from clean-energy sources, can help reduce a country's dependence on imported energy.

• A cleaner environment; reduces consumption of coal and, thus, also reduces greenhouse gases and airborne pollution.

• Diversity of power sources.

• Relief from the volatility of energy prices.

• Solar energy can effectively supplement electricity supply from an electricity transmission grid, such as when electricity demand peaks in the summer.

All over the world, solar energy systems have reduced the need to build more carbon-spewing fossil-fueled power plants. They are critical weapons in the battle against global warming.

• A federal investment tax credit for both residential and commercial consumers is available for both photovoltaics and solar water heating systems.

• A consumer must have a federal tax liability to take advantage of the solar investment tax credit.

• Prior to 2009, residential solar installations had a per project cap of $2,000 tax credit. As of 2009, the solar ITC for residential system owners is 30% of the total system cost.

• The federal tax credit is a one-time credit, but may be carried forward (and possibly back) if not completely useable in the system installation tax year. Rules about carrying forward and backward may vary between residential and commercial tax filers; please consult a tax professional for the current rules.

• Eligible projects may take a "grant in lieu of tax credit" under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (Section 1603). The 1603 grant program is administered by the United States Department of the Treasury (Treasury). By receiving payments for property under section 1603, applicants are electing to forego tax credits with respect to such property for the taxable year in which the payment is made or any subsequent taxable year.

• Residential customers in higher income tax brackets see comparatively more value because residential electricity expenses are paid with after-tax dollars—they aren't tax deductible.

• The IRS current federal tax form for the Investment Credits is Form 3468 is available at

• Business owned systems may also be eligible for MACRS 5-year Accelerated Depreciation using IRS federal form 4562 available at For more info on commercial tax benefits please contact your tax preparer or a tax attorney.

• Municipal and non-profit entities do not have to worry about these tax issues, as they are generally tax-exempt.

• The solar system owner has the ability to take advantage of the solar tax credit. Entities without a federal tax liability sometimes use third-party system owner arrangements to install solar since a third-party can take advantage of the solar investment tax credit, passing along some savings to the solar system host customer.