GOING SOLAR IN NORTH CAROLINA HOMES AND BUILDINGS
When you think of solar power, states like Arizona, California, and Nevada probably spring to mind. After all, the ample sunshine in these states makes them prime locations for going solar.
However, it may surprise you to learn that North Carolina is among the top ten states for solar energy. In most of North Carolina's cities, approximately 60% of the days are sunny or partly sunny... not bad for solar power generation.
And do you know what else is nice about going solar in North Carolina? In a word, the incentives. This state may not be the most progressive in the country when it comes to renewable energy sources, but there are still plenty of great incentives to take advantage of when you go solar in NC.
RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDIT
One of the major roadblocks to going solar has traditionally been up-front cost, but this tax credit makes solar installation a lot more affordable by crediting taxpayers for 35% of eligible renewable energy property construction.
For the purposes of this tax credit, "property construction" includes parts and labor costs associated with acquiring photovoltaic power systems. The tax credit also covers passive and active solar space heating, solar water heating, and other renewable energy technologies.
The credit is capped at 10,500 for PV systems, but that's still quite a respectable tax credit.
NC GREENPOWER INCENTIVE
NC Greenpower is a North Carolina nonprofit whose goal is to improve environmental quality in the state by facilitating and encouraging the use of green energy and carbon offsets.
By entering into a power-purchase agreement with NC Greenpower and their local utility, consumers who have solar, wind or other renewable energy systems can qualify for monthly production incentives. As of this writing, total incentives are approximately.14/kWh for solar power.
NORTH CAROLINA PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT
One of the great benefits of going solar is that it increases the value of one's home. Of course, as a home's value rises, so too do its property taxes. Under North Carolina's property tax abatement, PV and solar thermal electric systems are only taxed at 20% of their appraised value, allowing homeowners to build tax-free value into their homes.
GREEN BUILDING INCENTIVES
The City of Asheville, North Carolina waives permit fees for green construction projects. Catawba and Lincoln Counties offer permit rebates for qualifying eco-friendly homes. North Carolina Law allows all counties and cities to provide green building permit fee reductions, so if you're not sure if they're available in your area, contact your local government.
FEDERAL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT
In addition to the previously mentioned state programs, North Carolina residents qualify for federal incentives. The IRS currently offers a 30% ITC for those who go solar. Even if you opt for a solar lease, the 30% credit is taken into account, so those who don't purchase their solar systems directly can still benefit.
[Photo Via: AltEnerg]
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The post A Roundup of Solar Incentives for North Carolina Residents appeared first on RGR Marketing.
