Electric Car Federal Tax Rebate

• “All electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that were purchased new in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500,” according to the US Department of Energy.
• Your tax bill needs to exceed $7500
• Phased out by cars a company sold. 200,000 cap
• Includes plugin hybrids (Lower $)
• No more rebate: GM, Tesla, Toyota (Soon)

Cars with rebate as of April 2022

Read the rest of this entry »

Fuel Cell Power Generators are now available for residential, home use. They claim to reduce your utility bills by up to 50%, and to cut CO2 emissions by over 33%. They take natural gas and produce electricity and heat for your home. ClearEdge is one of the providers of MicroCHP (combined heat and power) residential fuel cells.

A Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency – Fuel cells and Microturbine System is also available. This can save homeowners 30% of the cost of the fuel cell unit, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity. This will typically yield a $5000 total tax credit. Businesses have a 30%, up to $3000 per kilowatt tax credit, making $15,000 tax credit available.

This Federal Tax Credit for Fuel Cells especially well when coupled with a state rebate program.

Read the rest of this entry »

The new residential Small Wind Turbine Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency is a large credit with many advantages.

• The old tax credit was capped at $2,000.
• With the new one one you can claim 30% of cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity, for a new system.
• It expires 12/31/2016.
• This Federal tax credit works well when coupled with a state rebate program. Combine this with state rebates like those in California or New York and you have a sweeter deal.
• Moderate sized 10 kW wind power systems cost over $50,000.
• The rebate has a nameplate capacity limit of no more than 100 kilowatts.

Read the rest of this entry »

GeoThermal Heat Pumps are devices which transfer the heat from the Earth and utilize it to warm your house in a energy efficient manner.

A reminder that there is a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency on Qualifying GeoThermal Heat Pumps, with no cap. If you have been thinking about replacing these items, you might as well upgrade now and save some money.

For 2012, the Federal Tax Credit for energy efficiency for GeoThermal heat pumps is 30% of the cost (including installation/labor costs), with no upper limit . (2010 Federal Tax Credit information) Read the rest of this entry »

The Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency – Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves, Fireplace Inserts expired in 2011. The President chose not too extend this tax credit. Local energy utility companies like PG&E have their own energy efficiency rebates. To find out if rebates or other incentives are available in your area, visit the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

What other rebates are available?

Delta County, Colorado has a rebate. Other areas have change-out programs.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency – Water Heaters expired in 2011. The President chose not too extend this tax credit. Local energy utility companies like PG&E have their own energy efficiency rebates. To find out if rebates or other incentives are available in your area, visit the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

Be sure to check out our reduce water heater use, water saving tips and ways to save energy.

The 2011 Federal Tax Credit

Read the rest of this entry »

The Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency – Heating, Furnaces, and Boilers expired in 2011. The President chose not too extend this tax credit. Local energy utility companies like PG&E have their own energy efficiency rebates. To find out if rebates or other incentives are available in your area, visit the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

Be sure to read our article on ways to save money and energy on your energy bill.

For 2011, the Federal Tax Credit for energy efficiency drops to 10%, up to a $500 maximum. (2010 Federal Tax Credit information) Read the rest of this entry »

Last Update: January 2024

Get a Free Solar Power Estimate from a local vendor

2024 continues the very popular residential Solar Federal Tax Credit or Investment Tax Credit first enacted in 2009.  With the new credit, you can claim up to 30% of solar power costs for a new solar electric system off your Federal taxes. Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rental properties do not qualify. 

In August 2022, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, raising it to 30% for the installation of which was between 2022-2032. (Systems installed on or before December 31, 2019 were also eligible for a 30% tax credit.) Read the rest of this entry »

Summer is rapidly approaching, it is time to clean up your place. Getting ready for summer can generate a lot of waste. The warmer weather opens up the opportunity to get outside more often as well as requires us to cool down the home.

EWG has a nice list of tips to help you clean your house the green or more eco-friendly way.

• When traveling on vacation, try to carpool, take public transportation, or walk as much as possible
• Check the exterior of your home and repair any cracked or flaking paint,. Time to apply caulk, weatherstrip and paint.
• Check and clean gutters, downspouts again
• Remove and clean storm windows (if you have them)
• It is time to work on your garden, sprinkler system, and rejuvenate your lawn
• Check your water heater for leaks and sediment, turn down its temperature if possible
• Check your garden’s irrigation system and outdoor taps
• Look for termites, ants, and other pests
• The heater will get a rest, so it’s time to check and clean your air conditioner and its filters. Have a HVAC professional do seasonal maintenance
• Check your roof and patch or replace any damaged areas. This is the time to fix leaks
• Check and clean chimney if necessary
• Consider a solar electric system and/or battery backup
• If you live in a windy area, consider a wind turbine
• If you your car needs replacement, consider purchasing a hybrid or all electric car

Read the rest of this entry »

New TXU Energy rebates have been added.

Utility Company TXU Energy has a bunch of programs and incentives to help save energy, go green, and save money. They serve the Texas area and are the Number 1 Electricity Provider in the State.

• Solar Buyback Credits
• Sign up for renewable energy in Texas

Questions, call TXU Energy at 1-800-883-6060.

Read the rest of this entry »