Farmer & small business incentives

Considerable Incentives For Solar Water Heating

Federal

In addition to the 30 percent Federal Tax Credit, commercial customers are eligible to place their equipment in a special 5 year Accelerated Depreciation schedule. Both Solar Water and Solar Air Heating equipment is eligible for these Federal Programs.

*New information; should you not owe Federal Taxes, the Federal Tax Credit can now be converted to an outright grant. As always, consult your tax accountant for eligibility.

Wisconsin Focus on Energy

"Focus on Energy Cash-Back Rewards" are available for water heating to businesses using fuel from a utility participating in the program. Commercial Business will be Cash Rewarded up to 25 percent of a Solar Process Water Heating System that preheats water using the sun's energy before entering your current heating equipment. This Cash Reward is based on a formula and has a cap of $2500 for those systems saving less than 250 therms, a cap of $25,000 having energy savings of 250 to 2500 therms, and $50,000 for therm savings of up to 5000. GreenSky will complete the necessary forms for you! (Expires December 31, 2009).

Focus on Energy also offers a Renewable Energy Grant Program for Solar Process Water Heating saving over 5000 therms up to 25% of costs with a $50,000 cap. GreenSky will prepare the necessary forms for you! (Expires 12/31/2009).

WE Energies farm or business customers may be eligible to receive a 30 percent matching grant on the Focus on Energy Cash Back Reward program.

USDA Reap Grant

The USDA Farm Bill of 2008 has a program termed Renewable Energy for America Program, REAP for short. And is offering 25 percent of the cost of the install of all types of solar heating equipment, in the form of a grant; to farmers deriving 50 percent of their income from the farm. Small business in communities of 50,000 population or less may also be eligible. The application deadline for the next cycle is expected to be July 31, 2010.

The USDA Reap Program will also provide a loan guarantee of 50 percent in conjunction with the 25 percent grant, taken out to capitalize any solar heating project. This insures willing financial institutions and a better interest rate!