Net Metering

Net Metering is a way for customers to literally take back their power.  Net Metering provides a secondary outlet for customers who want to use the technology of the sun or wind to save on their energy bills and possibly even bring in income from the energy they are producing.  Net Metering which is also lovingly referred to as the ‘grass roots for grids’ is being adopted by states across the US that are jumping on the clean-energy bandwagon.

Net Metering offers an incentive for those who want to know that they getting the amount of energy that corresponds with what they are being billed, and are also going to save money while simultaneously giving back to their environments.

Consumers who own solar or wind power generation systems can use Net Metering to their advantage. The ecologically-savvy who use agricultural biomass are also able to benefit from the Net Metering process.

 Savings

Customers can save as much as $40 a month by investing in an alternative energy generator that can be used for Net Metering.  Any access electricity that they generate from their own solar or wind power could be stored for later consumption.  The storing of the electricity is also called ‘banking’, and it provides the customer with the full value of the electricity that they use.  The potential savings for the customer depends on the amount of energy the customer is generating and banking. 

Those who Net Meter find themselves being ethically rewarded because they are no longer simply part of the consumption, which is part of the problem…. Net Metering transforms them into resources, which is part of the answer.  Putting back clean, renewable energy into the grid provides the inner satisfaction of knowing they can be thanked for cleaner air.

 How You Can Start Net Metering

 In order to Net Meter you need a generator system that will not have a peak power output that is greater than a megawatt.  Residents often find it unnecessary to get a second meter installed to take advantage of net-metering.  The standard kilowatt-hour meter that is used at most residences will accurately register the flow of electricity in either direction.

If you are interested in Net Metering and want to get started there are only a few steps to take;

1. Ask your utility company to provide you with details on how you can get a net-metering agreement and learn about any technical requirements and approval processes.
2. Discover which renewable energy source will work best for your local environment. (solar, wind, and agricultural bio-mass are three available alternatives)
3. Determine what size generator system will suit your needs.  Finding out the number of kilowatts you use annually is a good start to deciding on the generator’s size.

 Net metering is simply one more step that can be taken as the world progresses into the usage of alternative energy.  In certain states, Net Metering is only available on a first come first serve basis, but will become more readily available as states continue to expand the resources for those who desire to use their own generators.  Net Metering is still fairly new, but as local communities begin to understand the urgent need for energy independence, they can work together to help make Net Metering a more readily available alternative.

Alternative Energy Tax Incentives

Best States for Alternative Energy Incentives

 

WASHINGTON

 

The state of Washington has some of the best legislation for those who are interested in living green. Washington has plenty of grants, tax deductions, loans, and programs for those who are willing to invest in clean air through renewable energy sources.

 

There are several incentives offered in Washington when it comes to residents and businesses who want to generate alternative energy:

1.  Sales on solar and wind systems are tax exempt.

2.  The tax exemption that is on the solar and wind energy extends beyond the system and is applied to labor and servers related to the installation of the equipment.

 

Two Private grants are available for those that fund renewable energy projects that guarantee to generate electricity.  The grants are extended to schools who want to incorporate the use of solar energy into cheap energy for their classrooms.

 

Not-for-profits who are interested in pursuing alternative energy efficiency may find their home in Washington.  Washington offers a state grant between $5,000-$10,000 for alternative energy projects.  Several counties in Washington have weather and conservation loan programs available for those who want to pursue using alternative energy but don’t have the money to get them started.

 

OREGON

 

Oregon is another great state for the eco-friendly crowd.  Oregon offers several tax credits to homebuilders who want to install renewable energy systems in the homes.  If you want to install a solar or wind system the maximum tax credit is $6,000 and up to 50% off the installed cost.  Before you can receive the tax credit you must obtain certification from the Oregon Department of Energy before installation, or it must be installed by one of Oregon’s own contractors from the Dept of Energy.

 

There is also a business tax credit available for investors in energy conservation, recycling, sustainable buildings, and less-polluting transportation fuels.  The state loan program is wiling to issue loans to anyone (schools, individuals, businesses, special districts) who desires to take on a project that will save energy or use recycled materials to create products.

 

CALIFORNIA

 

California, which is home to some of the largest alternative energy projects in the world, is bustling with tax incentives for any and everyone who wants to go green.  Although states usually generate income with building permits, in many areas of California, building permit fees are waived if you are building an environmentally-friendly structure.

 

There are local rebate programs for those who invest in Photovoltaic cells and turbines as well as local loan programs for them to get the money in the first place.  The best incentive of all in California is the Self-Generation incentive program which offers great incentives to residents who produce electricity with wind or solar.

If you are interested in a DIY wind energy generator or a DIY solar cell panel then these will take you to some great guides to get you started.

 

 

 

Worst States for Alternative Energy Incentives

 

WEST VIRGINIA

 

West Virginia is the worst state for the Eco-friendly crowd.  West Virginia clearly has no interest in alternative energy but it is not completely void of exemptions.  It does offer a sales tax exemption for energy-efficient products. Keep in mind that West Virginia is coal country. And you can bet that the politicians get substantial help from that industry.

 

ALASKA

 

Alaska, which is severely lacking in incentive program, does offer rebates to those who want to make their homes more energy efficient with 5 Star Energy Appliances.  Unfortunately, there are absolutely no personal incentives available for those who want to use solar or wind energy for their homes.  This should come as no surprise since oil is Alaska’s biggest revenue source.

 

KANSAS

 

Kansas offers no rebates on solar panels, and has failed to pass net-metering laws that would reward those who are energy efficient.  Kansas is another state that is lagging behind the rest of the country.

 

List of States that Offer Personal Tax Credits:

 

New Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii, Utah, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Iowa, Louisiana,  Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island.

 

Those who find themselves living in a state with a lack of incentives and grant and loan programs can also look to the federal level.  There are federal programs with rebates, tax deductions, and other incentives that will reward those who are energy efficient.