Why consider energy efficiency when investing in a Solar Energy System?
Although efficiency measures are often more difficult and invasive to undertake for a home or business owner, the returns can often be very great. Along with good Federal and State incentives for Solar Energy Systems, there is also a Federal Energy Efficiency tax credit and a Louisiana State rebate program for energy efficiency improvements. When the improvement in energy efficiency is combined with energy from a Solar Energy System, the cost of investment and term of payback can be reduced, while increasing the savings from utility bills!
The Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit is filed on the same form as the Solar Energy Property credit, and covers 30% of the cost of improving efficiency in your home or building up to $1500. This applies to insulation costs and low-U windows and doors, and certain other renovation work. There are also separate credits for certain efficient appliances, high-SEER A/C and geothermal heat pumps, and other equipment. The credits apply to new and retrofit construction.
The Louisiana Home Energy Rebate Option (HERO) is intended for retrofit construction, and provides a 20% rebate for documented costs associated with improving home or building energy efficiency by a certain amount. The first step in the HERO program is to contact a certified Energy Rater on the HERO auditor list and discuss your plans BEFORE embarking on improvements. An assessment of the property will be done before and after renovation, and the rebate will be calculated on the basis of the efficiency improvements and renovation costs. See the HERO website for more information: http://dnr.louisiana.gov/hero
