Summer Energy Efficient Windows  — Part 8

It’s summer now here in South Texas. Those energy efficient windows are calling my name!

The solar energy coming our way brings heat and lots of it. The aim of energy efficient windows is to keep that solar thermal energy at bay!the cost may be prohibitive, even with energy tax incentives attached.

For those who grapple with fixed incomes and rigid budgets, it still comes down to basic economic factors. Replacing windows solely for saving the energy bill is not often a cost-effective measure. See replacing windows at the Energy Star site.

So if the economic factor is your prime motivator, you can make your existing windows more efficient by using a few other methods:

·    Cellular shades

·    Curtain panels with interlinings

·    Window films

·    Solar screens

·    Cover your windows during the sunniest times of day

But if you need to replace your windows for other reasons, maintenance perhaps, or you just want nicer windows, make it an occasion to provide your home for comfort and energy cost savings.

Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 7

After you figure out the best energy efficient window for your home in your climate, this is a good year to make the purchase.

According to energystar.gov, energy-efficient windows purchased this year, 2009, could be eligible for a federal tax credit.

Do your homework! Not all Energy Star products qualify for tax credits! Make sure BEFORE you make your window purchase.

If you qualify, your tax credit would apply to your 2010 tax return. That federal tax credit would help offset the cost of your windows.

Please note…

Tax credits are limited to the amount of federal tax you owe the government. They are not refunds of money.

Solar Panel Prices Fall

USA Today reports some good news in the bad economy. The cost of rooftop solar systems are down 8 to 10 percent since October. Prices on rooftop solar systems are expected to fall another 15 to 20 percent over the course of the year.

This is good news for solar energy fans on a budget!

For the past four (4) months we have had our house on an energy diet. The plan is to reduce our energy consumption to the minimum kWh usage per day for acceptable comfort. Then we will be able to afford a solar panel system.

The idea is that the less electric energy used, the smaller solar system the house needs. A smaller solar system means a budget friendly cost.

With solar panels as well as panel installation cost dropping, this may be the year to “go solar.” And with a larger federal tax credit this year, the effective prices could drop as much as 50 percent.

According to the article, a $32,000 solar energy system could be as low as $10,000 to $20,000 (based on California prices and state and federal incentives).

In his article, Mr. Davidson reports that “consumers can reap even bigger gains if they can buy in a recession.”

In other words, solar panel systems are going on sale!

If you find great deals on solar panel in your area of the country let us know!
And, if you are interested in joining the Energy Conservation Challenge beginning in February, let us know by signing up for the “10 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Energy Costs” over on the right. We will email you about the challenge when we get the details worked out.

The best energy source is the one that will never run out. I look forward to the day when my home is powered by solar energy. Clean, abundant, and efficient, solar energy will be here as long as we are.

While PV technology is making great strides, installing solar power for the home still strains the budget of most Americans. Tax credits make solar more feasible for all of us. Fortunately, in the midst of the disastrous Wall Street folly, there is good news.

Renewable energy tax credits have been extended as part of the economic rescue legislation.

Highlights of the package of interest to solar home energy enthusiasts include:

• 8-year extension of the residential and business ITC (Investment Tax Credit) for solar, small-wind and geothermal systems

• Elimination of the $2000 cap on the residential ITC

• Allows utilities to obtain ITC

So if the current energy crisis compels you go solar, keep going. Now is the time.

Read the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) for yourself.