In some areas, the best incentive for investing in a residential solar power system may come from the local utility. On top of federal tax credits, improved resale value, and various state incentives, some consumers can benefit with additional credit from the local utility when they are able to sell back power they generate with a PV solar energy system. This arrangement not (more…)

On January 1, 2013, the U.S. Congress passed last minute legislation known as the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 to avoid automatic increases in income taxes for millions of Americans, as well as draconian cuts to the budget of the federal government, that many feared would plunge the nation’s economy back into recession.  (more…)

The last-minute tax deal brokered by U.S. lawmakers to avert the so-called “fiscal cliff” included a one-year extension of the wind energy tax credit, a subsidy that industry officials say is critical for the growth of the wind energy sector.

The bill, which now awaits President Obama’s signature, preserves the 2.2-cents-per-kilowatt (more…)

Many veterans find themselves unsure of what to do when they return from service. This is natural – after having several years of structure, strict discipline, daily goals and extreme stress, it can be difficult to adjust to a much more laid back civilian lifestyle. Regardless, many veterans know that they want to start a career and to do something meaningful (more…)

Our nation’s capital is swirling with hot air about the fate of energy-related jobs, from fossil fuel (the high-profile Keystone XL pipeline) and wind energy, specifically the expiration of the federal production tax credit (PTC) for wind and geothermal power facilities.

February 21st was the deadline established by (more…)

According to fresh data released by the Environmental Protection Agency, a record 1.1 billion gallons were produced in 2011, a milestone for the biodiesel industry in the U.S. The target required by the agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was 800 million gallons. (more…)

When it comes to sheer number of solar installations, Arizona comes in third among states, following California and New Jersey.

Until last December, Arizona’s incentive programs were among the best in the nation, with public utilities offering generous per-watt rebates in addition to a state rebate.

(more…)

How refreshing to hear a NZ political party talking about green jobs. The Conservatives in the UK have got a massive policy on green jobs, renewable energy and lowering carbon emissions, Obama has announced billions in this field, Angela Merkel in Germany has made dramatic moves in this are, the Chinese have a (more…)

My husband, a proud Colorado native, has shared with me that one day he will pack his bags, grab his buddies and a cowboy hat and saddle up for a true “City Slicker” adventure on a working Colorado cattle ranch.

While living out his cowboy dream is something that (more…)

Residential solar is a terrific deal in New Jersey, thanks to generous state incentives. But many homeowners are hesitant to move forward due to widespread misconceptions about the systems, the incentives and the financing. Here, we address 10 common misconceptions about residential solar. (more…)