Solar Industry News

18 January 2012

Seven Smart Reasons to Go Solar in 2012

If you think you can’t afford solar, think again.

Many organizations are both curious and confused about the prospects of using solar energy to their best advantage. Stellar Energy helps them discover what is possible for their unique situation.

If you think you can’t afford solar, think again.

Even with no budget available, you can you can still receive the benefits of solar with a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). In this case, you get the solar savings without the full responsibilities of ownership.

Third party ownership results in no upfront capital outlay

Lock in predicable cost of electricity for 20 to 25 years

No operations, maintenance, or ongoing expenses

School districts, municipal water treatment plants, and smart businesses of every type have already taken advantage of Solar PPA opportunities that is saving them money for the long run.

Stellar Energy is often asked about their client's motivations for going solar, so here are Seven Smart Reasons to Go Solar in 2012.

1. Take Control of Your Operating Costs
Eliminate or significantly reduce your energy bills by using solar power. A commercial solar power system will reduce your operating costs by producing electricity when your facilities are consuming the most. And when you produce more than you consume, such as on weekends, you benefit from net metering which credits your electric account.

2. Capitalize on the Rebate and Incentives Available for Solar
In addition to potential solar rebates from your utility, you may be eligible to receive lucrative state and federal solar tax credits which reduce your system investment and accelerate your return on inventment. Let Stellar Energy's solar analysts help uncover all your possible incentives for going solar.

3. Make a Sound Investment
Make a worthwhile investment in your business with a commercial solar energy system with at least a thirty-year lifespan and a double-digit annual ROI. Get a Solar Feasibility Analysis and find out if solar makes sense for your organization?

4. Reduce Your Electricity Bill
Solar energy can allow you to significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills. This way you can dedicate money to more important things. See a case study of Stellar Energy's headquarters at Sonoma Mountain Village, which is 100% solar powered.

5. Help Create a Healthier Community
Using solar power reduces your carbon footprint, our country’s reliance on fossil fuels, and pollutants expelled from power plants. It clearly demonstrates your commitment to creating a healthier place to live for everyone. See how solar works for school districts that will be saving millions of dollars, thanks to Solar!

6. Lead a Green Energy Movement
Hosting a commercial solar power plant inspires your customers, employees, and partners to support businesses that invest in renewable energy and efficiency technologies. Consider Valley Fine Foods, a producer of pasta and gourmet foods "Made with Green Energy". Their business is proud of being green and it helps distinguish their brand.

7. Earn a Solid Return
Find out why many of the world's smartest businesses like Honda, are making investments in solar. And learn how to make the same worthwhile investments in your own organization by using a solar energy system with a guaranteed annual ROI. Nothing offered on Wall Street today could be wiser for you than to invest in than solar.

What are you waiting for? Contact us today and see what is possible for your organization through a complementary solar evaluation.

03 January 2012

30% Grant in Lieu of Tax Credit Expired

Posted in Solar Industry News

Investment Tax Credit still valid through 2016

As it stands now, the wildly successful 30% Grant in Lieu of Tax Credit for renewable energy property (affectionately known as the 1603 or Treasury Grant Program) will not see the light of day in 2012, nor will 100% first-year bonus depreciation. This is not so much a policy development as a lack of policy development, but all is not lost. The clean energy industry will still be able to benefit from the 30% business energy investment tax credit and the residential renewable energy tax credit through the end of 2016, as well as 50% first-year bonus depreciation through 2012. See DSIRE's Database from complete details.

01 December 2011

New: DSIRE Solar Incentive Finder Widget

Posted in Solar Industry News

Learn About All Possible Incentives for Going Solar

New: DSIRE Solar Incentive Finder Widget

There are many Financial Incentives for Commercial and Industrial Solar Power Plants.

Stellar Energy can work with your Chief Financial Officer and help you maximize depreciation with the Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) + Bonus Depreciation. We can help explain the Corporate Tax Credits, such as the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and the U.S. Department of Treasury - Renewable Energy Grants

The new DSIRE search widget allows you an even easier way to search the DSIRE database for incentives in any U.S. state or territory. Simply click the image on the side to access the widget and follow the instructions provided. Enjoy!

Link to the DSIRE system

24 October 2011

Record Growth in Solar Energy Industry

Posted in Solar Industry News

National Solar Jobs Census 2011

In October, The Solar Foundation (thesolarfoundation.org) released the results of the 2011 US Solar Jobs Census – and the results are sunny!

The solar energy industry boasts a 6% growth in the past year - growing nearly ten times faster than the overall economy. As of August 2011, the industry includes 100,237 jobs. The solar workforce is anticipated to continue growing with an increase of 24% by this time next year, which would create a total of 24,000 new solar jobs.

For the complete census report, visit National Solar Jobs Census 2011.