NY State Announces Solar Thermal Incentive Plan

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has launched the state's first incentive program for solar thermal systems. The programwas created under Program Opportunity Notice 2149 in December 2010.

The five-year, $25 million initiative provides incentives of up to $4,000 per site for eligible single-family and multifamily residences and up to $25,000 per site for eligible commercial and nonprofit customers who currently use electricity to produce hot water.

In addition to the NYSERDA incentives, homeowners, commercial entities and nonprofit organizations can apply for federal tax incentives, which cover 30% of the cost of an installed solar thermal system, and New York state tax incentives, which cover 25% of the installed system, up to $5,000.

On average, incentives for a typical residential or commercial system are expected to cover approximately 15% to 20% of the installed cost of a solar thermal system, according to NYSERDA. The incentives are paid directly to the eligible installer and must be passed on, in full, to customers.

To qualify for incentives, equipment and systems must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corp., and incentives will be available only on approved solar thermal systems installed by NYSERDA-approved solar thermal installers.

SOURCE: NYSERDA

Legislature Encourages Solar Development in Iowa

By a vote of 49-1, the Iowa Senate has passed S.F.516, which provides tax credits for the installation of solar energy and wind energy systems.

According to the bill's text, the credits would be limited to 30% of installation costs, or $15,000 for a commercial project and $5,000 for a residential project.

Favorable policy measures, such as this legislation, were recently cited as crucial for building a strong solar market in Iowa.

For more information on the legislation, click here.

SOURCE: Iowa Legislature