Wind, Solar, and Conservation Technologies
|
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems produce electricity from the suns rays.
Solar PV systems can be designed as either a utility grid tied system or an
off grid system. An utility grid tied system can be designed to offset a
portion of your electricity bill or produce more than your electrical needs,
which will turn your electric meter backwards requiring the utility company to
pay you. Off grid solar systems are designed to provide your electrical
needs on a stand alone basis, but also require the use of a battery bank.
What are PV systems and how do they work?
Solar is becoming much more affordable through
technological innovations and government incentives. The
federal government currently offers a tax break of 30% of the
PV system cost. The State of Illinois also provides a rebate
of 30% of PV system cost; up to a total credit of 10,000
dollars. The State of Illinois in addition to the rebate waives
the increase in property taxes based on the installation of
solar and wind projects. This is contrary to the normal
practice where the cost of the property improvements Is
added to the value of the property which in turn increases the
property taxes. Since the state has waived this increase the
owner of a solar or wind improved property will not pay any
increase in their property taxes. It allows the owner to
improve their property and increase its value and resale
ability while not increasing their tax burden
What kind of government tax breaks and programs are available?
The average PV system cost on average from $9 to $14 per watt of system
capacity before any government rebates or tax incentives. Systems that
include battery banks for either off grid or on grid systems that function
during a power outage are higher due to the high cost of batter banks. An
average grid tied system for a central Illinois home will cost around
$40,000.
What Do PV systems cost?