Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Solar tax breaks, rebates in Canada

...It also launched a pilot project in parts of Peel region that will see zero-interest loans offered to any household wanting to install a solar PV or thermal system, as well as geothermal and small wind turbine systems. Such a program eliminates a major barrier to solar technology adoption: high upfront costs

A retail sales tax rebate on all solar equipment has been extended until the end of 2009, and the province will also offer a $500 rebate on the purchase of a solar domestic hot water system, matching the rebate offered by the federal government. That's $1,000 off a system that typically costs $5,000 to $6,000.

As for larger solar thermal projects done for industry or government institutions, the province over the next four years is also matching a federal commitment to pay 25 per cent of any project, to a maximum of $80,000. Those combined contributions could cover half of a project's cost....

From theStar.com

To which After Gutenberg responds:

On the other hand, to throw a bit of Lake Ontario cold water on the pitch, a 2005 policy analysis from Greenpeace failed to designate either Canada or Siberia as one of the five most promising regions in the world for development of large scale, thermal solar projects. Conversely, it indicated that such application is inappropriate for those regions.

In promoting cool, green Canadian companies, Tyler just might be stretching his credibility a bit too far. But, in all fairness, we eco-warriors do like to see photographs of toasty, solar-heated, housing in the middle of cruel winter, accomplished with a combination of passive solar, low-cost solar thermal, black paint and duct tape. With considerable engineering, it even could be justifiable and certainly has appeal since it demonstrates homeowner cleverness.

For my money Oregon is the place you oughta be, load up the truck and move to Sublimity.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

"free money" for Oregon business owners who invest in solar.

That headline is a quote, I couldn't make it up. This either: In many cases, the incentives and credits paid end up being more than the actual cost of the system.

Alrighty then, time to hit the Oregon Trail.

From EnergyDaily