| While the federal government has created | | | | because it is applied directly to the amount of tax |
| incentives for going solar, they are but a drip in | | | | you owe, not your gross income. In this case, |
| the bucket compared to incentives being offered | | | | going solar more or less wipes out any state tax |
| in Hawaii. | | | | bill you would have. Talk about motivation! |
| Homeowners In Hawaii Get Windfall With Solar | | | | On top of panel systems, Hawaii has moved to |
| Power | | | | promote thermal and water heating through solar. |
| There is a move afoot to wean ourselves from | | | | Those installing solar thermal systems get back |
| fossil fuels. The federal government has | | | | 35 percent of the actual cost or $2,500. If you |
| attempted to promote the use of solar among | | | | prefer to go with a solar water heating system, |
| homeowners through tax credits. The state of | | | | the state is forcing utilities to give it to you for |
| California has recently supported this by passing | | | | free upfront. A small monthly payment is then |
| over three billion dollars in similar incentives. Alas, | | | | added to your utility bill until the system is paid |
| Hawaii has trumped them all, making it foolish not | | | | off. Given the cost savings of solar water |
| to go with solar power. | | | | heaters, this essentially means you get the |
| Governments are infamous for promoting societal | | | | system for free. |
| changes via peoples' bank accountants. Do what | | | | Showing that the state is serious about solar, it |
| the government asks and you save money. Fail | | | | has offered outrageous tax credits to commercial |
| to do so, and you will spend far more. Hawaii has | | | | property owners as well. If a commercial |
| taken this approach to a new level. | | | | property is converted to solar in Hawaii, the |
| To promote solar use by homeowners, the state | | | | owner can get between $250,000 and $500,000 |
| has passed some amazing incentives. | | | | in tax credits. That is an absolutely huge number. |
| Homeowners converting their residences to solar | | | | Obviously, Hawaii is a state with year around sun. |
| get an upfront tax credit of up to $5,000. A tax | | | | Now homeowners can enjoy it at the beach and |
| credit is far more valuable than a tax deduction | | | | on their tax return. |