Posts Tagged ‘Residential’

Can you take a Residential Energy Credit for solar accent lights?

September 3rd, 2010

Question by Short: Can you take a Residential Energy Credit for solar accent lights?
Tax form 5695. You are permitted to get a tax credit for 30% of solar items that “uses solar energy to generate electricity for use in your home”.

Does this include solar items that do not attach to your home’s electrical grid? Meaning things like: self contained solar outdoor flood lights, solar driveway lights, solar shed lights, etc? They are still used in my home, and still save energy, just not attached to the home’s main power source.

I’ve got some other stuff that i have to fill out the form for anyway, just wondering if i can also get credit for these as well?
Just saying yes or no without any sort of explanation doesn’t really help matters.

If it is allowed, why?

if not…. why?

Sources are helpful.
Also, where is the line? If I wanted to switch out some of my 120v AC lights to solar, and go with 12V, rewire the house so I don’t convert to AC, as its fairly wasteful, would that then count? There has to be a point at which it would qualify.

even if that point is ‘it must attach to the power grid’.
Alright, thanks. I had already seen the Energy star site, my contention was just what qualified as ‘electricity for the residence’.

It’s hugely vague. Example: Solar panels on roof with battery system, and power inverter. It’s got a 120V AC plug, and you can wire it ‘for the residence’… would that count? Again, I’m asking where the line is. does it have to attach to power grid, is that the final line, or just 120V AC in your house
As one final note

the official IRS tax law states

“uses solar energy to generate electricity for use in a dwelling unit ”

for use in a dwelling.

So, to me this means, geez, if i have a solar powered flashlight that i keep in my house for when i need it… for me to use…. inside of my dwelling, or “use in a dwelling”.

Same goes for accent lights. So, why do you two still think that its a definite no? Is it the whole inside/outside thing? ‘in a dwelling’ in the general case, would that be null and void as soon as you step outside of your house. Is your property/yard not considered part of your dwelling?

“uses solar energy to generate electricity for use in a dwelling unit ”
Seems pretty clear. it doesnt say
And bostonian,
huge difference between ‘to’ and ‘for’

Can I please get an answer by someone who actually knows whats going on?

Best answer:

Answer by Bostonian In MO
No, solar accent lights do not qualify for the credit.

Here’s a listing of what qualifies for the credit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index#s4

Note what it says about photovoltaic panels: Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

The rinky-dink photo cells on accent lights merely recharge internal batteries on the light unit itself. They do not provide electrical power to the residence and as such do not qualify for the credit.

What do you think? Answer below!

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Residential Solar Thermal Generator and Water Heater

September 2nd, 2010

My invention for the BC Hydro Invent the Future Contest is a simple home based solar thermal power generator which would produce electrical energy as well as hot water for domestic use.

Large-Scale Solar Thermal Power: Technologies, Costs and Development
This important contribution to the issue of renewable energy describes the technical and economical requirements of mass-produced …
Emergency/Solar-Thermal Pouch-Silver
Keeping warm and dry is easy with ReadyCare’s assortment of thermal products such the Emergency/Survival pouch. Manufactured by BR…
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Solar Heating and Cooling of Residential Buildings: Design of Systems

September 1st, 2010

Solar Heating and Cooling of Residential Buildings: Design of Systems

This manual was prepared primarily for use in conducting a practical training course on the design of solar heating and cooling systems for residential and small office buildings, but may also be useful as a general reference text. Only active solar systems are described in this manual. Other books are available for passive designs. Liquid and air-heating solar systems for combined space and service water heating or service water heating only are included in this manual. Furthermore, only

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List Price: $ 65.00

Price: $ 65.00

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Investments to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Existing Residential Buildings in Countries of the Former Soviet Union (Studies of Economies in Transformation)

August 27th, 2010

Investments to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Existing Residential Buildings in Countries of the Former Soviet Union (Studies of Economies in Transformation)

List Price: $ 22.00

Price: $ 21.99

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Residential Solar Panels – Build Residential Solar Power Energy

July 25th, 2010

EarthForEnergy.AllReviewed.Net – Residential solar panels are easy to build in your own home workshop, and are much cheaper to build yourself than than if you were to buy them commerically. You can build renewable solar power energy in your backyard, or put in up on your roof. Everything is covered in this guide including how to protect your solar cells and get government grants to pay for your project. If you want to, you can build many of these and link them to create large solar cells capable of powering your home appliances. Or you can make travel solar cells for power on roadtrips. You can also sell them for profit. Check out the link above to learn more. HOpe you like it!

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