A new equipment discount program, utility rebates and existing federal tax credits make it a good time for southeastern Minnesota homeowners and businesses to go solar, according to the Post Bulletin.
Customers may receive deep discounts on solar equipment if they sign up for the Make Mine Solar program by Sept. 30. The program, sponsored by the nonprofit Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, is supported by a grant from the Clean Energy Resource Team in southeastern Minnesota. Workshops will be held to educate home and business owners about the benefits of going solar.
Southeastern Minnesota is being targeted for the program because of utility rebates available through Rochester Public Utilities, Austin Utilities and Owatonna Public Utilities. All three have a rebate of $695 for the two-panel Velux solar hot-water system that is being purchased for the program.
Southeastern Minnesota also has an abundance of rural customers who use electricity and propane for water and space heating. Solar thermal systems provide a quick payback for customers using these expensive energy sources. A 30 percent federal tax credit, which comes to about a $3,000 incentive for the solar hot water system and $2,200 for the solar air heating system, is another incentive.
Read more about solar power for homes.
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