PV Gap

Larry Said:

Do people receive tax breaks for solar power or other renewable energy?

We Answered:

Yes! You can get both state and federal tax breaks. As part of the "bailout" plan of 2008, Congress extended the federal solar rebate for 8 years. Under the new law, both businesses and homeowners get a 30% rebate for the cost of the system in the form of a federal tax credit. If your system cost $45,000, for example, you would pay $45,000 and get a $15,000 credit on your federal income taxes the next year.

Tracy Said:

Should we slowly phase out oil and other fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy like solar power?

We Answered:

We should not phase out any type of viable energy source. All sources of energy, even renewable energy sources, have benefits and problems associated with them.

America needs a leader with the courage to establish a realistic, diversified energy plan that does not rely on a single type of energy from a single region of the country or the world. While short term economic conditions have both exacerbated and contributed to the cost of oil, this is not the first time oil prices have exceeded $100/barrel when prices are adjusted for inflation. However, the last time prices were above $100/barrel in 1979, we lacked the disciplined leadership to pursue long-term alternative energy sources in earnest. As a culture, we have become addicted to instant gratification, and are quick to abandon what is not easy or popular.

Private industry now has the economic incentive to develop a broad basis of energy technologies, and our next President will have the political capital to pass meaningful legislation authorizing the development of emerging energy sources as well as the renewed use of established sources. While Big Oil is currently Public Enemy #1, if we abandon any energy source entirely, we may look back 20 years from now and regret it. Imagine the day when people are complaining that Wind companies are earning excessive amounts of money. It may sound ridiculous now, but to think it is impossible is just as ignorant a stance to maintain as those who still propose that more oil supplies are the answer to our energy problems.

Kent Said:

do you think its time for a Manhattan type project is done concerning solar power or other renewable energy?

We Answered:

Great idea, it's time to wage a major effort to seek other sources of energy and ween ourselves from fossil fuels. Also time to stop kissing the back sides of these countries that keep us at bay with oil...