Alabama is one of the least green states in the union; it offers no tax credits and only a possibly $500 PVA connection credit on a 2 kW PV $20,000.
They do however give a personal tax deduction for burning firewood. Yes, you read that right. Burning firewood for home heating has a tax deduction incentive. You’d think somebody down there would have the sense to be embarrassed about this. Maybe some are as they do have some other things planned a bit more sensible for renewable and alternative energy, at least this is a start in the right direction.
Here are some details of those plans:
- To jumpstart the initiative, the owner of a qualifying residential system will receive a $500 payment when the site is connected to the grid until a total capacity of 150 kW has been reached. (That means you)
- Under the residential/small-commercial contract, TVA will purchase the entire output of a qualifying system at $0.15 per kWh through a participating power distributor, and the consumer will receive a credit for the power generated.
- Consumers participate as either residential/small-commercial or commercial customers.
- A solar or wind generation source is installed by a residential or small commercial power customer served by a participating distributor of TVA power.
- Payment is made in the form of a credit issued by the local power distributor on the monthly power bill for the home or business where the generation system is located. Payments are guaranteed for 10 years from the date of the contract. Energy consumed at the home or business, whether it is generated at the site or delivered over the local power distribution system, is billed at the standard rate.
- All equipment must be in compliance with national standards and all applicable codes and be certified by a licensed electrician.
- The credit of $0.15/kWh is available for a minimum of 10 years from the signing of the contract, regardless of the amount produced. Payment is made in the form of a credit issued by the local power distributor on the monthly power bill for the home or business where the generation system is located. TVA retains sole rights to any renewable energy credits.
- In September 2004, larger commercial customers were included in the program. Under the larger commercial contract, TVA will purchase the output at $0.20 per kWh.
- Participation in this program is entirely up to the discretion of the power distributor.
- For commercial consumers, qualifying sources are restricted to PV only. Although the maximum output for commercial generation systems remains at 50 kW. (more possible)
- Customers of other TVA distribution utilities who are interested in this program should contact their utility customer services representative
