Solar Tax Blog

The way we get electricity is changing a lot. In about 8 years, it’ll look very different. Here’s what’s happening: some big energy companies might not be thinking about what’s best for you when it comes to clean energy and how much you pay for electricity. Right now is a good time if you care about saving money and helping the planet. If that sounds like you, maybe you should think about switching where you get your electricity from. But what are these big companies not telling you, and why have they been hiding things? Solar power is getting really popular, and there are good reasons to switch! Solar energy doesn’t use bad chemicals or old fuels. It can make homes cooler on hot days, saves money on air conditioning, helps clean up cities by reducing pollution, and even gives jobs to people installing and making solar panels. The big energy companies want to stay in charge. They don’t like it when people use solar power because it means they make less money. But solar companies want you to use solar panels because they sell them. It’s a fight between big energy and solar, and homeowners like you can benefit a lot from solar power! People in Florida are paying more for electricity, and the big companies want them to pay even more. But you don’t have to just accept it! The Good Things About Solar Power Solar energy can save you money on your electric bill and is better for the environment because it doesn’t use bad stuff to make electricity. Every year, more people are switching to solar because it’s better than traditional electricity. Some of the good things about solar are: It helps protect you from high electric prices It reduces the need for old fuels It’s a smart choice for a clean future The Push for Change As big energy companies see more people using solar, they’re making rules that make it harder to switch. They want solar customers to sign long contracts or stop them from selling extra energy back to the grid. They say it’s to protect their business, but really, they’re just trying to keep control. Solar is getting popular, prices are going down, and more people want to use it. Big energy companies don’t like that, so they’re trying to keep things the way they were. But solar is good for everyone—it’s good for the planet, the economy, and you! Even if big energy companies don’t want to talk about it, you can learn about solar and see why it’s a good choice. What Can You Do? Big energy companies spend a lot of money to keep you using old ways of getting electricity. But solar is getting cheaper and better every year. So, if you’re thinking about using solar, don’t let big energy scare you into staying with them. Solar can save you money and help the planet, and that’s something you’ll be happy about in the long run. Try our solar calculator to see how much you could save and why big energy doesn’t want you to know about it.

When you want to claim the solar tax credit (ITC) using Form 5695, follow these steps: Quickly fill out IRS Form 5695, called “Solar Investment Tax Credits.” Use this form to complete your 1040 Schedule 1 for taxes. Claiming the solar tax credit is easy with our guide! The solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a great incentive for homeowners and businesses who install solar energy systems. It gives you back 26% of the total cost as a rebate. But there are some things to know before you claim it. What we cover: What is the Solar ITC and how does it work? Who can get the Solar ITC? How to fill out IRS Form 5695? What if you made mistakes in claiming the Solar ITC? Are there other solar-related tax credits? What forms do you need to claim the ITC? The Solar ITC is like a discount on installing solar panels at home. You need to buy the panels first to claim it. You get a 26% rebate, but it has to be for the year you installed the solar system. And you have to claim it within five years. To claim the credit, you’ll need info about your solar system: How big it is (measured in Kw) Who made the panels When you installed them How much they cost Any rebates or incentives you got You also need your social security number or employer ID, plus details about your taxable income. Can you claim the credit if you lease your solar system? No, it’s only for people who own their solar systems. Who can get the Solar ITC? You need to be a U.S. citizen or Resident with a federal tax liability. And if you want to claim it, make sure your solar system is new, not used. How to fill out IRS Form 5695: Fill out the form with details about your solar system. Multiply the cost by 26% to get the credit amount. Transfer the credit to your tax return. Double-check for mistakes to avoid penalties. What to do if you made mistakes claiming the Solar ITC: Use Form 8919 to fix errors within three years. You may need to file this if you claimed too much or too little. Are there other solar-related tax credits? Yes, there’s one called the Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (RECSE). It’s another way to save on solar installations. If you’re not sure how to claim the Solar ITC, talk to a tax professional. And if you’re ready to go solar, get quotes from trusted installers to save money and get the 26% tax credit.

Federal Solar Tax Credit Bonuses Florida Power and Light customers may see an increase in electricity rates of up to 20% over four years if the Public Service Commission approves the increase. The increase would affect more than 11 million people served by FP&L, with the company projecting an additional $150 million per year on its finances as it seeks approval from state utility regulators this week at hearings across 12 counties. Request for an increase in electricity cost FPL submitted a proposal to the Florida Public Service Commission in March of last year to raise the cost of electricity by about 20% over four years. In late October, they approved an agreement allowing them to raise your monthly bill to $215 each year until 2025. This rate increase will have a dramatic effect on over 11 million Floridians served by FP&L.   News4Jax reports that the utilities want to increase grid resilience and infrastructure.   “The plan will allow us to continue to make proven investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and technology that benefit our customers and a growing state,” said FP&L CEO Eric Silagy.   The people fighting the rate hike criticized FP&L for trying to raise rates while more than 650,000 of its customers are still struggling.   “What’s reliability if you can’t afford to keep the lights on due to a high bill?” said Jordan Luebkemann with Florida Rising.   Background As regulated monopolies with a captive customer base and guaranteed profits, utility companies operate in the United States. The panel of commissioners, selected by state legislatures, is in charge of these operations, sets guidelines for the services rendered, and keeps track of the profit margins for each customer that uses this business’s goods or services.   The biggest monopoly in the state is Florida Power & Light. With their monopoly status and $2.65 billion in net earnings in 2020, FPL’s president was compensated eight times as much for residential customers—who, at 55% of total revenue, have been the company’s main source since 2016.   Fluctuating electricity prices have been difficult for Floridians to afford especially with many already struggling to afford many other monthly bills.   Energy insecurity is a major issue for communities of color and low wealth. These groups frequently have to choose between paying their electricity bill and purchasing food, medicine, etc., which can put them in even worse situations like subpar housing and having to compromise on other costs like food, childcare, or medication.   We have a responsibility to care for our people in hard times. Although an increase in electricity costs is never pleasant for anyone, we must take care of our citizens by maintaining FPL rates low enough to ensure everyone has access to basics like electricity.    As advocates work to protect communities from disconnection, they are frustrated by FPL’s lack of commitment. After three short months with no progress on behalf of its customers who find themselves behind on their monthly bills due to unpaid electricity debts as a result of the rising electricity cost—FPL resumes shutoffs once more! Advocates often have fragmented data that only includes a small portion of the population affected by the high burden of energy services required to maintain security and well-being; there is no industry standard or government mandate requiring utilities to disclose information to the public about these cancellations.   The environmental injustices that affect minority communities and low-income households are often not addressed by traditional methods. The Partnership for Inclusive Energy Security (PIES), in partnership with grassroots organizations across the country, has been working to bring these issues center stage so they can be remedied through sustainable changes within our energy system itself.   We need to prioritize investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power and completely stop using fossil fuels. If we do not take action, the disruptions caused by climate change will only get worse!   Picture caption: Community organizations and Miami locals have united to peacefully protest outside FPL’s offices as a show of solidarity. The group reminded the power company that its moratorium on shut-offs is no longer acceptable by planting 250 flags, one for each lost electric customer!    FPL is not the only bad actor Nine out of ten small businesses have been forced into insolvency due to these policies. Recently, the nation’s utility companies used their political clout to win a favorable tax code change that will spare them from having to repay billions of dollars worth of debt while contributing very little to the community.   The purpose of the economic stimulus bill was to aid those who were having difficulty during the COVID-19 pandemic. With money utilities spent on executive pay and dividends, many could have bailouts their customers more than 500 times–but none of that utility dollars were used to relieve households’ or small businesses’ debts! Proposed Rate Hike by FPL The utility company is required to “ask” regulators for their approval over a series of regulatory proceedings called rate cases. Utilities have continuously increased electricity costs, revealing that this process is deeply flawed with abuse and capture by corporations who force households across the country into high expense due in part to an inefficient system that must be paid back through higher prices or taxes on consumers’ behalf.   FPL is seeking approval from the Florida Public Service Commission to increase electricity base rates by approximately 20% over four years. The company has submitted a proposal that will be heavily fought out in March 2021, when hearings begin on this case and others like it across state lines for months at a time before they reach overlapping conclusions (or not).   FPL’s defense of proposals to invest in new fossil fuel infrastructure by blaming growing demand for electricity and oversimplifying funds allocated towards outright unjust clean energy programs is not convincing the public. In fact, FPL consistently brushes off responsibility when it comes to systemic issues with our country’s current energy system; instead

Advanced Solar Tax Pros Consulting Menu Is switching to solar energy something you are interested in but unsure where to begin? This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from figuring out what options you have to get quotes for installation. More than 3 million homes nationwide are switching to solar power to lessen their dependency on fossil fuels, save money on their electricity bills, and fight climate change. However, what steps are involved in installing those panels? It will be simpler for you to get started with this crucial guide for going solar by taking the step towards sustainability if you learn more about your unique situation, such as your age or type of roof!   Homeowners who use solar power have an incredible experience, but before you can consider yourself “pro,” there are still a lot of things you need to accomplish. Most of these steps will be assisted by your installer, who will also ensure that everything else is installed correctly.   1. Choose a solar company Selecting an installer who will not be able to assist you if something goes wrong is a mistake you do not want to make. Verify their credentials and insurance by contacting associations such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask questions as you review your contract! Before committing, ask specifically what services will be offered and whether any additional equipment is required. Is there any maintenance needed?   2. Make sure the home can support going solar Make sure your roof can support solar panels if you intend to install them. Knowing when your roof was last replaced may be helpful. If your house is structurally suitable for solar panel installation, an expert installer can determine this. Installing solar panels in addition to other significant investments, like replacing your roof, might also be financially beneficial!   3. Determine your home’s solar sun score The amount of sunlight that hits your home’s roof each day can make all the difference when it comes to going solar. Solar mapping services and tools are now available, like those on this website which will help you find out how much light penetrates into different areas of your home. This makes it easier to decide what kind of system would be most effective for each unique house. An estimate from distant data sources, like the solar savings calculator, is also included!   4. Calculate your energy consumption To determine how much power you use annually and seasonally, it is important to look over your past electricity bills. Using this approach is an excellent method for conducting a home energy audit, which enables any required adjustments to be made to optimize the installed system. This includes seasonal requirements, such as air conditioners operating during the summer months due to their higher operating costs compared to other times of the year.   Prepare for potential shifts in consumption in the future. You may intend to purchase an electric car that requires charging.   It is possible that you recently purchased new energy-saving appliances! Your installer can review these documents if you need further help, but remember that information must always be kept confidential unless approved in writing!   5. Compare your different financial options The solar industry is expanding quickly, and consumers have a wide range of options. You have three options: lease, where payments are based on monthly rental fees instead of fixed costs, like with an outright purchase, get a loan from an installer that includes the tax credits when you own it (with some restrictions), or buy your system outright!   For your power requirements, you have two options to select from. You can choose to buy the electricity produced by this system at any time, based on the cost per kilowatt-hour, or you can pay a set monthly fee!   6. Submit the required permits and schedule inspections Be aware that obtaining all required permits and inspections may take several weeks or months when installing a solar power system. This mostly depends on where these procedures are being performed at any given time in your area, so be sure to leave enough time in between appointments!   Note that we are still talking about individual cities/jurisdictions, and each has its own set of rules when it comes to handling such matters (e.g., New York City requires special permission whereas San Francisco does not). The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s SolarTRACE tool may provide an estimate of how long this process might take if performed locally by noting permission statuses from 1 to 5.   Benefits from clean energy can be obtained in multiple ways. Even if rooftop solar is not an option for your house, you can still actively contribute to the goal of 2035 carbon-free electricity by investing in a shared or community program! Visit Homeowners Guide To Going Solar for more details on how to take advantage of this fantastic investment opportunity to go green.   Investing in a shared or community solar program keeps your house at the forefront of attention. Going green puts you in line with those who are speaking out against climate change and taking action! To learn how to get started right now and compare various solar quotes, visit our Homeowner’s Guide.   For all the homeowners out there who are searching for ways to save expenses and lower their energy bills simultaneously, Putting money down now could be exactly what is required before the tax breaks expire later this year (or next).    

Some businesses are attempting to shut down rooftop solar energy instead of combating climate change. To protect their business model from new technologies that could lower the demand for electricity in America’s oldest markets—where the majority of power plants are still in operation today—Florida Power & Light does precisely this.”   In Florida, rooftop solar power generation is a growing industry that could reduce profits for electric companies. This new energy backbone could be detrimental to Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) current business model, which is based on selling fuel overheads like coal or natural gas plants do. FPL lobbied state lawmakers with records obtained by the Miami Herald and Floodlight for legislation they asked them to hand-deliver.   Sen. Jennifer Bradley of the state of Florida, who sponsored Florida Power & Light’s top-priority bill in 2020, was a close ally. The bill would make it harder for businesses and homeowners across the nation who have installed rooftop solar panels to offset costs by forbidding them from selling excess power back onto the FPL grid at full retail price through a practice known as net metering.   A bill drafted by the Florida Senate was forwarded to DLG Bradley in November for review. The FPL lobbyist drafted this legislation, and after observing how well-written our language was to keep up with the current events at every level of government, they gave $10K to her political advisory group! In fact, State Representative Lawrence McClure introduced his version exactly one month ago, sans any alterations.   Less than 1% of Florida’s over 8 million customers—roughly 90,000—sell their excess energy back to utilities. This figure does not account for the thousands of people who are currently in line to install solar panels. But this has led to a major increase in rooftop solar installation in recent years, and Florida Power and Light—whose largest utility has 5.5 million customers (65%), followed by Duke Energy with 2 million, TECO with 800k, and numerous other smaller utility companies—is advocating legislation that could severely limit these gains.   One more example of how utilities attempt to keep their monopoly on the electricity market is the opposition to net metering. Their argument that this bill will ruin the industry is unfounded, according to Will Giese, director of the Solar Energy Industries Association, who also notes that under the current regulations, consumers are still free to select the energy source that best suits their needs as long as they are satisfied with the options their provider provides.   The Florida Public Service Commission has been receiving proposals from power companies on how they expect rooftop solar will affect their bottom line. According to one utility company, FPL, profits from this new technology known as “distributed renewable energy” could be threatened by $700 million between 2019 and 2025, meaning that they would have to make less money. However, scientists argue that we need these cleaner sources of electricity because of climate change.   Chris McGrath, a representative for Florida Power and Light, stated that while the company is not opposed to net metering, it does think the current rule should be reviewed. He argued that customers with roofs facing the sun are supported by other customers who continue to have purchasing power and pay to maintain the power grid.   “We basically accept roof sun oriented clients ought to pay the full expense of this venture,” McGrath said.   A long, political fight The bill represents just one side of a protracted battle against the arrangement. Florida Power and Light has likely been the largest advocate of regulative Florida political missions for a considerable amount of time. In 2016, it moved a voting form correction that was bombed and allowed controllers to impose charges and boundaries on establishments that were roof-based and sunlight-based. Additionally, Florida Power and Light has contributed millions to groups that have anonymous, unidentified donors and launched attacks on local and state legislators.   Florida Power and Light executives have been linked to a series of “dull cash” charities, as the Orlando Sentinel’s detailed information reveals. This particular charity is clearly mentioned in the Miami-Dade Express lawyer’s investigation into an outrage involving a “phantom” Senate candidate. As per the plan, a non-political candidate was included as a no-party option on the polling form in an attempt to confuse voters and reduce support for the Democratic candidate, helping the Republicans maintain their majority in the state Senate.   The CEO of Florida Power and Light, Eric Silagy, was directly involved in allocating funds to shadowy investment groups led by the experts who oversaw Grow United, the organization that supported the apparition up-and-comers, according to documents obtained by the Sentinel. Holley, the lobbyist for Florida Power and Light who brought the net metering language to the Senate, tried to help Republican Senate hopefuls who were running in the adjacent races. Both Florida Power and Light refuted any inappropriate behavior related to political missions.   In response to questions for this story, McGrath, a representative for Florida Power and Light, stated, “Any report or idea that we had an association in, monetarily upheld, or guided others to help any ‘apparition’ competitors during the 2020 political decision cycle is bogus, and we have tracked down no proof of any lawful bad behavior by FPL or its workers.” Additionally, Grow United and earlier initiatives to improve net metering are cross-over, according to records obtained by the Sentinel.    One person who has partnered with Grow United is Abbie MacIver, a former employee of Energy Fairness, an organization that advocates for lawmakers to take into account the “cost of energy decisions, as well as their advantages.” In a letter to the Florida Public Service Commission’s state controllers last year, McClure mentioned the results and requested that the commission update its net-metering regulation.   After the commission hosted a studio, proponents of solar energy sent 16,000 messages pleading with it to approve the net metering program. According to officials, it was the fastest

Encouraging President Biden and committee chairs to incorporate long-term clean energy tax incentives in federal budget reconciliation legislation, solar manufacturers and executives wrote a letter to them today. Tax incentives for clean energy would help lower the cost of solar energy for homes and businesses. The letter outlines how the legislation will support increased output, bring back jobs, and encourage investment in important sectors for solar manufacturers. Global environmental regulations on the use of fossil fuels have made the debate over where to source electricity—which has never been more important—more urgent than it is right now due to ongoing geopolitical concerns.   In response, to increase domestic solar manufacturing, the Biden Administration has made it a point to meet with the solar industry and look for long-term policy solutions. The Build Back Better Act should be sent to President Joe Biden’s desk, the Coalition urged the Senate to write in a letter last week. Biden urged Congress to enact clean energy incentives and stressed their necessity earlier in his State of the Union speech. The Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Coalition applauded President Biden for his efforts to support the expansion of the American industry.   clean energy tax incentives schedule Vice President Biden has since changed the regulations that the Trump administration had announced a year ago, which included tariffs on imported solar products. In order to expedite the shift to clean energy, he seeks to strike a balance between the objectives of domestic manufacturing. Lowering tariffs would be a good place to start, even though they are not the ideal solution for all parties. To get the sector back on track, he might need to take further action. For the time being, the American solar industry will only suffer as a result of government action.   It is important to remember that solar manufacturing in the United States is still far from reaching its potential, even as the Biden administration collaborates with the sector to find long-term policy solutions. Due to the nation’s reliance on solar panels manufactured abroad, the US market requires a competitive edge. The message from the President needs to be understood clearly. President Biden should keep working to keep the industry competitive and healthy over the next four years if he is unable to assist it.   While the tariffs were originally imposed during the Trump administration, they have since been reduced to a much lower level. While the current tariffs do not directly harm solar manufacturers, they do hamper the ability to produce solar panels in the U.S. and can hurt the U.S. economy. The Biden administration’s choice will therefore have a significant impact on the industry’s future. For American consumers, this is a win.   To encourage the expansion of the solar industry in the US, a comprehensive manufacturing policy is required. The industry’s supply chain will be able to grow by several billions of dollars thanks to the March 2018 passage of the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act. Ultimately, laws that promote the generation of renewable energy can help the solar manufacturing sector. The industry will expand with the support of deployment and manufacturing incentives. These regulations will not change anything, but they will increase the visibility of American solar producers.   Even though the US renewable energy market is expanding quickly, obstacles like tariffs may endanger its survival. The trade disputes and supply chain interruptions that are impacting the US solar industry will persist in their effects on the industry’s growth. It shouldn’t, however, stop the industry’s expansion. As an industry, it plays a major role in advancing the nation’s use and production of renewable energy. Attracting investors to solar technology will be made easier by its solid foundation.   The sector is expanding quickly, but with the correct clean energy incentives in place, it could achieve even greater success. It is a pivotal time for the US solar industry. Most domestic manufacturing facilities have closed due to the collapse of the solar industry. All throughout the nation, there have been calls for the revival of the clean energy manufacturing sector in the United States. Millions of jobs will be generated by this bill and support the domestic solar industry. According to SEMA Coalition estimates, the bill will result in an increase of 30 GW in domestic solar production in the United States by 2025 and will create 18,000 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect jobs, with a $15 hourly minimum wage.   Delta Electronics, the largest switching power supply company in the world, founded SEMA, a nonprofit, in 2004. Two Taiwanese businesses, Delta Electronics and the Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan, founded it. DelSolar aims to generate clean and renewable solar energy while also benefiting the environment and reaping the many other advantages that solar power offers. The words “solar” and “delta” are combined to form its name. Offering customers solar energy that is both inexpensive and clean is its goal.   Letter sent to President Biden to include clean energy tax incentives Source: SEIA News Item