Even living in northern areas, you can still save money on your electricity bills with solar panels. To cut down on the upfront costs of a PV system, take advantage of solar incentives in Alaska.
The US government wants more people to go solar: it’s a modern and green way of getting energy. This is why the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program was developed. It allows American citizens to claim 30% of the cost of their installation as an income tax deduction. The cost here is not only solar panels, but also shipping, installation expenses and more. For example, if your system overall made you spend $10,000, the government returns you $3,000. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes.
Renewable energy systems with a capacity up to 25 kilowatts (kW) are eligible for net metering. The program gives households an opportunity to send any excess electricity back to the grid instead of storing it with batteries. Net excess generation is reconciled monthly, with the utility crediting the customer-generator’s account for the excess kWh generation multiplied by the “non-firm power rate.” These dollar amount credits do not expire and can be applied to subsequent monthly bills. Check the rates and conditions with your electric supplier.
Golden Valley Electric Association’s (GVEA) SNAP program encourages members to install renewable energy generators and connect them to the utility’s electrical distribution system by offering an incentive payment based on the system’s production on a dollar per kilowatt-hour ($/kWh) basis. GVEA limits these resources to 25 kilowatts of capacity or less per system.
There are two different SNAP programs available: SNAP: Producers of renewable power do not use any of the power they produce. The power produced is measured separately from the existing home or business energy use by a separate meter. SNAP Plus: SNAP Plus participants receive an annual payment and a monthly credit for net excess generation.
SNAP producers are paid once a year around Earth Day and the maximum incentive is $1.50/kWh.
In Alaska, you don’t have to pay any extra taxes for having solar panels. According to state laws, 100% of the value added as a result of acquiring a solar PV system shall be exempt from taxation.
4%
this is how much solar panels increase the value of your house
Alaska’s solar easement provisions are similar to those in many other states. They do not create an automatic right to sunlight. Rather, they allow parties to voluntarily enter into solar easement contracts for the purpose of ensuring adequate exposure of a solar energy system.
A solar easement contract is a written agreement between two property owners, for example, you and your neighbor. This type of contract helps to maintain a stable supply of sunlight for your PV modules. A solar easement guards your panels from potential impairments, such as vegetation and structures. It is voluntary and must contain the description of protected space, a list of restrictions and a clause on revision or termination of the contract. Any such agreement must be created in written form and must meet the general requirements for easements on real property.
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Years of experience in translation and a love of nature help Julia find the right words to encourage going solar. She joined the team in 2023 and is happy to make her contribution to a greener future.
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