Although economic troubles affect people throughout the nation, Missouri Solar Living LLC is still looking towards a brighter future, when it comes to solar power in Missouri. Last fall, citizens of Missouri approved Proposition C, which requires privately-owned utility companies in the state to offer $2 per watt rebate for solar power systems, beginning on January 1, 2010. The rebate is good for up to 25 kilowatts generated.
With that, solar power systems will be in increasing demand in 2010, and companies such as Missouri Solar Living can expect their businesses to pick up during that period. The new incentives will make solar energy more attractive next year.
Last October, Congress passed a federal stimulus plan that extended the 30% federal tax credit for another eight years. The plan also lifted the $2,000 cap on applicable tax credits that homeowners can receive. Homes and businesses in Missouri can sell their excess power back to the utilities.
The effect of the lifting on the federal tax credits cap has prompted some homeowners to install solar arrays on the roofs of their homes. A 2.45-kilowatt solar power system costs roughly around $14,000, after tax credits have been deducted. That’s one third of the original price.
It’s not just households that are turning to solar energy in Missouri. Novus International’s global headquarters is topped with two hundred solar panels, which cover 5,000 square feet, and can produce around 2.5% of the total energy requirement of the building.
This solar power system is currently the largest one in the state. But, even at its current size, it won’t be the largest anymore, after the completion of Emerson’s solar array project, which can generate 100 kilowatts and stands on 7,800 square feet at the data center of its Ferguson campus. The structure looks like a spaceship with the solar panels mounted at a 20 degree angle, for efficiency in catching the sun’s rays. The project costs $1 million, and the project will pay for itself after seven years.
Legislations are being debated in Congress, that can affect the prices of electricity from unsustainable sources (such as coal) which account for three fourths of the state’s electricity. When carbon regulation is implemented, expect electricity prices to go up. That will level the field for clean energy and will make solar power, wind power, and other renewable sources of energy more viable.
Across the nation, 342 megawatts was produced by solar power systems during last year alone. California had the biggest gains, among the states. Hopefully, Missouri will make solar power more attractive for homeowners and businesses by making their solar power systems cheaper in the state.
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I am located in Missouri and I voted for proposition C. This should encourage more people to focus on alternative energy!
I live in St. Louis and this is great news.
It sucks though that I won’t be able to take advantage of this offer for my currently installed solar panels. Looks like I’ll be waiting until next year to expand.
Build Solar Panels´s last blog ..Solar Landscape Lights
@Build Solar Panels – I understand what you mean. Incentives are great but there are some times too many conditions. At least we are seeing a rise in incentives in general – that’s a start.
@Solar Power = Let’s hope it does
This is really good news! Let’s just hope it works. I think it can even help against global warming, is it?