Small Wind Turbine Federal Tax Credit is Law

Small Wind Turbine Federal Tax Credit is Law

Today Congress passed legislation, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, H.R. 1424, that includes a new federal-level investment tax credit to help consumers purchase small wind turbines for home, farm, or business use. A few hours ago, President Bush signed the bill into law. Owners of small wind systems with 100 kilowatts (kW) of capacity and less can receive a credit for 30% of the total installed cost of the system, not to exceed $4,000. The credit will be available for equipment installed from today through December 31, 2016. For turbines used for homes, the credit is limited to the lesser of $4,000 or $1,000 per kW of capacity.

“We thank Congress for recognizing and supporting small wind systems as an important contributor toward energy security and a cleaner environment. This credit will help individuals cut their electric bills while combating global warming and reducing our importation of fossil fuels in a tangible way,” says Ron Stimmel, Small-Wind Advocate with the American Wind Energy Association.

This legislation marks the first federal incentive for small wind systems since 1985. Industry members say the credit could foster U.S. market growth of 40% or more annually for the largely American based industry.

AWEA, its members, and allies have advocated for a 30% federal investment tax credit for small wind systems 100 kW and smaller to put the industry on equal policy footing with the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. The two technologies share the same market. The broad legislation passed today also extends and expands a similar credit for the solar industry that was first passed in 2005. Residential and commercial solar PV installations can receive a 30% credit, capped at $4,000 for residential applications and uncapped for commercial uses.

The U.S. has historically dominated the global small-wind market but has faced pressure in recent years from overseas nations that have implemented strong domestic incentive programs for small-scale renewables. The U.S. small wind industry projects that the enactment of this federal credit, combined with a forthcoming equipment certification program, will help secure the U.S. market as the global leader thus providing thousands of new jobs for Americans.

Tuscola Appointments for October 16th.

I have been receiving a lot call for people that would like a site visit to their home in the Tuscola County Area. I will be back in town October 16th if anyone else that would like to meet with me to talk about wind turbines. I currently have two appointments, one at 3:30 and the other at 5:30. So give me a call and lets shot the breeze. (231) 688-4626

Also my next wind turbine that will be going up will be in the Millington Area. We still have time to install these wind turbine yet this year.

Tax Credit is coming

I received an email telling me that there was a tax credit coming for small wind turbines, here what the email had to say.

Urge Your Representative to Vote for a Small-Wind Investment Tax Credit
This week the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 6049, which contains an Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for small wind systems, an extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for large turbines, and other legislation benefiting renewable energy. The bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate moments ago with a vote of 93 – 2 and is now making its way to the House for a vote. This could be that last opportunity this year for Congress to pass this legislation.

The bill includes an eight-year, 30% credit, capped at $4,000 for residential and commercial applications of small wind turbines. Small wind is defined as turbines with rated capacities of 100 kilowatts and less.

Please contact your Representative and urge him or her to vote Yes on H.R. 6049. by clicking here.

So please click the link and help us get that tax credit for those of you that would like to get a wind turbine for yourself.

Hutchison Project/ Updates

I was informed yesterday that the Hutchison's project was put on line yesterday by Detroit Edison.
So those who would like to see working stop by M-81 heading towards Cass City and they would be more than happy to show their turbine.

The Flynn project is still spinning along the turbine has produced 80 kilowatt hours for the month of August. So she so far has averaged 100 Kilowatts a month.

Tuesday the 9th we finished the Matuszak this project has been the biggest tower to date that I have installed for a customer. It is 70' tall overall. But I can see the advantages of going that high for a turbine, wind is straight and fast at that height.

The Matuszak project is next to go online either this week or next. I will now next week when I go back to the Thumb.

Tuscola County Advertiser

Wednesday there was an article in the Tuscola County Advertiser for the Hutchison Project. Since this article has came out I have been asked to come speak before the Farm Bureau in Caro on October 17th. I will post a time and place when I know more about this event.

We are installing the Matuszak's turbine Tuesday at 2:00pm, this will be the third turbine in Tuscola County and the tallest tower that I have to date. I will put pictures of it installed when it is done. Here is a picture of the tower laying on the ground.

Update from Caro, MI

We started Tuesday in Caro, MI on two wind turbines for the Hutchison's and the Matuszak's on their property just East of Caro.

Tuesday we completed the Hutchison's base and have the wire ran back to the house.

We had no problem with the installation with the base. The ground is so hard here that we didn't even need a tube for the concrete. The hole was 12' in the ground. We are installing a 45' tower on this project.

Wednesday we poured concrete for the Hutchison project first thing that morning. After that was completed we moved all our equipment over to the Matuszak project to start on their base and wire. The Matuszak's were getting a 45' tower also, but the owner is a metal fabricate and wanted his tower an additional 62' feet. He built an extension 17' long that will be added to the 45' tower.

Also this base had to be increased for the addition height of the tower to 15' in the ground. Again it went off with out a hitch.

Today we are going to install the Hutchison's new pole and turbine and we will also be pouring the base for the Matuszak's.

Starting Next Week

Starting next week starting Tuesday, we will be in Caro, MI starting on our next two wind turbines in that area. We will be installing a 60' tower and 45' tower. I will post pictures as we get things started.