Value and Affordability of Solar With a MAS residential/commercial solar or wind power system you can significantly reduce your monthly electric bill, insulate yourself from utility rate increases, and increase your home's value.

Maximizing Opportunities Trust MAS to help you offset a large percentage of your costs associated with residential or commercial solar and wind systems. Review the information below to find out if you're eligible for these energy efficiency incentives.

Federal Incentives

Tax Credits The federal government has instituted a 30% tax credit on all solar and wind energy systems installed before December 31, 2016. Tax credits reduce your tax burden on a dollar-for-dollar basis as compared to a tax deduction which is typically a reduction in the percentage of taxes paid. This means a tax credit is generally more valuable to the consumer than a deduction. Combine this federal tax credit with rebates from local utilities and overall savings on energy bills and see a dramatic reduction in the cost of installation and energy use. (Available to residential customers)

For more information, please visit Department of Energy - Tax Breaks

Accelerated Depreciation Benefits In addition to corporate tax credits, businesses may recover investments in certain types of property through depreciation deductions. The Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) establishes a set of class-lives for various types of property. In general, solar and small wind power systems can be depreciated over five years. As of December 2010, eligible property placed in service before January 1, 2012, qualifies for a 100% bonus depreciation for the first year. Eligible property placed in service after 2012 will only be eligible for a bonus depreciation of 50%. for the first year. (Available to commercial, agricultural and industrial customers)

Depreciation rules are complex and should be reviewed carefully. For more information regarding depreciation deductions, please visit DSIRE - MACRS

Veterans Benefits If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for a low interest loan from the federal government to assist in purchasing a solar power system. The Veterans Housing Guaranteed and Insured Loans program is dedicated to providing funds to veterans to make a current or new home more energy efficient by "...installation of a solar heating and/or cooling system, or other energy conservation improvements." A new loan or loan refinancing may be increased up to $3,000, or $6,000 if the mortgage payment is offset by utility savings. (Available to residential customers)

For specific program details including contact information and to see if you qualify, visit VA - Home Loans

For information on other federal incentives, please visit:

DSIRE - Federal Incentives

USDA Rural Energy For America Project Grants

U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

State Incentives

Utility Rebates Several states offer grants, loans, rebates or tax credits to solar and wind power users. Some states have mandated that electric providers offer rebates to purchasers of solar power systems. In Missouri, the current rebate is $2 per watt up to 25,000 watts. This means that if your solar system is 3,000 watts, the rebate would cover $6,000 towards the cost of your new solar energy system. (Available to residential, commercial, industrial customers and public entities)

Installation Rebates In addition to these state-mandated rebates, some utility companies offer other installation rebates. For example, Columbia Water & Light in Columbia, Missouri, offers a $500 rebate per kilowatt hour up to $5,000 for the installation of a residential solar system. You should check with your local utility to take advantage of any rebates available and learn about any applicable restrictions. (Available to residential, commercial and industrial customers, non-profits and public entities)

For more information, please visit:

DSIRE - AmerenUE Photovoltaic Rebate Program

KCP&L Solar Rebate Program

Columbia Water and Light Solar Rebate Program

Loans There may be even more state assistance available to help offset costs if you are a local government entity or public school located in Missouri through Missouri's Energy Loan Program This loan financing may be used for solar and wind power systems. (Available to public entities like municipal and county governments as well as public schools and universities)

For more information, please visit the Missouri's Energy Revolving Fund

Other Incentives

You may be eligible for other incentives like net-metering and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates depending upon local utility regulations and laws, market conditions, location and property type.

For more information, please visit Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

Federal, state and local incentive programs are changing everyday. Below are some links that can help keep you up to date on the most recent information. Please don't hesitate to contact us at 314-602-1595 or at info@midamericasolar if you have any questions.

Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association

Solar Energy Industries Association

The Green Power Network

Energy Standards for Public Buildings

Missouri Building Energy Code