Have you given thought to moving towards a more energy efficient lifestyle in Charleston but thought the cost was too high for the rewards?  Maybe you haven’t even considered installing a solar water heater because your pocket book just can’t handle it.  If this is you, there’s something we’d like to tell you about.  The government offers tax credits for anyone who wants to install energy efficient equipment into their home, and solar water heaters qualify!

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping Americans save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.  Results are already adding up. Americans saved enough energy in 2009 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 30 million cars while saving nearly $17 billion on their utility bills.

These tax credits are available for homeowners as well as businesses.  For homeowners, energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions.  For businesses, a strategic approach to energy management can produce twice the savings for the bottom line and the environment.  Check out this website for a complete list of incentives available.

It’s very simple when it comes to obtaining the tax credits.  Simply save your receipts and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for your records.  When you fill out your 2010 tax returns next April, submit Form 5695 with your taxes.

The tax credit applies from anything to insulation and roofs to wind turbines and solar energy systems.  You can check out www.energystar.gov to get information on the amount of savings for each tax credit.  For solar energy systems, the government will cover 30% of the cost with no upper limit!  That’s a nice chunk of savings back in your pocket, plus the savings on your energy bill every month!  Oops, almost forgot.  South Carolina gives you a 25% tax credit on top of the 30% from the government.  That’s 55% off the cost of your solar energy system!

Sustainable Energy Solutions has the experience and capabilities to partner with you to make your home or business more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.  If you don’t know exactly where to start, get in touch with us or simply respond to this blog and we’ll contact you.  The entire process is actually a lot easier than it may seem.  You can be on the road to lower energy costs within the month.

Tags: charelston sc, Charleston, charleston renewable energy, charleston sc, renewable energy, SC, solar energy, solar water heater, sustainable energy solutions, tax incentive