The most powerful becomes the most affordable
What’s the most powerful and abundant energy source on the planet? What about the cheapest…? Yep, solar energy.
Illinois requires that by 2025, 25% of their energy should be supplied by renewable resources.
So, they created incentives to help very large solar plants (called community solar farms- these can be up to 2 MW or enough for about 200 homes) and residential homeowners.
The installation can be very simple. The financial outlay is paying for roughly 25 years of electricity upfront. However, with the state mandate, the system that would cost $30,000 for a homeowner would now cost about $5,000 after all state and federal incentives are recovered.
Still, it is a significant investment and it does require the “right” location (sunny roof facing south). Another way of participating is through solar community farms. This is where a large solar array is located within Illinois and individuals can purchase a portion of the farm’s output. No installation at your own home is required.
The state is trying to provide the homeowners, small businesses and utilities with the opportunity to invest in and benefit from renewable electricity.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
http://illinoistimes.com/article-19881-exploring-solar-systems.html
Exelon, politics and Illinois’ low-carbon future
This article offers excellent insight into how policy (politics) influences energy and energy costs.
Government is the only entity that can impose priorities on energy. That is, without environmental laws, energy production would be governed by cost and perhaps by convenience.
So when the Government (state or federal) imposes or doesn’t impose a tax or subsidizes an energy utility, it’s important.
Illinois has a history of supporting coal with tax advantages which historically has provided jobs and low energy costs; however, both have declined and could decline further due to carbon emissions and nuclear power.
Illinois has halted its support of renewable energy (created from wind, solar or water) with tax advantages. When they have supported renewables, it has favored larger utility scale renewables over smaller installations.
This article shows how two large corporations are presenting their case for economic assistance from the State of Illinois. Which one do you think deserves assistance?
In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that Realgy has built and operates four solar photovoltaic power plants in Illinois. Realgy received State and Federal tax subsidiaries and would not have done so without them.
Read the full Renewablesbiz article, “Exelon, politics and Illinois’ low-carbon future”
Does your Utility offer Energy Incentives?
Most Utilities offer energy incentives and rebates to their customers for making efficient upgrades in their lives. This could mean purchasing new energy-efficient products, making energy-efficient home improvements, or even recycling old appliances, such as refrigerators, which could be costing you an extra $150 a year.
Some utilities, like ComEd in Illinois, offer refrigerator and freezer recycling to their residential customers. ComEd will give you $50 for each working unit, and the best part is that they will pick up for free.
Consumers Energy in Michigan offers a wide range of rebates and incentives to both Commercial and Residential customers. This includes rebates for the purchase for CFL or LED lights, water heaters and Energy Star appliances. Just be sure to fill out the correct rebate forms, which are all available on the Consumers Energy website.
The State of Indiana has even created a multi-utility energy efficiency initiative called Energizing Indiana. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, participating Indiana utilities and consumer organizations, have created Energizing Indiana to bring savings to Indiana residents. Some of the programs offered by Energizing Indiana include instant savings on CFL bulbs, free in-home energy audits and energy efficiency education.
Citizens Gas in Indiana offers rebates to existing customers for purchasing efficient natural gas furnaces, water heaters boilers and programmable thermostats. Citizens Gas is also offering rebates to customers who convert their old furnace or water heater to natural gas. For a natural gas water heater conversion they are offering $400. The rebate form is also available on their website.
Michigan Gas Utilities and SEMCO are among a handful of Utilities in Michigan that have partnered with the Michigan Public Service Commission to create Energy United. Energy United provides rebates and programs to help local residents reduce their energy use and achieve cost savings. Programs include Residential HVAC rebates, online home energy audits and low-income energy efficiency assistance, to name just a few.
These are just a few utilities and organizations that offer incentives and rebates for creating energy-efficient homes and businesses. Be sure to check your local utility website for more information on programs they may offer.
Learn more about Rebates and Incentives Programs
Consumers Energy Rebates and Incentives