Comments on: Decatur to receive federal grant for energy efficiency retrofitting

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:25:33 +0000

Actually, some people would benefit greatly using solar power to power their homes and businesses. Check out what the city of Berkeley CA is doing by researching Berkeley FIRST. They are providing solar financing for residents, helping them to install solar electric systems by adjusting their property tax bill. So residents are enjoying the energy savings immediately while also increasing their property value. There is a 30% federal tax credit for homeowners, a tax rebate for commercial property, and a 35% state tax credit on the total cost, not to mention that solar costs are going down and the technology has advanced greatly. Sounds good to me!

By: JJ

JJ — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:34:56 +0000

Yes, the perfect plan! You can stop paying the mortgage and get a free house with retrofitted energy effeciency all in one neat little package. You should try it.

By: DEM

DEM — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:28:30 +0000

Maybe they’ll subsidize your investment on your house and you can upgrade it.

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For the most part, it seems one only gets that kind of subsidy if one stops paying the mortgage.

By: JJ

JJ — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:00:18 +0000

Good point, Dem, and well taken. The city, it’s residents and businesses would arguably be saving money in the long run but I’m not sure how or if that savings winds it’s way back to the Federal level. Maybe they’ll subsidize your investment on your house and you can upgrade it.

By: DEM

DEM — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:23:28 +0000

Most commercial facilities would likely see a pay back on their upfront investment within 2 years or less

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If the government were to subsidize my investments, I’d likely see pay back on all of them, too. Free money for all!