The most compelling bit of news this week was the NYSERDA announcement that one of the helpful incentives for buying solar power has been reduced. The Photovoltaic Incentive Program will decrease from $1.75 to $1.50 per watt. Another change will be in the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps rural-based small businesses and agricultural producers incorporate renewable energy systems into their business models. The deadline for this incentive is fast approaching and will be at the end of March.
News of government incentives losing teeth comes as no surprise. There is currently a lot of pressure for deficit-driven spending cuts on both the state and federal levels. The changes mentioned above taken with the fact there are currently active State and Federal Tax Credits for renewable energy really do suggest that now is the time to GO SOLAR!
In other news, we are happy to report that much of the recent interest in Vanguard has come from our new friendship with WAMC Northeast Public Radio, accounting for 10 inquiries in the past 3 weeks. This has been especially the case for those listening in New York’s Capitol region. One potential client from that region is working with an organization in Algeria that hopes to use solar power to operate agricultural irrigation systems.
Another thread of interest in the Albany area has originated in the inaccessibility of utility connections for those looking to live or build in more remote areas. Although the price structure is different between off grid systems versus those connecting to the utility lines, once the former are installed the customer has energy freedom for many years to follow.
Finally, we are pretty excited about the green Home Improvement mini-workshop we are planning for March 6th at the Public Library in Saugerties, NY. Details will be made available on our website by the end of this week!!