It's tough keeping up with all the developments on the political front! Here are highlights that may impact Solar Santa Monica:

1. 2009 tax credit cap lifted for solar
The new investment tax credit is putting thousands of dollars back into Santa Monica residents' pockets. If solar seemed too expensive in the past, now's the time to look again. In particular, if you've already received an Energy Savings Analysis, it will be easy for us to "re- run the numbers" to see what that full 30% credit will mean in savings for you. Contact Drew Lowell-Britt by email or call him at (310) 804-8449.

2. 2009 tax credit cap lifted for solar THERMAL, too!
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed by President Obama just this last week, lifts the cap on solar thermal installations, too! You can now receive the full 30% credit for qualified solar water heating equipment, and apply it against the alternative minimum tax, too. This should make solar thermal feasible for many more people in Santa Monica. For a Site Check to look at your solar thermal potential, or an updated analysis, contact Drew Lowell-Britt by email or call him at (310) 804-8449.

3. New credits for energy efficiency measures
If your Energy Savings Analysis suggests new windows or water heater or insulation , you may be eligible for a new 30% tax credit, up to $1,500. The whole list of covered products can be found at the Energy Star website . Most appliances (refrigerators, clothes washers) are not covered by the credit, but rebates may still be offered by the utility companies. Check with Solar Santa Monica for more details.

4. Bonus depreciation still available for commercial installations
The Recovery and Reinvestment Act extended bonus depreciation for solar installations completed in 2009 and 2010. Businesses can write off 50% of the costs in the first year, and use accelerated depreciation on the rest. Dollar limits and phase-out parameters call for professional tax advice.

5. Tax Credit becomes "Grant"
The 30% ITC for commercial installations has now become a "grant," available immediately instead of when taxes are filed. Also, the grant is available to every business whereas a credit works only if the business has a tax liability. Again, check with a tax professional to see if your business is eligible.

We can expect more developments. Stay tuned.

Over the past year, despite tax gyrations and the economic downturn, a number of large solar projects have received a green light and are scheduled for completion in 2009. Solar Santa Monica has assisted them with consulting and technical and financial analysis. As you travel about the City, keep a look out for new solar construction at these sites:

• Santa Monica College
• Macerich/Santa Monica Place
• City Parking Structure #7
• City Parking Structure #8
• Big Blue Bus Yard
• Red Bull
• 2700 Colorado
• Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District

Would people where you work like to learn more about solar and recent solar developments? Solar Santa Monica would be happy to offer information to employees at your office, lunchroom, or conference room. We could do a brown-bag luncheon presentation, staff a table, or simply provide written resources. Whatever would work best for you - just give Michael Ware a call at (310) 560-9273 to discuss.

The California Solar Initiative or CSI is an up-front, one- time rebate based on the performance of your solar system. It is calculated by its size, tilt and location. (For larger systems, the rebate is based on the actual performance of the system over the first five years.)

The rebates decline automatically as more solar is installed. In Southern California Edison territory, residents are now in Step 3 of 10. Step 3 pays $2.20 per watt. Step 4 will pay residents $1.90 per watt. It is expected to take effect during the summer of 2009.

For more details, and a larger version of the chart above, check out the Solar Santa Monica website.

Solar Santa Monica recommends beginning the solar installation process as soon as possible to take advantage of the pairing of rebates and tax incentives, before they decline!

The solar thermal collectors for this pool are colored to complement the roof tiles.

Capturing the sun's heat for hot water can be even more efficient than capturing its light for electricity - and it's significantly cheaper. Anyone with a swimming pool is well advised to look into a solar thermal pool heating system. Solar thermal systems come in a variety of looks and costs. And even though the Investment Tax Credit doesn't apply to pools or spas, the savings over any other type of water heater are immediate and significant. If you're interested in extending your swimming season, give Solar Santa Monica a call to discuss how a solar thermal system might work for you.