Using the sun for energy has been around for centuries. The ancient Romans and Greeks used passive solar energy when they built their homes.  The first solar powered steam engine was built by Auguste Mouchout in 1861.  Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1921 for his research on the photoelectric effect. Various advances made the use of solar widespread in the past few decades in many industrialized nations. But it took the Arab oil embargo in October, 1971 for the US to realize the ramifications of depending entirely on oil for energy consumption.

Solar has come in and out of “fashion” over the past four decades, but 2009 will mark the year that solar became an accepted component of the United States mainstream energy use.  This is due to several issues:

• Tiered rate pricing including high electric taxes and fees
• High electric rate inflation
• Overall high solar gain in the US
• Federal (and some state and local) tax incentives
• Technological advances for increased efficiency
• The widespread use of fossil fuels resulting in global warming

On-going investments in solar energy and the support by local, state and federal government, as well as incentives of some utility providers, will continue to lower the cost and make solar a viable investment for many Americans.

Now is the time to take advantage of solar energy systems.  To find out more, visit our website at SunCitySolar.com, or call one of our solar consultants at 918-494-0886.

How can businesses remain competitive in the current economy? One of the easiest ways to reduce business costs is the use of a Commercial Solar Hot Water System.  Hot water use can be a large percentage of a business’s overhead, especially for restaurants, hotels, hospitals, food processes, gyms, and other organizations that are heavy users.  The return on investment for commercial Solar Hot Water is maximized by the 30% solar tax credit/grant from the Federal government.  There are also benefits to maximize depreciation and other business related incentives. State and local utility credits can increase the payback substantially.  Depending on hot water use and the solar application, repayment can be in as little as a few years!

The global market becomes smaller with every innovation that improves the way we communicate with the rest of the world. The United States is known for technological innovation, but lags behind in the use of solar energy. In order for a business to remain competitive in the global market, it is important to understand the long range implications of not incorporating solar into the mainstream consciousness.  The US cannot compete with the global labor market, but can compete by incorporating technological innovation, cost control and productivity.

Sun City Solar Energy has installed commercial solar hot water and solar electric systems on health clubs, pools, pump stations, signage, oil company buildings and other commercial applications.  These businesses are enjoying cost savings, a diminished carbon footprint, tax savings, and environmental stewardship.  Why not own your own utility company, help the US compete in the global marketplace and increase your company’s bottom line?  Visit  Sun City Solar Energy  www.SunCityEnergy.com today and learn how you can be part of the energy solution.

More Good News for Investing in Solar Energy

The measures enacted by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress on February 11, 2009, are nominally worth $787 billion of which $6 billion are allocated for renewable energy and electric transmission technologies.  Additionally, $4.5 billion was allocated to make federal office buildings more energy efficient and $6.3 billion was reserved for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing projects.

There are numerous grants available for renewable energy and renewable energy loan guarantees.  If you are one of the newly unemployed looking to diversify for the economic downturn, the government has appropriated $500 million to fund “green Collar” jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency.  Many local community colleges and technology centers are recruiting professionals to educate the trades about solar and related renewable energy technologies.

Besides provisions for individuals and businesses to encourage investment in solar energy, the Act made the Business Energy Tax Credit a permanent part of the Tax Code.  These industry tax credits should not be confused with the 30% tax rebate available to individuals and businesses for solar hot water, solar electric and related applications.  For a better understanding of the various credits available to individuals and businesses offered by your state, you can log onto www.dsireusa.org/.

Solar energy is a fairly new technology, and the requirements to qualify for the numerous tax credits offered by the federal government can be complicated. If you have specific questions about how you benefit from the solar tax credits, you should consult a certified public accountant or tax attorney.  For more information, you can also contact one of the expert solar consultants at Sun City Energy at 918-494-0886.  SunCityEnergy.com – Energy at the Speed of Light.