Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
new-en On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.” This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit.
The bill also extended tax credits for solar energy systems and fuel cells to 2016. New tax credits were established for small wind energy systems and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Tax credits for builders of new energy efficient homes and tax deductions for owners and designers of energy efficient commercial buildings were also extended.
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency includes:
**Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified homes and products qualify for a tax credit. These tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which typically cost much more than standard products. If, for whatever reason, you decide not to purchase a product covered by the tax credit, you may still consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR product. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.
Tax Credits for Consumers:
Home Improvements
Home improvement tax credits are available for home improvements “placed in service” from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Any qualified home improvements made in 2008 are not eligible for the tax credit.
Home improvement tax credits are available for insulation, replacement windows, non-solar water heaters, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. See chart. The maximum amount that a taxplayer may claim from all of these tax credits combined is $500 over the lifetime of the tax credit (2006, 2007 & 2009).
If you are building a new home, you do not qualify for the tax credits for “eligible building envelope components” (windows, doors, insulation, roofs) or “qualified energy property” (HVAC & non-solar water heaters). However, the tax credit for photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind systems and fuel cells is available for homeowners building new homes. More.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance for consumers: IRS Notice 2006-26 pdf_tiny exit.
Efficient Cars
Tax credits are available to buyers of hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles. The tax credit amount is based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models. These credits are available for vehicles placed in service starting January 1, 2006. For hybrid and diesel vehicles made by each manufacturer, the credit will be phased out over 15 months starting after that manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. For vehicles made by manufacturers that have not reached the end of the phase-out, the credits will end for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2010. See the IRS Website for updated information exit.
Solar Energy Systems
Tax credits are available for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The credits are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2016. The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the system, up to $2,000. After December 31, 2008, this $2,000 cap will be removed for photovoltaic systems (but not solar water heaters). This credit is completely separate from the $500 home improvement credit.
Small Wind Energy Systems
Tax credits are available to homeowners who install residential small wind turbine systems. The credits are available for systems placed in service from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2016. The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the system, up to $500 for each half kilowatt of capacity with an overall maximum of $4,000.
Fuel Cells
There is a consumer tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (up to $1,500 per 0.5 kW of capacity maximum) for installing a “qualified” fuel cell and microturbine systems. The credits are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2016. This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.

Zoopolis Tour a Success!
The first Zoopolis Tour held on August 5 was a
success. The weather was pleasant and about 152
people went through some if not all of the sites. In
most cases there were laminated sheets of information
available as well as site owners to answer questions.
The hope was to show examples of different ways
to use a yard and offer more habitat for wildlife.
Audubon was a sponsor and Parkwatch facilitated
the event. Next year it will be held on Tuesday
August 4 from 1:30 to 7:30 pm. If you would like
to be involved or volunteer your yard as a future
site, please contact Diana Beck at 922-7931 or email
dbeck7931@charter.net.

Share Your Bird Stories
Submit interesting facts or
a story about your
experience with birds for
a section of the Audubon
newsletter entitled Bird
Twitterings. Send to
Diana Beck:
dbeck7931@charter.net.

eReNews
The electronic newsletter of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association
June 2008  



In this Issue:

ENERGY FAIR NEWS
1.  19TH Annual Energy Fair June 20-22, 2008
2.  Ticket Sales Extended until June 6th
3.  Ride the Bus to the Fair
4. The Energy Fair Features Sustainable Communities
5. Help Spread the Word about the Energy Fair
6. Energy Fair Workshop Schedule available
7. Workshop Assistant Position Opening

WISCONSIN NEWS
8. Blue Sky Green Field Project Completed
9. Wisconsin Wind Projects for 2008
10. Carbon Neutral Buildings Presentation
 
MIDWEST NEWS
11.  GLREA Fair June 27-29
12.  4th Annual Small Wind Conference
 


ENERGY FAIR NEWS

1. 19TH Annual Energy Fair June 20-22, 2008
Instead of a MREA news section this month it is (almost) all about the Energy Fair.  We are putting the final touches on the 19th Annual Energy Fair for June 20-22, 2008 in scenic Custer, WI.  There are over 270 exhibitors and about 200 workshops this year.  There is something for everyone even if you have been to all the past Energy Fairs or this is your first one.  Bring a friend and introduce them to the Energy Fair!   We are excited to see all of you in a couple weeks!
 
2. Ticket Sales Extended until June 6
If you have forgot to purchase advanced tickets for a Home Tour or an extended workshop we have pushed back the advance purchase deadline to June 6.  Please act now to reserve your spot.  You can register online : http://www.the-mrea.org/fair_online_registration.php or call the office at 715-592-6595

3. Ride the Bus to the Fair
Leave the driving headaches to someone else and reduce your carbon footprint, take the bus to the Energy Fair!  The MREA is offering coach bus rides to the Energy Fair from Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis and Green Bay. You must register for the bus by June 6. Register today online:  
http://www.the-mrea.org/fair_online_registration.php or call the office at 715-592-6595

4. The Energy Fair Features Sustainable Communities
The idea of creating a sustainable community is taking root in towns and cities around the Midwest. This year, The Energy Fair will take a look at what it takes to build strong communities, specifically the impact of The Natural Step and eco-municipalities. Read more about sustainable community forums, workshops and presentations online:  
www.the-mrea.org

5. Help Spread the Word about the Energy Fair
Want to help tell others about the Energy Fair, June 20-22? We need your help to put up posters and other promotional materials throughout the Midwest. Send an email to info@the-mrea.org  to get some posters today!  

6. Energy Fair Workshop Schedule available
The workshop schedule and exhibitor listing is now available online. Visit http://the-mrea.org/fair_workshops.php for the workshop listing, or visit http://the-mrea.org/fair_exhibitors.php for the exhibitor listing. Want the complete program guide? Send us an email or call the office.  
 
7. Workshop Assistant Position Opening
The MREA is looking for a highly organized, outgoing individual, with excellent customer service skills to work with our Education Department. The Workshop Assistant works with the Education Director and Workshop Coordinator to plan, organize, and facilitate more than 120 renewable energy courses a year.  Primary duties include registering, confirming, and tracking workshop participants.  This is a full time job with health benefits.  For more information contact Renea Dahms, MREA Operations Manager, at 715-592-6595, ext 10.

WISCONSIN NEWS  

8. Blue Sky Green Field Project Completed
On May 19 We Energies Blue Sky Green Field wind project was placed into commercial service.  The project includes 88 wind turbines with a capacity of 145 megawatts, each which will generate enough electricity annually for about 36,000 homes. Also most of the project was built with using Wisconsin companies.  
9. Wisconsin Wind Projects for 2008
Were you wondering what commercial wind projects were in development in Wisconsin for 2008?  Well rest easy the folks at RENEW Wisconsin have it all on their website. Check it out at:
http://www.renewwisconsin.org/index.html
 
10. Carbon Neutral Buildings Presentation
ICE: Interfaith Community for the Earth for a program on Net-Zero Energy and Carbon Neutral Buildings. Jeff Knutson will be speaking about saving money and energy in buildings.  The presentation will be from 10 am to 12 pm Saturday June 7 in the Pinery room of the Portage County Library in downtown Stevens Point, WI.  


MIDWEST NEWS

11. GLREA  Fair June 27-29
The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association will hold their 3rd Annual Michigan Energy Fair on June 27th – 29th, Visit them on line for more details: http://www.glrea.org.  Make sure to stop by the MREA booth and say hello.  
 
12. 4th Annual Small Wind Conference
Don’t miss the Small Wind Power Conference, June 17-18, 2008 in Stevens Point. It's the 4th annual conference that brings together manufacturers, installers and policy makers to address issues surrounding small wind systems. Get details or register here: http://www.the-mrea.org/smallwind.php
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