Federal energy rebate program to expire in 2016

Jay French knows a good deal when he sees one. The local medical professional had been researching his options for solar energy systems for years when he decided that now is the time to buy. His new American Patriot Solar energy system is in its first month of operation at French's northwest Las Vegas area home.

"My wife and I have wanted to go solar for quite some time, but until now it wasn't cost efficient," French said. "I have a friend who paid around $90,000 for his solar system about 10 years ago. The prices are much lower now. My system was $51,000 and with the federal tax credit I expect to save about $15,700." This brings the cost of French's system down to $35,000, nearly a third what his friend paid just a few years ago.

French said other options for rebates and credits are available in Southern Nevada as well. "I ultimately decided not to take advantage of the NV Energy rebate because I want to keep my solar credits," he said. "It was only $2,000 to $3,000 and they get to keep your solar credits for the life of your system."

The available federal tax credits were one of French's biggest reasons to buy his solar system now, he said. "The federal rebate will expire at the end of 2016," he said. "That can give you up to 30 percent of the cost of your solar system back in tax credits." For French, that amounts to more than $15,000 in tax credits.

"The federal energy tax credits are attractive to anyone who has a tax liability at the end of the year," said Andrea Vigil, chief operating officer of American Patriot Solar. "If you work or receive an income, you likely have a tax liability. Our solar energy consultants can help you determine your options for rebates, incentives and tax credits, along with the size and type of solar energy system you need." Consultations with American Patriot Solar energy consultants are free.

"Another reason I wanted to get my solar system now is that NV Energy is capped at 3 percent of residential homes in the state. That is not a lot," French said. "I wanted to get in before it is too late."

When reviewing his options for a solar system, French said he got two quotes for leasing systems and quickly discovered it was not a good fit for him. "When you lease a solar system, the power company tells you what size system you can have," he said. "For me it equated to about 57 percent of what I actually needed and would only save me about $500 per year. I'm sure it would make money for the people who own the system but it wasn't a good financial decision for me."

"Another concern I had about leasing a system came from some friends who did it. They found out after their system was installed that the company had placed a lien on their home for the value of the system on their roof. I don't want to have to worry about something like that happening to me."

By purchasing a system, American Patriot Solar helped French determine exactly the size solar system he needed to power his home, and prepare for future options like wall batteries that store excess power generated by solar systems.

American Patriot Solar helps its customers create custom solar systems by determining average energy consumption and designing a solar system tailored to the needs of each individual home.

The solar energy company based in Southern Nevada. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and hires local contractors. American Patriot Solar systems are installed by its installation company, US Renewable Energy Development (license No. 0075882), also a Las Vegas-based company. For a limited time, American Patriot Solar is offering a free $500 interior LED lighting package to all new solar system customers. To schedule a free in-home consultation and analysis of your solar energy opportunities, call American Patriot Solar at 702-227-9205 or visit www.apsolar.com.