BLOG GREEN FOR ECO BROKERS
Green is so Red Hot that it has been written into the hottest topic in Real Estate and that is the Stimulus Package. Green living is an investment in the future of America. The American Recovery and reinvestment Act of 2009 gives green efforts about 80 billion dollars. The money is to be used to fund projects to include mass transit, energy efficiency, and renewable sources of energy. The money is also 
supposed to go towards updating another failing infrastructure issue which is our electrical grid.
Money that is contributed to green solutions can allow America to be more self reliant while providing jobs and establishing new business models. Green dollars going into the economy can also offer new opportunities for entrepreneurial expansion.
Tax incentives in some states have allowed for a certain expansion of green ideas and sustainable living. At the beginning of this year our federal government changed the solar tax credit to 30 percent of the cost of residential systems, removing a previous $2,000 cap.
I bought batteries last year for my solar system and I wish I had waited. I have to see what my CPA says. IRS is a whole other blog. Sorry, I digress.
Apparently the tax credit has been revised and now there are grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy. (Again a subject for another blog. What are the sources for these loans and grants?) The plan allows those who install solar power systems to make an application for a cash grant instead of a tax credit. Then they can get the money back in 60 days. Many hope that this move will bring investors and new start up companies into the green age.
The stimulus package doesn’t stop there. It also includes $5 billion for weatherization, $4.5 billion for federal building upgrades and $4.5 billion in matching funds to help out those certain cities that have sudden summer blackouts.
Low-income weatherization programs are an example of an initial action that can create solutions now. Construction to make energy-efficient homes creates jobs plain and simple. The Department of Energy wants to outfit 10 million homes per year for the next two decades. It is estimated that this action may generate about 1.25 million green-collar jobs.
Funding for green efforts will create jobs, produce cleaner energy, and less dependence on fossil fuels and declining resources. Don't overlook the hidden benefits buried inside this massive bill.
Link for more details on renewable energy tax credits:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=12247
American Solar Energy Society
Comments (5)Subscribe to CommentsComment