Save Money with Federal Solar Tax Credit
Buying a solar-powered gate opener can save you money in several ways. It can cut down your electric bills, but did you know it can also save you money on your taxes? According to Section 25 D of the Internal Revenue Code:
"In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to the sum of—
(1) 30 percent of the qualified solar electric property expenditures made by the taxpayer during such year,
(2) 30 percent of the qualified solar water heating property expenditures made by the taxpayer during such year,
(3) 30 percent of the qualified fuel cell property expenditures made by the taxpayer during such year,
(4) 30 percent of the qualified small wind energy property expenditures made by the taxpayer during such year, and
(5) 30 percent of the qualified geothermal heat pump property expenditures made by the taxpayer during such year."
Federal Solar Tax Credit Information
Essentially, the solar energy tax break gets you a credit of 30% of the purchase price of your operator. For example, if you get a solar-powered package USAutomatic 20085 Patriot II Solar Charged Dual Swing for around $2,000, you get a credit on next year's taxes for around $600. Save money and the environment! You'll need to complete Form 5695 with your taxes next year to get this tax credit. Download or print Form 5695 for Residential Energy Credits and start using sunlight to power your slide or swing gate opener today.
If you're already interested in the benefits of solar energy, it might be a good idea to determine whether or not there's enough sunlight in your region to power a USAutomatic gate opener. Some areas are better for solar power than others. The chart below shows the different zones in the United States and which, on average, receive more sunlight. For example, Michigan and Oregon are in Zone 1 and don't get as much direct sunlight throughout the year. As a result, it may be safer to use electricity and a battery backup if you still want to go green. Zone 2, including states like Georgia and Alabama, get sunlight through the year, but the levels may still be a little low for a solar operator's only power source. States like Nevada and Arizona, where the sun shines all year steadily with shorter winters and less cloud cover, are perfect for USAutomatic solar gate openers.
International customers aren't out of luck. We ship internationally and have a chart with the average solar radiation worldwide. Using this chart, you can gauge whether or not solar power will work for your slide or swing gate opener. You might not get a tax credit like U.S. residents, but you can still go green and protect the earth while saving money. Use the chart below as a helpful guide to determine whether your area has enough solar energy to power a gate operator.
Buying a solar-powered gate opener can save you money in the long run and during taxes next year, but it isn't for everyone. Consider the weather and your area in the country before purchasing a USAutomatic solar gate operator.
If you're in America, you can save money on your electric bills and taxes with the federal solar tax credit today. If you still have questions, please call us Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00pm EST at (888) 378-1170 or email any time at sales@usautomaticgateopeners.com and we'll help you figure out if a USAutomatic solar powered gate operator is right for your applications. Our highly-trained and knowledgeable staff is here to help you decide if the gate opener you're looking at is right for the job. We offer a variety of USAutomatic gate opener solar packages and are here to help you figure out which slide or swing gate operator is the perfect fit. Call, email, or order today!