Incentives + Rebates

Incentives for clean, safe renewable energy have never been better, making renewable energy a stable investment in unstable times. Ideal Energy offers a full-service renewable energy process, including determining which current incentives and rebates are best suited to your project. We’re committed to helping you achieve energy independence at the most affordable cost. Below you will find a brief description of selected incentive and rebate programs.

ITC Grant

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1) allows taxpayers eligible for the federal business energy investment tax credit (ITC) to take this credit or to receive a grant from the U.S. Treasury Department instead of taking the business ITC for new installations. The new law also allows taxpayers eligible for the renewable electricity production tax credit (PTC) to receive a grant from the U.S. Treasury Department instead of taking the PTC for new installations. (It does not allow taxpayers eligible for the residential renewable energy tax credit to receive a grant instead of taking this credit.) Taxpayers may not use more than one of these incentives. Tax credits allowed under the ITC with respect to progress expenditures on eligible energy property will be recaptured if the project receives a grant. The grant is not included in the gross income of the taxpayer. This grant cannot be taken for systems where construction began after December 31, 2011.

MACRS Depreciation

Under the Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS), 26 USC § 168, businesses can recover investments in solar and wind and geothermal property through depreciation deductions. The MACRS establishes a set of class lives for various types of property, ranging from three to 50 years, over which the property may be depreciated. For solar and wind property placed in service after 1986, the current MACRS lifetime class is five years.

USDA REAP

The program is designed to assist farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses that are able to demonstrate financial need. All agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, who gain 50% or more of their gross income from the agricultural operations are eligible. Small businesses that are located in a rural area can also apply. Rural electric cooperatives may also be eligible to apply. Ideal Energy has USDA grant writter on staff and is ready to help you complete your project.

Alliant Energy

Alliant Energy encourages the development of customer-owned renewable electric generation including solar, wind and methane digesters for residential, commercial and agricultural application. Ideal Energy will help you navigate the rules and regulations governing the interconnection process, and complete any necessary paperwork for you.