Volume 09 | April 2019
Bluebonnets arrived early this year, spring is well underway, and there's a lot going on right now in solar! We have tips for you, stories from your fellow solar-powered Texans, the latest updates in solar policy and financial incentives.
TIPS & TRICKS
Does Solar Work When the Grid Goes Down?
In this video, Shannon explains what happens to your solar power system when the grid goes down, and why backup power is a necessary addition to keep power flowing during an outage. (p.s. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be alerted when new videos are posted!)
Celebrate Earth Day with Green Living Tips from SunPower
Earth Day is coming up on Monday, April 22nd! To celebrate, SunPower has published a list of easy tips to help you live a greener lifestyle and save some green at the same time.
CUSTOMER NEWS
Houston-Area Homeowner Documents Solar Journey on His Blog: "A Bold Proposal"
Scott Sheppard just put solar on his new home in Cypress, Texas. He documented the entire journey in detail, which serves as a master-class in the technology of going solar.
Austin Homeowner Is National Finalist for SunPower "Intelegant" Award
Coleson Bruce's mid-century modern home in northwest Austin was selected by SunPower as one of five national finalists for the "Intelegant" award. The annual award recognizes excellence in aesthetics, quality, workmanship, and customer satisfaction. A San Diego home walked away with the prize, but Coleson's home is the clear winner in our eyes!
SOLAR INDUSTRY NEWS
Policy Updates and the 2020 Federal Budget
The 2020 budget submitted by the Trump administration to Congress proposes eliminating the EV tax credit and reducing funding for federal clean energy programs . The investment tax credit, which will step down from the current 30% for installations after 2019, was initially rumored to be part of the budget proposal but does not appear to be affected. However, the administration's budget is only a proposal and will ultimately be decided by Congress. Separately, there were two actions in Congress last week in favor of solar and energy storage . A bill called H.R. 2096 was introduced to make energy storage technologies fully eligible for the ITC even when they are not combined with solar. Also, 100 House Democrats signed a letter to the Ways and Means Committee Chair asking for a long-term extension of clean energy tax credits, including storage, alternative-fuel vehicles and energy efficiency-based provisions
Batteries just got much cheaper
Grist reports that global Lithium ion battery prices fell 35% in less than a year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. We were expected to reach this point in late 2020, not early 2019. Elena Giannakopoulou of Bloomberg NEF attributes the improvements to "technology innovation, economies of scale, stiff price competition and manufacturing experience." While this is great news for homeowners and EV drivers, in the short term the biggest challenge we see locally is availability as fulfillment is still slower than we'd like. For those waiting, please hang in there!
THE LATEST IN SOLAR INCENTIVES
Austin Energy Rebate Available for System Additions
Austin Energy recently changed their policy and now allows homeowners to claim the $2,500 rebate when you add more solar panels to your existing system, as long as you have not already completed the AE Solar Education Course and meet their other requirements. If you're interested in expanding your system, email us to learn more.
Last Chance for the SunPower $1,040 Tax Season Rebate
Time is running out for new customers to take advantage of SunPower's $1,040 mail-in rebate to celebrate the last year of the 30% tax credit. The rebate is only available to new customers who purchase a SunPower Equinox system with X-series panels, and the contract or loan approval must be signed by Monday, April 15th.
Add Backup Power with the 30% Tax Credit
Solar batteries also qualify for the 30% tax credit, which will be phased out after 2019. Freedom Solar is a Certified Installer for both the Tesla Powerwall and the sonnenBatterie. In fact, we are the largest distributor of the Tesla Powerwall 2 in Texas, which means that we install more Powerwalls than Tesla!
Reduce the Cost of Your System
You can go solar at a lower out-of-pocket cost (and help us spread more solar in Texas!) by inviting others to join the Solar Revolution. Your neighbors with a pool or an EV likely have high electric bills and would benefit financially from solar. The same goes for friends who have recently moved or expanded their families. If you refer 5 people who go solar, that equates to a $2,250 discount on your system.