| Alternative Energy is all the rage after the | | | | the rebates are designed to move utility |
| State of the Union speech given by President | | | | customers to non-utility energy sources.Solar |
| Bush. If you live in Illinois, you should | | | | panels systems are typically used to produce |
| know there are already rebate programs | | | | electricity. If you are going with a solar |
| available.How To Get A Rebate for Using | | | | panel system, the requirements are very |
| Alternative Energy in IllinoisRebates for | | | | simple. The system must be approved by |
| using alternative energy platforms are | | | | Underwriters Laboratories, a fairly common |
| handled under the Renewable Energy Resources | | | | certification throughout the solar industry. |
| Program. The program is designed to motivate | | | | The system must also have a rated capacity of |
| Illinois residents to use alternative energy | | | | 800 watts for production.Solar-thermal |
| by providing financial incentives in the form | | | | systems are used to produce heat, often in |
| of rebates for those that modify their energy | | | | the form of hot water. If you are going with |
| use.The Renewable Energy Resources Program | | | | a solar thermal system for your alternative |
| has been around for awhile, but new | | | | energy needs, it must be approved by the |
| regulations went into effect on January 1, | | | | Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or |
| 2006. Under the regulations, rebates for | | | | similar certification. The system must |
| going solar may now be as high as $10,000 for | | | | produce at least 50,000 BTUs a day or have at |
| eligible solar thermal systems and up to 30 | | | | least 60 square feet of collectors. Put in |
| percent of the cost of solar panel systems. | | | | simple terms, you need to have roughly a |
| These new rebates, however, have a finite | | | | system measuring 8 x 8 feet. If you are using |
| life span. You must apply for either or both | | | | the system for a pool, you only get the |
| of them by April 30, 2006.To get in on these | | | | rebate if the pool is available to the public |
| healthy rebates, there are a few requirements | | | | for regular use.While President Bush |
| you must meet. First of all, you must be | | | | surprised many by highlighting alternative |
| eligible. Eligible parties included | | | | energy platforms in his recent speech. Alas, |
| individuals, businesses, schools, | | | | Illinois was already heading down that |
| non-profits, and institutions of higher | | | | road.Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a |
| learning. You must also be a customer of | | | | directory of solar energy companies. Visit us |
| utility company, meaning you can not be an | | | | to read more articles on solar power and |
| off-grid energy residence or structure since | | | | renewable energy. |