Cut your utility bills with the govt's help

As reported here by Jessica L. Anderson and Pat Mertz Esswein, the government is offering generous incentives to improve efficiency and install renewable energy systems in your home;

"For a limited time only, get federal aid for home improvements that can help you reduce your tax and energy bills! Through 2010 you can cut your tax bill by 30% of the cost of certain projects, up to $1,500! And through 2016 you can get a credit for 30% of the cost -- with no limit -- of geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind-energy systems and fuel cells!

And that's no hype. Washington is serious about energy efficiency, and will pay up to $1,500 for home improvements, such as windows and doors, certain insulation projects, roofs and high-efficiency water heaters (for more information, visit http://www.energystar.gov).

The government has also slated $300 million for rebates on the purchase of Energy Star-qualified appliances (see http://www.dsireusa.org for details). The money should be available late this year or early next.

With the federal government chipping in 30% of the cost, generating power at home makes economic sense for many Americans. In addition to the federal tax credit, 44 states offer renewable-energy tax incentives, ranging from property- and sales-tax discounts to income-tax credits. Rebates are available in 42 states from a variety of sources, including utility companies (see www.dsireusa.org for incentives in your state)."

So what are saving up for? Will it be as good an investment as this?

Read the whole article here.