Potential solar rebate cutbacks cloud future for many projects

Article by: DAVID SHAFFER , Star Tribune
Updated: June 5, 2011 - 5:08 PM

Regulators found that customers could theoretically get back more than 100 percent of a project's cost.

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rarmstrongJun. 4, 1111:23 PM

So, solar is a real good deal, as long as somebody else pays for it.

gking2mnJun. 5, 11 8:47 AM

you realize it 1 year down the road. if you are going to live in your house 5 years or more you make out like a bandit.

rolflindyJun. 5, 1112:12 PM

Yes, Armstrong. And the ones who pay are low and middle income power users who fund those who can afford the upfront cost of the solar installation.

strib01Jun. 5, 11 1:45 PM

In total dollars this is nothing compared to the billions credited to oil production.

libtribJun. 5, 11 2:05 PM

The oil and coal companies need to lose their tax credits/incentives

ruphinaJun. 5, 11 2:53 PM

"When combined with Xcel's separate Solar Rewards rebate and federal tax incentives, customers taking advantage of the Minnesota bonus stood to recoup 80 to 90 percent of their installation costs. But Commerce Department officials worried that a federal tax benefit for depreciation could theoretically enable some businesses to recoup more than 100 percent." Oil tax deductions are irrelevant- this is a pure subsidy. This is money actively taken from people and disbursed to others. Corporate tax deductions just allow companies to not have to hide taxes in the price of their product. Bill G.

srlahousseJun. 15, 11 8:15 AM

Coal and nuclear received gigantic subsidies from society in the forms of zero cost for emissions (both combustion and thermal). The only reason these continue is the mis-conception there is no other option. Once solar receives the benefit of such lower costs and/or coal and nuclear are required to truly reflect these costs in their pricing, solar will start making large gains.