ROI and Financial Incentives
In many areas wind energy receives financial or other support to encourage its development. Net metering is one incentive program that has grown in popularity during the past decade since it allows the customer the ability to offset power consumption up to 100% at the full retail value over the billing period (usually one month). Excess power produced is either granted to the utility with no buy-back, purchased by the utility at the avoided cost, or purchased at the average retail rate. Net metering rules are determined on a state by state basis sometimes by the legislature or the PUC. Often the PUC administers net metering programs for the state and as a result many rural electric cooperatives (REC) do not have a net metering program.
In the United States, wind power receives a tax credit for each kWh produced, and the credit has a yearly inflationary adjustment. The credit has a yearly inflationary adjustment. Many states also provide incentives, such as exemption from property tax, mandated purchases, and additional markets for "Renewable Energy Credits" commonly called RECs. Secondary market forces also provide incentives for businesses to use wind-generated power, even if there is a premium price for the electricity. For example, many socially responsible manufacturers pay utility companies a premium that goes to subsidize and build new wind power infrastructure. Companies use wind-generated power, and in return they can claim that they are making a powerful "green" effort. In the USA there are organizations that monitor compliance with these renewable energy credits.
In many instances there are state and federal grant opportunities that can further enhance the attractiveness of a wind project. To inquire about wind energy and receive further information on wind solutions incentives in your area,
contact us or fill in the requested forms and a representative will be in touch with you to answer any questions.
