I got to visit affordable solar this past week. (They spell it all lower case) They’ve been around since 1998 and sold and serviced over 15,000 systems. And wow, there’s a lot going on with them. I learned a lot and I’m going to summarize here:
First and foremost: If you’ve been thinking that you can’t afford to convert to solar, check this out: They have “solar loans” available. So with ZERO money down, you can finance up to 100% of the cost of your solar system. You could possibly spend less on that solar loan, while using solar power, than you were spending on your monthly energy bill. How cool is that?
Also, there are TWO tax breaks for going solar. You can get a 30% federal income tax credit. That’s a credit, not a deduction, which also applies to taxes assesed when you withdraw retirement funds.
And there is a State income tax credit of up to $9,000, based on 10% of the system price, which can be “rolled over” until 2020.
And if that’s not enough, you may be able to “sell” your excess energy back to PNM! Wouldn’t it be sweet to have them pay you, instead of the other way around? It’s not a joke! Your meter will actually spin backwards!
Affordable solar also serves commercial properties and non-profits and offers assistance in taking advantage of business tax credits and, yes even grants (they employ a grant writer for their customers!), to reduce the initial cost of the solar system.
I really enjoyed my tour and getting to know a little bit about this company and their products. If you want to look into them further, I can recommend you to Nick Kerwin there. You can email him at nick.kerwin@affordable-solar.com. Or call him at 505.944.4241. And please tell him that Chocolate Properties sent you.
If you know of other resources for “going solar”, please comment here or send me an email.
Thanks!
Carolyn R. Ward
carolyn@chocolateproperties.com
