Wind and solar energy is no longer just a good idea, it is quickly becoming a necessity of our time. Currently, the US Government is offering incentives that make purchasing wind and/or solar for your home or your business a very affordable alternative.

If you're considering wind or solar, it's important to get a good local installation professional, one that lives in your community or nearby enough that you can visit in person and make sure they are accessible and professional. Most reputable companies work a large area around their home base and will generally install systems up to 300 miles or more away from their operation. Keep in mind that there are still a number of very shady characters and cheap systems out there on the market. Make sure you get a good warranty and a good local company to back it up. Do they service what they sell? Will they provide prompt response when you have a problem? Will they be there a year from now? (That one is always hard to answer!!) If you can, ask to inspect a local installation if they have one. Ask to speak to a satisfied customer.

Do your research. Get company statistics on the wind turbine or the solar array you're thinking about buying. Study the production charts of each turbine to make sure they will actually produce the energy you need for your particular project. Make sure that your system will work when you want it to.

Most reputable companies will be happy to assist you with getting your net-metering arrangements take care of with your service provider. There is generally a delay of some time in order to get the paperwork done and get the meter changed out, so it's a good idea to get started on this in advance.

As mentioned above, the US Government is now offering great incentives to make the purchase of Wind and Solar Energy a little easier for the average homeowner or businessperson. Under this program, home owners are entitled to take a 30 percent tax credit on residential wind, solar and hybrid renewable energy systems installed after 12/31/2008. This tax credit may be used over two consecutive years if a homeowner's tax liability is too small in year one. Businesses are also entitled to a 30 percent Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for investing in renewable energy.

Under the program, business owners may choose to take a Federal Grant in lieu of the ITC for a cash contribution toward the cost of the system up to 30 percent of the total investment. In addition, business owners are eligible to take accelerated depreciation of up to 50 percent of the cost of renewable energy in the first year of investment.

All-in-all, wind energy is a great way to invest for future returns for years to come. Make the investment while there are some great incentives. You'll be glad you did.

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