Solar Energy Program bait-and-switch
Dear Editor
In a nutshell: Our company evaluated the payback to add solar panels to our Auto Mall building. The Federal Tax Credit helped shorten the time it would take to recoup our investment but the Arizona tax credit (10% of the purchase price) placed the project into the “let’s do it” category. The Federal Credit was as simple as a line item on our tax return. The Arizona credit was not so simple but we jumped through the hoops and our application and installation was approved for the credit. We never got it. And according to the Arizona Commerce Authority, we are not alone.
Here’s the rub. The State placed us in line to get our tax credit but they ran out of 2011 funding before they got to our name. That’s understandable and the $1,000,000 allocated for the year ran out. OK. But, the funding was replenished for 2012 and will be every year until 2016. Are we still in line? No, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority which makes the rules for the program. They form a new line into which we are not invited. How unfair.
So the State enticed us to go green, we used a local contractor and used USA made panels from a company located right here in Tucson. We reduced our energy consumption and feel very good about our decision in every regard except, the payback may now exceed the life of the panels. Such is the life of the solar industry. We acted in good faith.
The State is still drawing in the unaware for 2012 and for years to come. The rules need to change. Once you are in line, you should stay in line until the funding goes away
Charles Weisel
President
The Specialists, Inc.