by Marcel Perry, SunPro Tinting, Inc.
ASID Industry Partner and Eco Committee Member
It can be a very confusing process trying to understand what’s available when it comes to Tax Credits, Federal and State Rebates, and Government Incentives. These programs are available for all of us to take advantage of, not only to save costs, but most importantly, to save energy and help green our world. Let’s start with the basics and define the terms:
Tax Credits: a direct reduction in tax liability (not dependent on the taxpayer's tax bracket).
Tax Rebate: a set monetary amount that reduces the tax to be paid by the full amount of the rebate. Tax rebates treat all taxpayers equally by giving the same amount of rebate regardless of income level.
Incentives: a means of employing the tax code to stimulate investment in or development of a socially-desirable economic objective, such as saving energy by way of improvements that reduce energy use.
Wow, what a mouthful. The government implemented a level of tax reforms and incentives for all of us starting several years ago. At one time, if you purchased an item that was energy-efficient, you could receive a 5% tax credit of the monies spent on materials (not labor) up to $500.00. In 2009 the government increased that limit to 30% and up to $1500. This tax credit has been extended through 2013. This credit is designed for residential use only, but there are several plans for the commercial customers as well.
One of the best programs is the Energy Policy Act of 2005, or EPAct, which offers commercial enterprises a one-time tax incentive for energy-efficiency upgrades. Projects that include improvements to the building envelope, HVAC, and lighting may qualify for the highest credit of $1.80/sq. ft. (per square feet of floor space in the building.) Upgrades of lighting only, for example, may quality for the lesser credit of $.40/sq. ft. to $.60/sq. ft.
SDG&E offers cash incentives/rebates for lighting, refrigeration, natural gas, food services and many other technologies improvements. Any medium- or large-sized SDG&E business customer on a valid commercial or agricultural rate with a monthly electric demand of 100kW or above and/or an average monthly therms usage of 4,166 therms or above will qualify.
In my industry, solar control window film installed on east, south, or west windows may qualify for a rebate up to $1.35/sq. ft. from SDG&E. Window film is a proven technology listed by the government to reduce energy costs by reducing excessive solar heat gain. Based on customary installation cost for medium-sized commercial projects, the average return on investment (payback) from solar film application was only 2.65 years, which is impressive. These savings were the result of reducing annual electricity kilowatt-hour usage by an average of 6.6% and reducing summer month peak kW demand on average by 6.4%. Take that savings and add the rebate of $1.35/sq. ft. and you can improve the energy efficiency and interior comfort of your building while enjoying these saving for a long time.
Bottom line: look for tax credits, rebates and incentives when you’re planning a project or just want to help your clients reduce their carbon footprint. We all need to look for ways to help save our world for generations to come. Here are some web sites that can help you get more information on what’s available, or feel free to contact me directly:
http://sdge.com/business/rebatesincentives/
www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm
http://www.energystar.com/
http://www.aeiconsultant.com/
Marcel Perry
SunPro Tinting, Inc.
687 Second Street
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-753-6418
Showing posts with label window film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label window film. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Friday, August 7, 2009
Window Film: Greening the Future
by Marcel Perry, ASID Industry Partner
SunPro Glass Tinting
Huper Optic Smart Window Films
Window film was introduced in America in the 1960s to reduce glare and heat transmission problems, particularly in high-rise office buildings. Fast-forward to today, and modern high-technology window film is making a major contribution on issues unique to the twenty-first century. These new window films significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a home or commercial building, and they provide healthy levels of natural day light.
In the 1960s window, film transformed glass into mirrors. The heavily metallic film literally reflected the sun’s rays away, but at a cost to the aesthetics of the building. This old style of mirror-like film would be less acceptable today, but it was the research and development into alternative technologies that created the additional major benefits that are gained from the latest window films.
Nano-Ceramic 30 window film before and after, controlling
glare, heat and ultraviolet light.
Today, window films are available that reduce transmitted glare and heat to acceptable levels, and yet have very high transmission properties for visible light. Film manufacturers are now using nano-ceramic technology (non-reflective films) to reject up to 98 percent of infrared heat and 99.9 percent of damaging ultraviolet light. Various types of window films can help in the design and compliance of LEED projects, providing 3 to 6 points in several categories: reducing heat, saving energy required to cool buildings, reducing glare to provide a comfortable work environment, and providing a high level of transmitted light to utilize natural daylight in the work place.
Window film also meets or exceeds federal tax credit regulation. Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code, homeowners can now receive a 30 percent credit on the costs of "qualified energy-efficiency improvements," including solar control window film on windows, doors, and skylights. This tax credit applies to improvements made to a primary residence from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009. Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements, and are listed on http://www.energystar.gov/. Local gas and electric companies also provide rebates from $1.35 to $2.45 per square foot on electrical consumption of qualified window films used on commercial buildings.
Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, with energy-efficient
window film installed.
To the designer, window film can enhance a project and control fading. Designers look at a project and incorporate not only the room but the view that can be seen from the picture window in that room. Ocean views, beautiful mountains, expansive valleys and even
beautiful blue sky can enhance the décor of a home or office. When the project is completed, most clients will just end up closing the window coverings to control heat, glare, or fading. A quality window film will control all three of these problems in one application and keep that perfect room just as the designer intended for their client.
Installing nano-ceramic high heat rejection film
with excellent visible light transference.
Film manufacturers are producing films today that can meet any application, need, or problem. Films are protecting the interior design and furniture components, providing green, energy-saving alternatives, and enhancing the view of the world outside. So maybe window film deserves another look when you’re designing that project that requires a little heat control, glare control, added natural light or to help green the earth a little. Every little bit helps to preserve this planet for our children.
For more information, please contact :
Marcel Perry
SunPro Glass Tinting
Huper Optic Smart Window Films
687 Second Street
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: 760-753-6418
Fax : 760-753-1713
http://www.sunprotint.net/
SunPro Glass Tinting
Huper Optic Smart Window Films
Window film was introduced in America in the 1960s to reduce glare and heat transmission problems, particularly in high-rise office buildings. Fast-forward to today, and modern high-technology window film is making a major contribution on issues unique to the twenty-first century. These new window films significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a home or commercial building, and they provide healthy levels of natural day light.
In the 1960s window, film transformed glass into mirrors. The heavily metallic film literally reflected the sun’s rays away, but at a cost to the aesthetics of the building. This old style of mirror-like film would be less acceptable today, but it was the research and development into alternative technologies that created the additional major benefits that are gained from the latest window films.
Nano-Ceramic 30 window film before and after, controlling
glare, heat and ultraviolet light.
Today, window films are available that reduce transmitted glare and heat to acceptable levels, and yet have very high transmission properties for visible light. Film manufacturers are now using nano-ceramic technology (non-reflective films) to reject up to 98 percent of infrared heat and 99.9 percent of damaging ultraviolet light. Various types of window films can help in the design and compliance of LEED projects, providing 3 to 6 points in several categories: reducing heat, saving energy required to cool buildings, reducing glare to provide a comfortable work environment, and providing a high level of transmitted light to utilize natural daylight in the work place.Window film also meets or exceeds federal tax credit regulation. Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code, homeowners can now receive a 30 percent credit on the costs of "qualified energy-efficiency improvements," including solar control window film on windows, doors, and skylights. This tax credit applies to improvements made to a primary residence from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009. Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements, and are listed on http://www.energystar.gov/. Local gas and electric companies also provide rebates from $1.35 to $2.45 per square foot on electrical consumption of qualified window films used on commercial buildings.
Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, with energy-efficient
window film installed.
To the designer, window film can enhance a project and control fading. Designers look at a project and incorporate not only the room but the view that can be seen from the picture window in that room. Ocean views, beautiful mountains, expansive valleys and evenbeautiful blue sky can enhance the décor of a home or office. When the project is completed, most clients will just end up closing the window coverings to control heat, glare, or fading. A quality window film will control all three of these problems in one application and keep that perfect room just as the designer intended for their client.
Installing nano-ceramic high heat rejection film
with excellent visible light transference.
Film manufacturers are producing films today that can meet any application, need, or problem. Films are protecting the interior design and furniture components, providing green, energy-saving alternatives, and enhancing the view of the world outside. So maybe window film deserves another look when you’re designing that project that requires a little heat control, glare control, added natural light or to help green the earth a little. Every little bit helps to preserve this planet for our children.For more information, please contact :
Marcel Perry
SunPro Glass Tinting
Huper Optic Smart Window Films
687 Second Street
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: 760-753-6418
Fax : 760-753-1713
http://www.sunprotint.net/
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