Question:

If a property owner is putting a new roof on their building while adding their solar system, can the cost of the roof be included in the 30% ITC credit? Additionally, if a ground mounted system requires fence, can the cost of the fence be included in the 30% ITC credit?

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Question:

I have a solar power project using Uni-Solar thin-film peel and stick solar panels applied directly to a new TPO roof structure. I want to confirm the eligibility of the new TPO roof as a solar support structure, being the Uni-Solar product is directly applied to this roofing material. I have additional counsel who have said that the cost of the roof is eligible for the federal 30% ITC or the SB1603 U.S. Treasury Grant in Lieu of the ITC, since it is used as the structure that holds the solar panel to the roof.  Is there any language I can share with our client to verify and confirm this premise? Appreciate any references you can provide. Thanks, Tim Owens

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Question:

Hi,
Good to see this service!  My company offers a range of energy efficiency products including solar electric.  A question has come up regarding whether the federal tax credit can be applied to services and products included in the contract price for a solar system and install. Specifically, we’ve heard conflicting opinions on including a new roof or part of a roof, and/or tree removal with the contract. Would we be in trouble if, hypothetically, we installed a unique looking solar system at a relatively high cost (tax credit savings go up), then paid a marketing fee back to the customer after the install for access to the project for our marketing efforts?

Yours Truly,
Solar Installer

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Question:

I recently came across this news story about a huge solar array installed in Newport Bay. Newport Beach residents say the panels on a hillside home are reflecting too much sunlight and want them moved to the roof. The owners say that the panels are staying. Stephen and Mashid Rizzone long planned on creating a fully “green” dream home and impart a legacy of environmental responsibility to their children.
Toward that end, 168 solar panels were installed in May on the back of the Rizzones’ hillside Newport Beach home, facing the northeast side of Balboa Island. And although the panels may indeed be environmentally responsible, they are also imparting a lot of glare on the island neighbors.  “I’m all for going green, and I’m not trying to stop anyone from having solar panels,” said Bob Olson, who says the porch of his Balboa Island home is now subjected to an intense glare for 2 1/2 hours a day because of the Rizzones’ solar panels. “What I don’t understand is why in the world they didn’t put the panels on the roof, where it would be more fitting with the look of the community.”  So Olson is organizing a coalition of homeowners to take action against the project, starting with a petition to have the panels moved to the Rizzones’ rooftop. If this goes to court, what form will the case take and who has the upper hand?   Signed, Squinty
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Question:

My neighbor has a tall tree in his backyard that shades the solar panels on the roof of my house. The shade from his tree is reducing the efficiency of my solar system and I’m loosing money every day that the sun shines.

Is there any law that would guarantee my rights to the sun and force him to trim/remove his tree? If not, do you have any other practical suggestions as to what I could do to protect my investment?

Signed,
Shady-in-Chicago

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