Question:

Hello!
In a previous post you discuss how solar providers can set up lease arrangements with nonprofits, which will allow the solar provider to take advantage of the federal investment tax credit. However our accountant has advised us that the type of lease arrangement you discuss – with an option to purchase after five years – would be considered a capital lease and as such the tax credits would flow not to the solar provider but the nonprofit entity (who, of course, could not use them). This is backed up with definitions from the following website. Any thoughts?

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Question:

Dear Sirs:

We would like to get some information regarding the possible 30% grant under section 1603 for our Solar Photo Voltaic Panel power generation project in Puerto Rico. The project’s first stage size is @ 20 MW.  The project site cleanup is being addressed by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA), under authority of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The cleanup proposal has been finalized. The main concern (question) we have regarding this project is, which we would like to get answer from you is: Is this project, which will be executed in Puerto Rico (Commonwealth) is subject to receive ARRA grant of 30% cash back? It will be highly appreciated if you reply at earliest. Thank You. Best Regards,  Clark (more…)

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:

In California, if a landlord has installed solar, is she/he permitted to markup the cost of the electricity billed to the tenant? If so, are there limitations on the markup allowed? Are the rules the same for commercial properties vs residential? (I’m primarily interested in commercial.)

Signed,
Greenlord

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Question:

What is the legal process to submit an application for the Grant in Lieu of the Federal 30% ITC for solar. I am hearing all kinds of stories that you need to have an independent accountant involved for verification, etc, etc.

Would appreciate your take on this.

Thanks,
Tim Owens, Managing Partner, EDGE Energy

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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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