Save energy and juice up your bottom line, 28 June 2006

This article shows amid soaring electricity prices, small firms that invest in renewable energy can qualify for subsidies, rebates and incentives. New hybrid gas-electric car that use less gas than average cars and meet an emissions standard qualify. There is a similar credit for alternative-fuel and fuel-cell cars. Meanwhile, businesses can get tax credits and state rebates by building energy-efficient offices or improving the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings. But for many small businesses, installing a renewable energy system is no small task. Eligible equipment includes geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water systems and wind energy. Some options are best incorporated in new buildings, while others can be added to an existing building. In addition, a business that is generating power from a renewable energy source can trade "Green Tags" or renewable energy certificates (RECs) in wholesale and voluntary retail markets, and reduce their energy bill significantly.