Prospective Markets for Lighthouse Solar Franchising
Prospective Markets
With increasing demands for solar energy in the U.S., there isn't a better time to get into the solar business and be a part of the solution. Lighthousesolar works only with the latest innovations in the solar technology, providing more efficient solar panels that are substantially easier to install, maintain and monitor. With a proven business model we provide our solar franchisees with the power of group purchasing, supply chain management and turnkey solutions.
Lighthousesolar is strategically poised for domestic expansion into markets where solar energy is supported by state and municipal governments. The states in green represent markets that we are currently looking to expand to:
Click on your state to see respective market details
California
Lighthousesolar currently has three offices in California that service the Diablo Valley, Central Valley, and Orange County areas. California has an established reputation for being a leader in policies that encourage renewable energy practices. Lighthousesolar has extensively researched the market policies and regulations in the state. Additionally, the Lighthousesolar business model has proved itself resilient in the California market. If you are interested in starting a solar business in the San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz/Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Palm Springs, or Palm Desert, areas Lighthousesolar has the tools necessary to succeed in the California market. Also if you are interested in an area that is not listed, Lighthousesolar would be more than willing to explore the possibilities with you.
Connecticut
Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics and other Solar Electric Technologies are eligible for federal and state tax incentives that cut the cost of installation. The state of Connecticut offers an upfront rebate through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. For Solar PV systems up to 10 kW, you can receive $1.75/W DC for the first 5 kW and then $1.25/W DC for the remaining 5 kW. The maximum rebate is $15,000.In 2007 Connecticut passed a sales and use and property tax exemption for solar energy equipment and geothermal resource systems for commercial and residential properties. With a host of rebates, grants, and other incentives Connecticut is at the forefront solar.
Delaware
Delaware Green Energy Fund is one of the most progressive bills passed in the state. In 2007 legislature amended the 2005 Renewable Energy Standard so that 2% of renewable energy must be solar power. The majority of Delaware's solar incentives come from the Green Energy Fund. Delaware also provides Green Energy Program Incentives. A solar energy business could be very successful in this region. Call us today to find out more information about business opportunities in Delaware.
Hawaii
The solar energy incentives are one of the most generous across the board. Currently Hawaii generates about 90 percent of it's energy usage from fossil fuels and they also pay some of the highest prices because the resources are not available on the island. The state of Hawaii offers a rebate of 35 percent of installed costs. HECO also offers a feed in tariff that will make solar energy even more accessible to residents in the area and will put Hawaii on their way to their goal of generating 70 percent of it's resources through renewables by 2030. Lighthousesolar currently has a franchise operating in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Call Lighthousesolar to get more information on franchise opportunities in Hawaii.
Ohio
Ohio has favorable market conditions for solar as the Ohio Department of Development has established a generous rebate program of $3.00/W DC up to $25,000 for residential systems and $3.50/W DC for systems greater than 10kW up to $150,000. With generous incentives and favorable market conditions, Ohio offers an awesome business opportunity to enter the exciting and dynamic solar industry. Lighthousesolar is interested in expanding to the Ohio solar market and would be happy to talk about venture opportunities.
Louisiana
In the wake of the Gulf oil spill, sentiment in Louisiana is becoming increasingly receptive to sources of energy that do not threaten other valued natural resources and industries such as coastline, tourism, and fisheries. The Louisiana Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to vote in June on a plan to create the framework for a state renewable portfolio standard (RPS). Louisiana already has the most generous tax incentive in the nation for solar PV with a 50% state tax credit on-top of the 70% federal tax credit. Better-yet, if the state tax credit is in excess of someone’s tax liability, the state will pay the difference in the form of a refund check. If a state RPS is passed requiring utilities to add more renewable such as solar PV to the grid, Louisiana will be further bolstered to support a thriving solar market. Lighthousesolar would like to position itself to take advantage of the growing market in Louisiana and would be excited to talk with you about business opportunities in this developing market.
Maine
Legislature voted to renew the Solar Rebate Program for Maine through 2010. the State Rebate Program reimburses residents and businesses up to $7,000 for installing a solar electricity system and up to $1,250 for a solar thermal system. This means the state rebate will cover 25% of the cost of the equipment and installation. Additionally there is the Voluntary Renewable Resources Grant. Call Lighthousesolar today to find out more information about solar franchise opportunities in Maine.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a long list of incentive and rebate programs that encourage energy efficiency and alternative energies including a personal state tax credit of 15%. There is also a 30% Federal Tax Credit. Additionally, the Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance will actually pay you a little for every kilowatt-hour produced. Lighthousesolar is eagerly looking to start a business in this area to take advantage of attractive solar energy incentives.
Missouri
In 2008, Missouri passed Proposition C effectively creating the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS). The Missouri RPS mandates that AmerenUE, Kansas City Power and Light, KCPL-Greater Missouri Operation Company, and the Empire District Electric Company provide customers 2% of their energy from renewable sources by 2011 and 15% by 2021. On June 8, 2010 the Missouri Public Utilities Commission finalized the rules for implementation of the RPS and an incentive program to help the state achieve its goals. These include a 2% solar energy set-aside each year, a SREC market, and a generous $2/W DC upfront rebate. The rebate program is scheduled to be implemented this fall. This will spur the conception of a thriving solar market in Missouri. Lighthousesolar has experience and knowledge in REC markets such as the one that has been created in Missouri. We would be excited to explore the business possibilities with you about entering the exciting solar industry in Missouri.
Minnesota
In 2006 the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a renewable energy bill that would require all utility providers to generate at least 25% of their total energy from wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable sources by 2025. A Solar Choice Program is offered by some local utility companies. Xcel Energy, one of the leading utility companies in Minnesota funds the PV Rebate Program. This absorbs some of the up-front cost of solar electric systems. Rebates of $2 per watt DC up to $20,000 per system are available to all grid-connected electrical customers.
New Jersey
New Jersey has one of the fastest growing markets for solar PV in the United States. Additionally it is one of the largest states in terms of installations and installed capacity, second only to California. In 2001, with only 6 solar installations in the state, New Jersey established a model program and integrated an approach to solar development which included: a strong Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) with a solar electric set-aside that has helped create sustainable demand and investor confidence in the market; excellent interconnection and net metering standards that have made it easier for systems to connect to the distribution system and be compensated for their contribution; and an SREC financing model that provides energy credits and additional long term financing for those who invest in solar. As a result more than 5200 solar projects exist throughout the state.
The second state rebate funding cycle for 2010 which opened on May 3, 2010 received an overwhelming amount of applications due to the encouraging incentives in the state. On the first day of the funding cycle, 1,110 applications had been submitted and in only three days the entire allocated budget for the funding cycle had been applied for. Currently funding has been postponed until the New Jersey PUC reviews the program budget to see if it can support the applications that were received prior to the postponement notice. On June 18, 2010 the Office of Clean Energy plans to make recommendations for additional program funding or potential changes to the program. Nonetheless, funding cycle 3 is scheduled to open September 1, 2010. Lighthousesolar is interested to be an established solar business in this fast developing market when the program resumes in September.
New York
While New York already has a solar incentive framework ($1.75/W DC), currently the state is working to pass a comprehensive solar jobs bill that is estimated to add $20 billion dollars to the state economy and approximately 22,000 jobs. Lighthousesolar currently has an office in New Paltz, NY and is interested in expanding within the state. If you are interested in entering the exciting solar industry, New York may be a great up-and-coming market to look into.
Vermont
The state of Vermont offers several different types of rebates. Businesses are granted a 30% state tax credit with a solar system. Green Mountain Power offers a performanced based incentive that runs over time and the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund has an upfront rebate for residential and commercial systems. Vermont also allows solar energy to be exempt from all sales tax and in some areas property tax. Lighthousesolar would love to explore franchise opportunities in Vermont.
Texas
Currently Lighthousesolar is franchised in Austin, Texas but are eagerly looking to expand to other regions of the state. The state of Texas has a large variety of incentive and rebate programs that position this area for significant growth in the energy industry. San Antonio CPS offers a variety of generous solar energy rebates as well as performance based incentives that earn money over time. To learn more about solar energy business opportunities in Texas, call a Lighthousesolar representative.