Author Archives: Becky Brandborg
Missoula Clean Energy Expo, Saturday, October 20, 2018
Saturday, October 20, 201811am – 3pm
Caras Park Pavilion
Get plugged in to the clean energy revolution!
This free event will showcase local solar and renewable energy opportunities and businesses, energy efficiency, and other efforts that will help move our community to 100% clean electricity.
Day of activities:
- Noon: “Solar-ease” workshop + meet solar installers
- 1pm: Release of 100% Clean Electricity for Missoula draft “Options Report”
- Mayor Engen, Amy (Climate Smart), Chase (City of Missoula). Panel discussion: Climate commitments and energy policy in Missoula & Montana, with Missoula FCU, MEIC, and more
- 2pm: “Virtual tour” of Missoula’s cool green buildings and homes
- Meet green businesses and non-profits + learn how to go zero waste and save energy
- Family-friendly activities – including pumpkins!
- Take the 0-50-100 pledge
Missoula’s Clean Energy Expo
Saturday, October 20, 201811am – 3pm
Caras Park Pavilion
Get plugged in to the clean energy revolution!
Climate Smart Missoula is excited to host the first annual Missoula Clean Energy Expo, Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Caras Park.
This free event will showcase local solar and renewable energy opportunities and businesses, energy efficiency, and other efforts that will help move our community to 100% clean electricity.
Sponsored by: City of Missoula Energy and Climate Action, Climate Smart Missoula, Montana Renewable Energy Association, Missoula Federal Credit Union
REAP 25% Renewable Energy Grants Deadline Approaching
Do you own a small business in Montana (outside the city limits of Missoula)? The USDA Rural Development, REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) offers up to 25% grants for total eligible project costs, as well as loan guarantees. Partnered with the 30% federal tax credit your savings really add up.
This program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers.
Application Deadline:
- Grants of $20,000 or less: October 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019;
- Unrestricted Grants (up to $500,000): March 31, 2019;
- Loan Guarantees are competed continuously throughout the year.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to invest in the long term health of your business with an investment in solar energy and energy savings.
Call Dan for a free solar consultation today 406-541-8410.
Missoula Solar home on National Solar Tour
Missoula Solar home on National Solar TourWhen: Saturday October 6th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: 5860 Kerr Drive Missoula, MT
For more than two decades, The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has organized and delivered the largest grassroots solar event in the U.S., the National Solar Tour.
Solar open houses are a chance to visit homes and see local renewable energy in action!
Visit solar open house on the Tour to learn about:
Reducing electricity costs;
Supporting energy independence;
Protecting against power outages;
Reducing carbon emissions; and
Much more!
Have you ever considered installing solar panels on your home, cabin, or business? Call Dan today for more information 406-381-5643 and get a free solar estimate today.
Financing Solar – Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Montana Department of Environmental Quality offers $0 down, low-interest loans for solar and other alternative energy systems. Call 406-444-6586 or click here for details.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality offers $0 down, low-interest loans for solar installations and other alternative energy systems to individuals, small businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities. For details about the Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program, call 406-444-6586, or click here.
Federal Tax Credits
Residential 30% Renewable Energy Credit (thru 2019)This tax credit is applicable for all primary and secondary private homes. It includes all associated costs, such as installation and electrical work.
State (Montana) Tax Credits
Montana State provides a 500.00 per tax payer tax credit, or 1000.00 per couple for your solar installation.
Financing your Solar Electric System
Financing your Solar Electric System
Have you been considering installing a solar electric system on your home or business? Missoula Federal Credit Union now offers 4.5% interest rates on solar electric installations.
- Really Easy to Use
- Unsecured
- Fast
- No Prepayment Penalties
- Apply online
- Apply by phone at (406) 523-3300
Begin the process now and take advantage of the 2018 Federal Tax Credit and State Tax Credit. Planning now ensures future savings.
Loans
Missoula Federal Credit Union offers two loan options: Solar Home Equity Loan or Unsecured Solar Loan
Federal Tax Credits
Residential 30% Renewable Energy Credit (thru 2019)This tax credit is applicable for all primary and secondary private homes. It includes all associated costs, such as installation and electrical work.
State (Montana) Tax Credits
Montana State provides a 500.00 per tax payer tax credit, or 1000.00 per couple for your solar installation.
Solar Energy Grants for Non Profit Organizations
Does your Non Profit qualify for a solar electric grant?
This is an awesome investment in the long term sustainability of your organization.
If your non-profit is interested in assistance with the grant application call Dan today. 406-541-8410.
Proposal information is included in the Anywhere Library Example and the application requirements.
Grants are awarded twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Next Deadline November 1, 2018.
The 5 criteria used to rank proposals are as follows:
- Non Profit
- Geographic Location
- Participant Match ( at least 10%)
- Educational Value
- System Maintenance
Wild Rose Emu Ranch Solar Electric System
You will often find Clover Quinn at the Hamilton Farmers Market on Bedford St from 9:00 – 12:30 on Saturdays in the summer. Clover is very excited about her solar electric system. “Last month our electric bill was $50.04. That includes the base rate of $46.00.” Clover smiles, “Who would have dreamed we would eagerly await our electric bill in the mail.”
You can also find Wild Rose Emu Ranch products at https://www.wildroseemuranch.com/.
Invest in your own Solar Electric System Today. SBS Solar Can Help
- 30% federal tax credit still available in 2018.
- State tax credit, $500.00 per tax payer makes this a great time to invest for the long term.
- 3.25% State of Montana DEQ Loans
- Missoula Federal Credit Union offers two loan options: Solar Home Equity Loan or Home Energy Loan
- For Small Businesses and Agricultural Producers in eligible areasUSDA Rural Development, REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) offers up to 25% grants for total eligible project costs, as well as loan guarantees.
Call SBS Solar today for your free solar estimate. 406-541-8410.
Lifeline Produce Bitterroot Valley Montana Goes Solar
Lifeline Produce has been growing quality organic produce in the Bitterroot Valley since 1978. In 2018 Lifeline added a 11.4 kW Solar electric system.