Here is list of Missouri representatives that we need to contact for supporting tax incentives for home owners in Missouri. Missouri's neighbors - such as Illinois, has 30% state rebate for using Solar Power (Solar Energy Rebate program). An example for comparison between Missouri and Illinois: St Louis county Vs St Clair county. You go to the Solar Estimator web site and put in the state, county and electric company information, then enter your average monthly electricity cost (we used $250.00). I used Ameren for both and here is the results: IL = Installation cost $90,000, IL State rebate = $10,000 Fed tax credit = $2,000, Net cost $78,000; MO = Installation cost $121,500, MO state rebate = $0.00, Fed tax credit = $2,000, Net cost $119,500 (view comparison file). This is a Hugh difference in cost and NO help from our Missouri government. We need to change this! Write, email your MO representatives.
Wisconsin has rebate programs for renewable energy and for Energy Star products. Arkansas has "Net-Metering" - Credited at retail rate to customer's next bill; granted to utility at end of 12-month billing cycle. Iowa has Loan Program, that helps provide low interest loans to individuals and organizations who want to build alternate energy production facilities in Iowa. Kentucky and Tennessee has different programs set up to help their residents.
What can Missouri residents expect from their state for using renewable energy - go to DSIRE to find out - DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The state of Missouri does 5% Net-Metering, but NO Tax Incentives, Rebates, or Low Cost Loans. Our state representatives can do better then that for the citizens of this great state. We need to use renewable energy and get off the oil gluttony from the Middle East. We need to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our environment for us today and our children's children tomorrow.
What can we do in Missouri - start reading about "Green Living" from the Internet or books at your library. We can do simple things like turning off lights that we don't use or after leaving a room. Don't leave the water running while shaving or brushing your teeth. Start buying Energy Star appliances, use renewable energy, purchase economical vehicles and many, many other things. Also, VOTE for those Missouri representatives that are helping us to live more environmentally aware and use renewable energy sources.