Posted by VELUX Skylights on April 12, 2019

There's Never Been A Better Time To Go Solar

SKYLIGHT INNOVATIONS HEALTHY LIVING HOMEOWNER FEATURED

We've known it for years, and now it's time to face facts: the Earth could use a little help.

At VELUX, we do as much as we can - and are working to do more - to create products that support sustainable living and overall improved energy efficiency. That's why we're rolling out the Go Solar Initiative!

 

The Go Solar Initiative bundles our products that reduce energy consumption and actively fine-tune your home's climate in order to bring you more savings for taking a step in a greener direction. In other words, these products are all solar-powered, or feature solar-powered components, to help green-ify your home!

 

The Go Solar Family

So what products are featured in the Go Solar Initiative? We'll tell ya!

 

First up is the VELUX Solar "Fresh Air" Skylight. Our most refreshingly innovative skylight, the Solar "Fresh Air" Skylight features a solar panel that captures any available daylight and uses it to recharge an efficient battery-powered operator concealed within the unit. This operator is what opens and closes the skylight, which you control with a standard remote or through your smartphone using VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO. This skylight also features a rain sensor, which will automatically close the unit at the first sign of rain.

 

Next are our factory-installed, solar-powered blinds, which can be paired with VELUX Manual "Fresh Air" Skylights or Fixed Skylights as part of the Go Solar Initiative. While these skylights themselves may not be solar-powered, they can be outfitted with solar-powered versions of our blackout or light-filtering blinds. These solar shades are powered by a battery that's charged by the sun. As an added bonus, this means you don't have to worry about any wiring to install them! These blinds snap right into place and are operated with an included Intelligent Touch Remote.

 

Lastly, we have the Solar Night Light, an attachment for VELUX Sun Tunnel® Rigid Skylights. Designed to fit discreetly inside the tunnel, the Solar Night Light provides a soft, soothing light from above when natural light isn't available. It contains a series of LED lights, powered by a rechargeable battery that's charged by - you guessed it - the sun!

 

Why Now Is The Best Time To Go Solar

With all this talk of going solar, you might be wondering why? Solar products aren't new. What makes now the best time to install solar products?

 

Well, did you know that thanks to two laws signed in 2008 and 2009, you're able to receive a 30% federal tax credit on both the purchase and installation of qualifying products in renewable technologies, including solar-powered products? Because you are!

 

Unfortunately, 2019 is the last year to get 30% off the total cost of your solar-powered project. In 2020, the credit is reduced to 26%, and in 2021, it goes down to 22%. And unless some version of those laws is renewed by then, the tax credit goes away altogether in 2022.

 

If you've been on the fence about installing a skylight and want to take advantage of these savings, now is the time to act.

 

How To Go Solar Now

In order to Go Solar, you'll need to purchase and install any of the eligible products we listed above before December 31, 2021. And remember if you install solar-powered blinds with a Manual "Fresh Air" or Fixed Skylight, or the Solar Night Light with a VELUX Sun Tunnel, your tax credit is calculated by the total cost of the entire project, not just the cost of the blinds or night light. Talk about big savings!

 

Once your project is complete and the products are installed, you'll want to make sure to hang onto your receipts for the total price paid and attach them to a completed Manufacturers Certification Statement. Keep this for your records.

 

When tax time rolls around, fill out the IRS Residential Energy Efficient Property Tax Credit Form 5695, enter the tax credit calculated on your IRS Form 1040, and submit everything with your taxes. You can learn more details about the tax credit over at veluxusa.com/taxcredit, but if you have any specific questions about your taxes, a tax professional will be able to help.

 

So, wouldn't you agree it's about time you Go Solar?