Energy

Alternative energy is the way of the future

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Alternative energy is derived from natural, renewable resources, such as wind, solar and water. Not to be confused with the fact that alternative Power the only thing that is lost at the end of the global warming, global leadership, eliminates the dependency on foreign energy will create millions of jobs (Yes, also in the band of rust) and keep our lives by means of the twenty-first century.

Adour Global alternative energy indexes only businesses that are mainly in the field of alternative energy and companies that alternative Power edge to their main business is excluded.The use of alternative energy is no longer a mystery in our daily requirement for power. discover what alternative energy is and how it can help to save money and the environment.

but the true potential of this title unsaid.Solar has gone from $ 254 per watt in the 1950s to about $ 4 today. It suggests that people go to old methods of extracting energy and consumption in exchange for alleged cleaning methods such as wind, water, solar, nuclear, giant batteries, methane gas, maize (corn) oil, etc..

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of solar energy Power plants using renewable and sustainable energy sources are not burning fuels in the production of electricity, so a reduction in the emission atmosphere-. some people see of alternative energy as a joke, and I think in particular wind power generation is also occasionally.

Windmills have been proposed for power now obtained from natural gas. This type of energy derive their power constantly flowing natural energy and contain examples of hydropower, solar energy and geothermal energy.

Renewable means in such a way that its existence is not permanent. Renewable energy sources, such as biomass, small hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, tidal power and photovoltaic systems, can give you a wider free control. The first of these is the huge investment and federal law amendments which are necessary for the smart grid of renewable energy.

While we are making progress in finding new and renewable energy, we are more than halfway to our goal to move away from our dependence on the oil industry.

Wind energy is long as weak and, thanks to the location driven, impractical has been cancelled. Wind Turbines have a role in the new generation sustainable providers.Now it is important to point out that tidal, wave, solar energy and wind energy requires almost no provisional energy, as opposed to coal, oil, gas, biomass, hydrogen and all the others.”Alternative” energy sources wind, solar, water are all good, but they do not seem to confirm our addictive nature.

Global warming is a big factor in the rise of the alternative Power. alternative energy is not only cost effective and necessary for the foreign policy is also required for the domestic policy, with a view to promoting a sustainable environment and in order to prevent global warming and global catastrophe that global warming is advanced.

Global warming or not, we still need to clean this wreck of a planet. read more about existing alternative energy technologies as good as what the future energy sources can help you to efficiently power from your home or business. Living off the grid is a term used to describe people who are looking for alternative sources of energy to install and do not bind to the traditional electric power stations.

Alternative energy is the way of the future. alternative power is a future idea whose time is over.

Play safe with the help of Renewable Energy

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If we individually see this word ENERGY then we can say that “Energy is defined as the ability or the capacity to do work”. And we use energy to do work and make all movements. When we eat, our bodies transform the food into energy to do work. When we run or walk or do some work, we burn energy in our bodies. Cars, planes, trolleys, boats, and machinery also transform energy into work. Work means moving or lifting something, warming or lighting something. There are many sources of energy that help to run the various machines invented by man.”Man has discover fire by burning wood for cooking and heating which we can say one type of energy and the use of energy.

For thousands of years we only used sun, water and wind power but in todays world we are mainly depend on fossil power. As early as 4000-3500 BC, ships were running by wind energy. With the use of hydropower through water mills or irrigation systems, things began to move faster. In rural India still people are using fuel wood and dung cakes as major source of energy. Solar energy is used for drying and heating.

As industry grows, the use of energy in the form of fossil fuels began. It started with exploitation of coal to exploitation of oil. In early stage, we used coal, after that oil, and natural gas were in use as the main source of energy. Before half of century nuclear power began being used as an energy source. But as the usage increased it starts affecting environment.

Oil prices are increasing day by day because production is decreasing. And at the same time demand of the energy is also increasing and the price of natural gas, too, has risen. Therefore, Renewable Energy has grasp public, media, and political attention as a potential key to the critical concern of environment change.

There are many product projects which are commenced for constructing Renewable Energy Systems. Many companies which are in Energy business are inventing new ways to dig out Renewable Energy from renewable sources. In couple of next few years cost of oil will boost up. Oil supply may soon peak as utilization continues to grow, known supplies run out and new reserves turn out to be difficult to discover.

Prices of oil and natural gas have risen at the same time electricity is no longer chipper. If we compare Renewable Energy from wind and solar powered alternatives with available energy of oil and natural gas then no longer look so costly. Global warming, a long-range phenomenon, may not be uppermost in peoples minds during an economic downturn. Alternate energy may be costly now but will reduced to zero prices for the manufactures, so the costumer will get benefit from that also.

The most effective solution is to diversify our energy supplies at home. That means, to opening up areas to safe and environmentally responsible development and built more Renewable Energy Systems to support safe environment. Instead of paying for high prices of gas and oil imports we should use our own, clean domestic resources to fuel our own economy here like using solar and wind technologies.

Main weakness of Renewable Energy Systems is high initial cost of set up. Problem with Renewable Energy Systems is substantial investment for infrastructure to generate it. Current market of renewable energy is not as broad as gas and primary energy source has. High initial cost and scarcity of market are making Renewable Energy very costly for consumer.

Energy Psychology The Way to Overcome Irrational Fear, Anger, & Anxiety is in Your Hands

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You feel nervous about a talk you have to give this evening. But, you try a new technique you have heard about. Your fear dissolves in ten minutes and you deliver a great talk.

What caused this change? How did you overcome your irrational fear?

Every time your husband’s ex-wife appears at your home to pick up her daughter you are filled with jealousy. It makes no sense to your rational mind. This time, however, after using this new technique, you greet her with a genuine smile. You show her a new appreciation for each of your roles in your stepdaughter’s life.

What caused these changes?

You have been using Energy Psychology.

“Energy Psychology” Is One of the Most Exciting Innovations to Come From Psychotherapy in Decades!

People from many walks of life now claim that they are eliminating debilitating fears, prolonged grief, irrational jealousies, and pesky anxieties using simple Energy Psychology techniques.

Even veterans dealing with the intrusion of haunting memories, insomnia, and phobias are now getting help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that had in many instances resisted years of psychotherapy.International treatment teams are also finding that Energy Psychology is the best approach available to them for applying psychological first-aid in the field after a disaster strikes.

While these claims are extraordinary enough, what’s most surprising about Energy Psychology is how easy it is to learn and apply.

How Energy Psychology Can Help You Overcome Irrational Fear, Anxiety, Anger, and Jealousy!

Energy Psychology provides you with freedom from the grip of irrational fears and anxieties, self-defeating patterns of behavior, and kneejerk reactions to challenging situations. Energy Psychology accomplishes quickly what even the best talk therapies accomplish only slowly.

Energy Psychology draws from the principles of acupuncture, but without the use of needles. It has also been called “acupuncture for the emotions” and “acupuncture without needles.” When you use the techniques of Energy Psychology, you tap acupuncture points on your body with your fingers.

This is combined with a variety of thoughts, statements, affirmations, and various physical tasks such as humming and counting. The method ultimately sends signals to the brain that rapidly reprogram your emotional responses.

Sound strange?

Maybe, but it works. In fact, hundreds of thousands of people are reporting that it works! The tapping is believed to send signals to the brain that change your brain’s response to the situation you are visualizing. Neurological patterns that interfere with your success, happiness, and wellbeing can all be targeted.

Energy Psychology in the Clinic and in the Home

Some people learn Energy Psychology from a book. Others learn it from a class or from a therapist or other practitioner. While the tapping itself is easy to learn and can be done on your own, sound judgment in knowing where to focus your attention is critical. If you decide to learn it from a therapist or a class, then as with any health care treatment, be sure you do some investigation and find a practitioner you can trust.

An Introduction to Renewable Energy Sources

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Renewable energy is all around us.

The sun, wind, rivers, lakes, oceans, plant growth, or even the heat deep within the earth is renewable energy. Modern technology has started to harness these endless sources of power by converting these into electricity, transport fuels, and the heating of our homes and water. They have the potential to completely replace conventional fuels. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that the use of conventional fuels is the main cause of climate change. In spite of this justifying the cost of a new infrastructure is a source of heated debate. People are creatures of habit and will resist change even when it is in their best interests. Now is the time for action with the certainty that we are doing the right thing. Let any who would sow doubt be rebuked with the facts.

Using the power of moving water to generate electricity is renewable energy.

Hydroelectric dams are a form of renewable energy we are all familiar with. New technology is being developed to generate electricity from tidal and wave energy. This will create the potential of 12,380 miles of U.S coastline to selectively be put to use creating a new power supply. This is a reliable constant motion that can help solve our energy problems. It is renewable energy in pure form. The cycles of water here on planet earth were in motion long before man and will continue indefinitely.

The kinetic energy of air in motion or wind energy is also renewable energy in pure form.
It has been used for thousands of years in the form of sailboats and windmills. Now in modern times it is being used to generate electricity. Wind energy is directly affected by the topography of the land. The tops of smooth, rounded hills, open plains, shorelines, or mountain gaps that funnel the wind are the best spots for wind farms. Offshore is also excellent due to better wind speeds. Wind energy alone has the potential to supply total world demand 30 times over.

Geothermal heat within the earth is a massive renewable energy source.

It is 24 hour power and not intermittent like some other forms of renewable energy. The majority of the continental U.S. has 100 degrees Celsius under it. The western part of the country has large areas of 200 degrees Celsius apparently due to it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Enhanced geothermal systems are a newer technology that could take advantage of this huge power source. Geothermal heat has the potential to supply total world demand 1.5 times over. As technology to extract it improves its potential will increase.

Radiant heat and light from the sun or solar energy is another massive renewable energy source.
It is the source of energy that creates four other forms of renewable energy. Wind is caused by atmospheric convection which is fueled by the sun. Ocean waves are caused by the wind. Rivers are formed by precipitation caused by water evaporating due to heat from the sun. All the green and growing things depend on the energy from the sun and are the biomass we use as fuel. Solar energy has the potential to supply total world demand 4000 times over.

Optimum nutrition and energy from Marine Phytoplankton

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Marine Phytoplankton are single-celled plants that grow in the ocean. According to NASA scientists, Marine Phytoplankton are responsible for up to 90 percent of the planets oxygen, which is vital for maintaining life on both land and sea.

NASA scientists believe that around 3 1/2 billion years ago, the appearance of tiny plant-like organisms with the ability to convert sunlight,, water and minerals into protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids marked the beginning of life on planet Earth. Phytoplankton are the foundation for all other life forms and are the food utilized by the largest and longest living animals and fish. Blue whales, bowhead whales, baleen whales, gray whales, humpbacks, and right whales all eat plankton. These species live between 80 and 150 years old and maintain great strength and endurance throughout their lives.

Nearly all life in the ocean is dependent on plants. Only plants have the ability to manufacture food out of inorganic substances, such as energy from the sun. Thus all animals are dependent on plants, since animals cannot derive nutrition from inorganic substances. Being the original producers, plants form the first link in the food chain, a sequence of organisms in which each is food for the next member in the sequence.

In an article recently published in the Yale University Journal of Marine Research, the power stored chemically in the worlds phytoplankton equaled 63 billion kilowatts. Thus, marine phytoplankton is not only an incredible source of nutrition as the foundation of the food chain, but is a vitally important source of bio-energy as well. Benefits of Phytoplankton

The elements and electrolytes in plankton are almost tailor-made for the human body. It’s no coincidence that the composition of human plasma is quite similar in composition to seawater. Over reliance on land-based food sources often leads to deficiencies in micronutrients and trace elements. Our bodies need these elements to perform as nature intended.

Many people consuming Marine Phytoplankton report significantly increased levels of energy and vitality. The world renowned physicist, Dr. Fritz Popp, found that living things transmit small packets of light called photons. We are able to see the sparkling photon light produced by the phosphorescence in the ocean when the water is stirred at night. Since we are almost entire made up of water, we should only put into our bodies those foods and nutrients that have the highest quality, most positive frequency of energy.

Phytoplankton, the foundation of life in the ocean, the forerunner of life on land, and the sustainer of our atmosphere, has an extremely high energy frequency in addition to its nutritional content.

It is reassuring to know that a microscopic but highly powerful organism like marine phytoplankton contains the positive energy that we need to thrive, despite the hazards of environmental toxicity, stress and nutrient-depleted food. Our continued health may very well depend on our capacity to harness the nutritional and energy source from our oceans, and consuming properly harvested Marine Phytoplankton is an important step in the right direction.

Geothermal Energy as a Viable Green Energy Source in Near Future

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In addition to solar energy and wind energy, geothermal energy is one of the most unexplored sources of Green Energy. However, with development in technology it would become possible in near future to benefit from this free source of energy.

Geothermal energy is the heat generated in the earths crust. This is a Green Energy source that is both sustainable and clean. The resources of this form of energy include ground hot water or hot rocks found at a depth below the Earths surface. The source of the energy originated in the red hot magma present several kilometers below the surface.

Tapping Geothermal Energy

Throughout the Earths surface, the shallow ground maintains an almost consistence temperature that ranges between 50F and 60F. Geothermal heat pumps are designed for tapping this source of Green Energy for both heating and cooling buildings. This system comprises of the following components:

Heat pump
Heat exchanger
Air delivery system

The heat exchanger comprises of a network of pipes that are buried below the shallow surface close to the building.

During the winters, the heat pump takes the heat away from the heat exchanges to pump it to the air delivery system. And, during the summer season, an opposite process takes place. The heat pump takes heat from the air delivery system and transfers it to the heat exchanger. In addition, this heat removed from the indoor can also be used for heating water.

Generating Electricity

Electricity can be generated from this Green Energy source by drilling wells into the underground hot water reservoirs. Some of the power plants utilize the steam emitted from the reservoirs for running turbines or generators. And, some plants make use of the hot water for boiling a fluid to vaporize it and to turn a turbine.

If hot water is available at the surface, the heat provided by it can be used directly. The range of direct applications of this Green Energy source include:

Heating water in fish farms
Heating buildings
Nourishing plants in greenhouses
Industrial procedures like pasteurizing milk
Drying crops

Use of Hot Rock Resources

Hot rocks are found at depths between 3 and 5 miles below the surface of earth. The good thing is that these hot rocks can be found almost everywhere on the planet. This resource can be tapped in an area by dropping water into one well, allowing it to circulate through the hot rocks and then pulling the hot water out from another well. Geothermal energy is currently not being used for any commercial purposes. In addition, the current technology doesn’t allow extracting heat from the hot molten magma which is a huge resource of sustainable Green Energy.

Present Day Solar Powered Energy Put to Practical Use

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If you’ve at any time come across a field containing a large number of big magnifying mirrors directed in the direction of the sun you have been observing a solar powered energy system. These kinds of systems work to center the sun rays to one area and use it to heat up the liquid that runs through the pipes they are focused upon.

Such a mechanism will be able to heat oil which is flowing through pipes which will then be employed to heat up water and build steam. Oil is used as it can by nature preserve the heat very effectively and as a final point the steam produced may be used to pump an electrical generator in order to create electric power.

These categories of systems perform so well is mainly because the magnifying mirrors are created to harness the sun’s energy while focusing that power on to particular parts identified as receivers. The receiver absorbs heat and exchanges it into a substance like oil which helps to run the generator.

Pressure involved with heating the liquid may also be used to directly furnish propulsion to a motor. The action of heating causes the fluid to increase in size against the pistons of the powerplant which yields mechanical power. This style of energy may be used to drive such things as generators directly that will provide a source of electricity.

Some of these devices might also utilize salt water instead of oil particularly when there can be forecast gaps regarding the point in time of becoming heated and the occasion the het energy will be released. One of the many unusual attributes of salt water is its facility to keep thermal energy.

When the salt water reaches boiling point it can easily produce electrical energy by using a steam power generator and the salt can store the heat for a few days before it will have to be transformed into electric energy.

Considering that these systems use such large numbers of parabolic mirrors they are specifically used for commercial solar power where large areas of property might be dedicated to an array of reflectors. There can be enough electrical power within these types of systems to create electricity for a few days or higher. Given that these systems are so extensive they are able to allow the heat energy saved to be transmitted days later.

Through the use of these particular projects and other solar power projects we can start to recognize how solar powered energy operates and can be employed. If we observe how much power is saved making use of these mirrors we can also understand exactly how much energy is lost on a daily basis as we do not thoroughly use it properly.

Making use of focusing solar powered energy systems are beneficial to the operations that exploit them and useful to everyone by conserving various other sources of energy. Industrial solar energy can attract and capture large amounts of heat from the sun throughout the day, by employing specially manufactured mirrors which will magnify that sunlight.

Within our very own lives making use of solar power continues to be an expensive concept to put into operation. The setup expenditures remain quite high and whilst they are generally balanced out across the functional life of the mechanism if you do not possess the resources to install it then that doesn’t in fact mean anything.

Recently a lot more people have been becoming attracted to build-it-yourself residential solar energy products. The technological know-how of what it really requires to build and deploy these types of units is considerably more openly obtainable and the truth is ,building and putting in your very own solar technology system is not truly that tough if you seek out the proper advice.

Home Thermal Energy – 9 Steps To Detect And Fix Heat Loss Problems

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Whether you live in a warm or cold climate, heating and cooling account for over half of the average home energy costs. Making sure your house is adequately weatherized and insulated is your first line of defense to stopping unnecessary home thermal energy loss. It will not only save you money, but reduce pollution and slow the depletion of irreplaceable natural resources.

Some obvious signs that home thermal energy is being wasted are: general draftiness; constant frost on your windows; snow melting off your roof more quickly than other nearby homes; and high heating bills. Some not so obvious signs of home heat energy loss are: inadequate wall insulation; warm air escaping around chimneys; and heat loss through glass.

Here are 9 ways to find and correct Home Thermal Energy loss:

1. Measure insulation between the joists in your attic to determine if it meets the recommended R-value standards. To figure out the total current R-value, multiply the number of inches of loose insulation by 3.7; for fiberglass insulation, multiply by 3.1 per inch. If total amounts are substandard, you need to add more insulation to meet the standard. The recommended R-value for attics in a cold climate is R38; for a moderate climate, R26.

2. Measure the temperature in different areas of a room. A room is poorly sealed if you can detect differences in temperature of one or two degrees. Saving thermal energy in this case is as easy as upgrading the weatherstripping around doors and windows.

3. Check for drafts around windows and doors. An easy way to do this is on a windy day, hold a tissue next to the gaps where your doors and windows open and close. If the tissue flutters, your weatherstripping is inadequate, and it should be replaced or upgraded. Another heat saving idea to minimize home thermal energy loss is to look for light showing from the outside around door and window jambs.

4. Conduct a home energy audit with the assistance of your local utility company. Most power companies will provide a home energy audit kit. Some may even conduct the audit for you for a fee or in some cases, free of charge.

5. Frost buildup on windows is clear evidence of poor weatherstripping and an inadequate storm window. To inexpensively stop home thermal energy loss in this case, just upgrade the weatherstripping and add a layer of plastic sheeting on the exterior or interior side of the window.

6. Condensation or frost between windows happens when moisture builds up in the space between the window and the storm window. To save thermal energy for this problem and keep the warm, moist air on the inside, update the interior weatherstripping. Also, you need to check that there’s an outlet for moisture in the storm window. If there isn’t, you can make one by drilling one or two small holes in the lower rail of the storm window.

7. Inspect insulation and weatherstripping. What you want to check for here are signs of deterioration like crumbling foam or rubber; hardening of materials like felt or foam rubber that should be flexible; and damaged metal stripping. Replacing these materials as needed goes a long way in saving your home thermal energy and keeping your average home utility costs down.

Gary Cardone Knows A Thing Or Two About Energy

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Gary Cardone And His Contributions To The Energy Industry

Gary Cardone has been linked to the energy industry for quite a while. He has a long history with such major providers as Dynegy and Accord Energy.

After the profitable sale of Accord Energy Gary Cardone served to create Dynegy Europe which developed into one of the most productive U.S. energy companies operating in Europe. After three years of operations it had obtained 87% of the Storage of Natural Gas in great britan, had 600 staff members with power and gas positions in Germany and Holland with establishments in Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Holland.

Gary Cardone was managing director of Dynegy UK and Dynegy Europe. Cardone, who had been earlier director and gm of Energy Trading at Dynegy UK, took over responsibilities for all of Dynegy’s UK and European gas, power and crude oil trading and marketing activities and development of new business prospects.

When Gary Cardone was chosen as managing director of Dynegy UK and Dynegy Europe, Chuck Watson, chairman and chief executive officer of Dynegy, said, “We are pleased that Gary has decided to tackle the job of managing director as Dynegy moves to participate in the deregulating energy markets in Europe”

Gary did exactly that.

Cardone joined up with Dynegy in 1987 and relocated to London in 1994 in order to develop its European energy organization. The business began trading the U.K. and Scandinavian power markets.

Gary has worked in all sectors of Dynegy’s commercial activities across the US and Canada. Cardone joined Dynegy UK in 1993 and was a key component in the formation of Accord Energy, a joint venture between BG and Dynegy. When operational control of Accord was transferred to Centrica at the begining of 1997, Gary became director and general manager of Energy Trading in the recently formed Dynegy UK.

Gary Cardone ran lots of functions purchasing as well as managing gas acquisition with the North Eastern States, Gulf of Mexico and flows to California as well as imports from Canada. Left in 1993 to build up a business for NGCH in Europe.

Accord Energy was a joint venture whereby Gary was the architect of between British Gas PLC and Natural Gas Clearinghouse to exploit the inefficiencies inside gas and electric industry in britain.

Following the successful sale of Accord Energy Cardone helped make Dynegy Europe which became one of the successful U.S. energy companies doing work in Europe. After three years of operation it had acquired 87% of all Storage of Natural Gas in england, had 600 employees with power and gas jobs in German and Holland with office buildings in Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Holland.

Gary Cardone functioned as Commercial Advisor with a large Private Equity firm leading them on discovering deals on the sell and buying side. He focused on opportunity to co-invest, midstream acquisitions including pipelines, expansions, platforms, and divestments of gas and oil properties, midstream assets, and renewable assets.

Accord Energy was a joint venture that Gary Cardone was the architect of between British Gas PLC and Natural Gas Clearinghouse to take advantage of the inefficiencies within the natural gas and electric industry in great britain.

Energy Incentives for Individuals in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

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With 2010 almost over, the IRS reminds taxpayers to take advantage of the numerous tax breaks made available earlier this year in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The recovery law provides tax incentives for first-time home buyers, people purchasing new cars, those interested in making their home more energy efficient and parents and students paying for college. But all of these incentives have expiration dates so taxpayers should take advantage of them while they can.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides tax incentives for individuals to invest in energy-efficient products.

Treatment of Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit as a Personal Credit Allowed Against AMT: Starting in 2009, the new law allows the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, including the tax credit for purchasing hybrid vehicles, to be applied against the Alternative Minimum Tax. Prior to the new law, the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit could not be used to offset the AMT. This means the credit could not be taken if a taxpayer owed AMT or was reduced for some taxpayers who did not owe AMT.

Conversion Kits: The new law also provided a tax credit for plug-in electric drive conversion kits. The credit is equal to 10 percent of the cost of converting a vehicle to a qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle and placed in service after February 17, 2009. The maximum amount of the credit is $4,000. The credit does not apply to conversions made after December 31, 2011. A taxpayer may claim this credit even if the taxpayer claimed a hybrid vehicle credit for the same vehicle in an earlier year.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit: The new law also creates a special tax credit for two types of plug-in vehicles certain low-speed electric vehicles and two-or three wheeled vehicles. The amount of credit is 10% of the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum credit of $2,500 for purchases made after February 17, 2009, and before January 1, 2012. To qualify, a vehicle must be either a low speed vehicle propelled by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery with a capacity of 4 kilowatt hours or more or be a two-or three-wheeled vehicle propelled by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery with the capacity of 2.5 kilowatt hours. A taxpayer may not claim this credit if the plug-in electric drive vehicle credit allowable.

Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit: The new law modifies the credit for qualified plug-electric drive vehicles purchased after December 31, 2009. To qualify, vehicles must be newly purchased after December 31, 2009. To qualify, vehicles must be newly purchased, have four or more wheels, have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds, and draw propulsion using a battery with at least four kilowatt hours that can be recharged from an external source of electricity. The minimum amount of credit for kilowatt hours that can be recharged from an external source of electricity. The minimum amount of the credit for qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles is $2,500 and the credit tops out at $7,500, depending on the battery capacity. The full amount of the credit will be reduced with respect to a manufacturer’s vehicles after the manufacturer has sold at least 200,000 vehicles.

Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: This nonrefundable energy tax credit will help individual taxpayers pay for qualified residential alternative energy equipment, such as solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines. The new law removes some of the previously imposed maximum amount and allows for a credit equal to 30% of the cost of qualified property.

Residential Energy Property Credit: The new law increases the energy tax credit for homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their existing homes. The new law increases the credit rate to 30% of the cost of all qualifying improvements and raises the maximum credit limit to $1,500 for improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010.

The credit applies to improvements such as adding insulation, energy efficient exterior windows and energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems.

A similar credit was available for 2007, but was not available in 2008. Homeowners should be aware that the standards in the new law are higher than the standards for the credit that was available in 2007 for products that qualify as “energy efficient” for purposes of this tax credit.

For property purchased before June 1, 2009, homeowners generally can rely on the manufacturers’ certifications and Energy Star labels that were available at the time for those products. Manufacturers have been advised that they should not continue to provide certifications for property that fails to meet the new standards. The IRS has issued a notice that will allow manufacturers to certify that their products meet the new standards. Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified products qualify for a tax credit. For detailed information about qualifying improvements, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star Web site.