Alternative energy is all the rage after the State of the Union speech by President Bush. If you live in Illinois, you should know that there are already rebate programs available.

What makes you a discount for the use of alternative energy in Illinois

Discounts for using alternative energy platforms are handled under the renewable energy program. The program is designed to motivate Illinois residents to use> Alternative energy sources through financial incentives in the form of discounts to those who adapt their energy consumption.

The program of renewable energy is a bit ', but the new rules came into force January 1, 2006. Under the rebates set to go solar time, perhaps up to $ 10,000 qualify for solar thermal systems and up to 30 percent of the cost of solar systems. These new rebates, however, have a limited duration. You must apply for one or both before 30 April 2006.

Enter these healthy rebates, there are some requirements to be met. First, you need to be justified. Right holders including individuals, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and universities. Must be a customer of a distribution company, which means that you can have a discount of living energy network or structure since the rebates are designed to move customers to the utility of the instrument should not> Energy.

Solar panel systems are typically used to produce electricity. If you go with a solar panel system requirements are very simple. The system must be supported by Underwriters Laboratories, a fairly common certification throughout the solar industry is approved. The system must also have a nominal capacity of 800 watts for production.

Solar thermal systems to produce heat, often in the form of hot water. If you go with a solar heating system for your Alternative energy needs, must be of the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or similar certification is approved. The system must be at least 50,000 BTU a day to produce, or have at least 60 square feet of collectors. Put simply, we have a system of size 8 x 8 meters. If the system uses a pool, you can only get a rebate if the pool is available to the public for regular use.

While President Bush surprised many by highlighting> Alternative energy platforms in his recent speech. Unfortunately, Illinois, is already under way along the road.