San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/08/2014 -- Southwestern Solar (http://southwesternsolar.net/), a leading provider of solar panels and other solar technology, has announced the continued availability of federal and state government tax credits and other programs designed to increase green energy usage in the United States. The company is holding a one-day event to bring people up to speed on the programs that are still available and what it takes to collect the benefits they offer. The event will also explain how using solar energy helps save the planet, reduce waste, and protect residents from rising energy costs.

The State of California has many more credits, building codes, and other programs in place to promote green energy usage than are available on the federal level. This makes solar technology even more exciting for those who own homes and businesses in the state.

"The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is a federal credit that has been extended through 2016," said John, a representative of Southwestern Solar (http://southwesternsolar.net/panel-installers/). "It allows people who have solar electric panels installed at a residence to claim a credit of 30 percent of the cost of the system. This credit is also good for solar water heating systems. Tax incentives like this are far more useful than mere deductions because they pay off regardless of whether the homeowner would ordinarily owe much tax or not."

"This is just one of the things we'll be discussing during our educational event," John continued. "We'll also talk about all of the ways states and even counties help with the costs and process of installing solar systems. Of course, we'll also offer information that allows people to live greener in other ways, such as reducing consumption and combining green energy methods to provide as much environmentally-friendly power as possible."

San Diego County, California, also provides some big incentives for using solar and other types of green energy. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that one such program targets new construction. Builders of new homes or commercial buildings that include photovoltaic, or solar, systems will enjoy a 7.5 percent discount on permit and plan check fees. The required checks will also be expedited. This offer is also available for remodeling projects.

Other states and counties have their own programs, but similar discounts can be expected. Any area that gets a lot of sun most of the year is a great candidate for solar incentives.

"Overall, both the federal government and San Diego County are very friendly towards solar and other green energy systems. Other counties and states offer similar incentives. The drive towards reduced fuel usage, lower carbon footprints, and environmentally-friendly construction and upgrades is still very much alive," said John. "It's a great time to upgrade a home or building to use solar energy."

About Southwestern Solar
Southwestern Solar is the best solar power installation company serving Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. It offers solar panels, solar water heaters, and other equipment that harnesses the sun's energy to provide clean, renewable power for homes and businesses.