Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

Cardoza’s bill would extend and increase tax credits for solar installation on residential and commercial properties. It would also establish a Center for Advanced Solar Research, which would encourage research and development of solar technologies and provide for a competitive grant program for academic institutions involved in advanced solar research, such as U.C. Merced.

“I have introduced this bill and installed solar panels on my own home because I believe alternative energy sources such as solar are absolutely critical for the future of our economy and national security,” said Cardoza. “In addition to the obvious environmental benefits of alternatives, the Central Valley’s economy stands to benefit greatly from the growing solar technology industry. U.C. Merced has some of the worlds’ top minds in this field – I am confident the Valley will lead the way forward in this next generation of energy technology.”

“Empowering America Act”

Extending and Increasing Tax Credits

Current law: Tax credits can be given for qualified solar installations on residential property up to a maximum of $2000.  Credits are set to expire on December 31, 2007.

Cardoza bill:

• Modifies the credit to increase as more solar energy is produced. 
• New credit would provide $2000 per ½ kW of capacity and would be extended to December 31, 2015. 
• Retains the tax credit for solar water heaters ($2000) and fuel cells ($500 for each ½ kW).

Solar Rights

Current law: While a number of states have protections for solar homeowners, very few regulations exist at the federal level to preserve homeowner’s abilities to install solar power equipment.

Cardoza bill:

• Prohibits Homeowners Associations from preventing solar installations
• Requires that any permit and/or application for solar installations be treated as any other routine architectural modification.
• Permits for solar installations may not be willfully avoided or delayed.
• Permit fees must be reasonable for solar installations or Community Development Block Grant monies to cities and counties could be affected.

Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program

Current law: Federal government coordinates and funds programs to the states to give rebates to customers who purchase “Energy Star” appliances.  The current program expires in 2010 and is funded at $50 million/year.

Cardoza bill:

• Extends “Energy Star” rebate program to 2015

Center for Advanced Solar Research.

• Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Center for Advanced Solar Research within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to carry out an advanced solar research and development program in order to coordinate and promote the further development of solar technologies.
• Funded at $250 million per year over 5 years