Autumn is shaping up to be just as busy as summer has been. Kelly is chained to the desk working on the system designs we'll be installing soon. As ever, we're struggling to keep up with demand and relying on our clients' abundance patience and unwavering commitment to renewable energy.

WSW is hoping to add a new designer/project manager to the staff in November. With this addition, we'll be able to catch up our backlog of waiting projects and go into 2008 fully staffed and raring to go.

The tour runs from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can begin your local exploration at the Whidbey Sun & Wind office -- 987 Wanamaker Rd, Coupeville. From 525/20 that's west on Wanamaker (toward the Keystone ferry), veer right and continue on Wanamaker when the opportunity presents itself, and then straight on. We're at the intersection of Wanamaker Rd & Fort Casey Rd. For customized, printable directions from your location, click the interactive map on our 'about us' page. Visit the Washington State Solar Tour site for information about tour sites, directions, and maps.

Currently, the federal government offers a 30% tax credit up to $2,000 for the purchase and installation of residential solar electric and/or solar hot water systems. If someone installs both solar electric and solar hot water systems, she's eligible for a 30% credit for each or as much as $4000 total.

Keep an eye on HR 550/S 590, Securing America's Energy Independence Act of 2007. If passed as introduced, it would allow $1500 in tax credit per half kilowatt of system capacity of an installed PV system. The current $2000 tax credit cap would be lifted and excess credit could be carried over to the following tax year. This program would run through December 2016. These credits would apply to systems installed in 2007 and beyond. The existing $2000 tax credit for a solar hot water system would also be extended through 2016. You can check on congressional activity at the Library of Congress' Thomas server. Currently S 590 has 18 cosponsors, including Maria Cantwell. The bill is in the Senate Finance Committee. HR 550 has 116 cosponsors (5 from WA) and is in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Washington State has taken a very progressive stance toward promoting renewable energy. First and foremost, purchase and installation of PV, solar hot water, and wind are sales tax exempt. This exemption expires in June of 2009 unless extended. In addition, Washington State has legislated a production incentive program. This is administered in our area by PSE. Incentives range from 12 cents to 54 cents per kilowatt-hour generated. PSE customers pay about 8 cents per kilowatt-hour when we purchase electricity, but we have the potential to earn 1.5 to 7 times that much production incentive. This program will expire in June 2014 unless extended.

Check out the DSIRE database links from our incentive page to get detailed information on federal and state incentives.

Finally, people with grid-tied PV systems have the opportunity to earn an additional 5 cents per kilowatt-hour from the sales of Green Tags. Green Tags (also known as Renewable Energy Credits) represent the non-power attributes of the home-PV-generated electricity fed back into the grid -- the CO₂ and other emissions that are not being released into the air because electricity is being generated cleanly. People commonly purchase these credits to support renewable energy or to use as carbon offsets. Green Tag sales are administered by Cascade Solar Consulting. Contracts run for 5 years. If you find the concept of Green Tags/Renewable Energy Credits confusing -- and you wouldn't be alone -- check out Cascade Solar's Green Tag FAQ.

As you would expect, considerable paperwork is involved in applying for the various incentives. Never fear! Lori handles the paper pile-up for systems purchased from and installed by WSW; however she will not do your taxes.

11^th Annual Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour, Sept 29 & 30

Website: www.whidbeyopenstudiotour.org
Indulge your senses, receive inspiration, and enjoy exceptional conversation as you visit with Whidbey Island artists in their studios. All proceeds fund grants and scholarships for Whidbey artists so you can sustain our art community as well.

Learn a new language at NW Language Academy

French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Japanese lessons are all available without having to leave the Island. Check out the NWLA website for class schedules and information.

Take a hike!

Whidbey has trails covering widely varied terrain, from mellow meanders to strenuous climbs. Return to an old favorite or visit Whidbey in Motion for printable maps of Island trail systems waiting to be explored.

Visit sacred spaces

Have you ever been to Earth Sanctuary? Walk the labyrinth. Meditate in a stone circle. Be present. Online at www.earthsanctuary.org

Indulge in a few quality moments

Make yourself a soothing cup of tea or a rich mug of cocoa and curl up with a good book. Daydream. Sit in a garden and engage all your senses. Bake a loaf of bread. Slow cook a stew. Laugh with a child. Visit with a neighbor.