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  • 1.  Accountant specializing in community solar

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 12-22-2022 10:51 AM
    Hi all,

    I am writing to see if there is a CPA\Accountant that you are aware of who specializes in community solar projects?
    Someone reached out to me as they are building one in Arkansas and need to talk with someone who understands all of the tax implications.

    Thank you,
    Ella


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    Ella Nielsen
    Membership & Engagement Manager
    American Solar Energy Society
    Boulder CO
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  • 2.  RE: Accountant specializing in community solar

    Posted 12-24-2022 02:13 AM

    Hello Ella,

    This is not a direct answer to your question; but, rather some advice to pass along to the inquirer and anyone else who may be befuddled by the accounting and tax incentives of solar.  Most of our readers who participate in this ASES Forum probably know of the website Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® - DSIRE .  This is a federally funded database created and managed by the North Carolina State University.  It is robust and up-to-date.  You enter your project zip code and all the incentives (federal, state, local, utility, etc.) are itemized for a quick summary with links to more detailed information.  Yes, the latest federal legislation is included as are incentives for PASSIVE design.

    Now for the advice.  Asking an accountant to explain the tax code pertinent to renewable strategy (solar / energy-star / EV / wind / hydro / utility / passive) is simply backward - the cart before the horse so to speak.  If the accountant (tax expert or novice) has any experience their answer will be, "show me the numbers."  This process begins with federal tax forms that are identified in the DSIRE data.  The state forms usually follow federal when applicable.  Dealing with the utility is a whole separate paper chase.  So what's the point?  The buyer has to understand at least the parameters of incentives in order to know what to prepare and what records are necessary for the accountant.  An informed buyer is a better client.  If this is a budgeting exercise and the inquirer has a few hundred to throw at the accountant to explore feasibility, well that's great.  Professional fees are an itemized deduction.

    If one needs to know the financial parameters start with the DSIRE web site.



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    [Dennis] [Garde AIA, LEED AP]
    [OMTC, NEC Ankara, Turkey]
    [US Dept. of State / OBO]
    [Savannah] [GA]
    [Dennis.Garde@gmail.com]
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  • 3.  RE: Accountant specializing in community solar

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 12-25-2022 11:55 PM
    Thanks so much, Dennis! This is incredibly helpful. I really appreciate your insight and advice.

    All the best,
    Ella

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    Ella Nielsen
    Membership & Engagement Manager
    American Solar Energy Society
    Boulder CO
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