Regulatory Framework for Solar Water Thermal (Law 20,365)

Voted in November 2009, the Regulatory Framework for Solar Thermal provides solar water heater (SWH) constructors with a tax rebate programme, valid until 2013. The law also establishes a technical standard and certification systems.

Construction companies and housing developers incorporating solar systems producing at least 30% of a household's annual hot water demand are eligible for tax credits. They can also apply for a total or partial deduction, from the provisional payments included in their Income Tax, of the cost of the solar heater water system (device and installation). Tax deductions are progressive according to the value of the household property (construction and terrain), with low-income projects receiving the highest exemption rates. Properties of a value below UF 2,000 (Unidades de Fomento (UF) is the inflation-adjusted accounting currency) benefit from a tax deduction of the total amount of the SWH device, properties of a value ranging from UF 2,000 and 3,000 benefit from an deduction worth 40% of the systems cost while properties that worth between UF 3,000 and UF 4,500 are guaranteed a 20% deduction. Since August 2010, construction firms can claim for 100% deduction of the solar home system device installation cost on homes worth up to UF 4,500, which is equivalent to USD 176000.

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