If you install an alternative energy device in your Idaho residence, you may deduct a portion of the amount actually paid or accrued (billed but not paid).

In the year the device is placed in service, you can deduct 40% of the cost to construct, reconstruct, remodel, install, or acquire the device, but not more than $5,000.

In the next three years after installation, you can deduct 20% of these costs per year, but not more than $5,000 in any year.

Qualifying devices include the following:

• A system using solar radiation, wind, or geothermal resource primarily to provide heating or cooling, electrical power, or any combination thereof
• A fluid-to-air heat pump operating on a fluid reservoir heated by solar radiation or geothermal resource but not an air-to-air heat pump unless it uses geothermal resources as part of the system
• A natural gas or propane heating unit that replaces a noncertified wood stove
• An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified wood stove or pellet stove meeting the most current industry and state standards that replaces a noncertified wood stove

A noncertified wood stove is a wood stove that doesn't meet the most current EPA standards. The noncertified wood stove must be taken to a site authorized by the Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) within 30 days from the date of purchase of the qualifying device.

The natural gas or propane heating unit, the EPA-certified wood stove, or pellet stove must be installed the same tax year that the nonqualifying wood stove is turned in to the DEQ.