Q Is there any tax benefit to installing energy saving devices in my home, such as special windows or solar devices?

A “New in the 2006 tax year, taxpayers are eligible for two credits, the non-business energy property credit and the residential energy efficient property credit, if you made energy saving improvements to your home,” said Marion Thompson, a certified public accountant and member of the Maryland Society of Accountants.

The non-business credit applies to: new insulation material designed to reduce energy, exterior windows or doors, geothermal heat pumps, a metal roof made to reduce heat gain, or a natural gas hot water boiler, among other things.

“You may be able to take the residential energy efficient property credit if you paid for any of the following during 2006: qualified photovoltaic property, solar water heating property or qualified fuel cell property,” Thompson said.

Thompson said to remember that you must adjust the taxed value of your home by the amount of any credits allowed.