3 Smart reasons for going green on small engine

Thinking of going green? It’s a good decision: electric mowers produce zero emissions, use no gas, require very little routine maintenance, and are so quiet you can barely hear them fifty feet away. Your planet, and your customers, will thank you. So will your budget. While generally a bit pricier initially, you can pay yourself back with much lower ownership costs — and even a healthy tax credit.

Money Back in Your Pocket

Some cities have gas mower exchange programs. How do they work? You exchange your gas-powered mower for an electric model. The gas guzzler is scrapped, and you get a rebate. Usually this is between $100 and $250, depending on the retail price of the electric mower you’ve purchased.

When you opt for an electric mower with solar capability, for example, you may qualify for a 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit. No, this is not a deduction. It’s a credit, or money in your pocket.

Say that you purchase a battery for your commercial electric mower (cost: $16,800) and a solar canopy for clean, efficient energy assistance (cost: $1649). The total cost is $18,449. If you are eligible for the tax credit, you can recoup 30%, or $5535.

Now, as of current tax law, the battery itself is not considered renewable energy because you can charge it with grid electricity. The tax credit comes in when you charge it with renewable energy, such as a solar canopy.

Credits can significantly reduce the upfront costs of purchasing an electric lawn mower. But don’t forget about the ongoing savings. Switching can save you about $8 per hour of operation. If you mow four hours a day, that’s $32. Not too bad for a day’s work, and it quickly adds up over the course of the years that your durable mower will provide service.

Making the switch to electric is a smart move in more ways than one. From saving the environment to saving money, your electric mower will deliver a terrific return on investment.

If you're interested in learning more about the green solutions when it comes to small engine, give Laing Industries a call at 607-755-9776.