Ohio Patent of the Month – April 2021
Adding solar panels to the roof of houses has become increasingly common as people seek out environmentally and cost friendly energy sources. However, the method of actually attaching these solar panels to the roof provides some limitations. Roofing might need upgrades to support the additional weight, bolts might reduce the watertight seal the roof provides, and the supports can rust over time. Garland Industries, Inc. has designed a new roofing system to attach solar panels that removes these limitations.
This design works well for flat or slanted roofs as well as the side of a house. The connection method involves strips of connection material which are applied to the bottom surface of the solar panel. If two strips are applied to the solar panel, then two strips are applied equidistant on the roof. The method of connecting the strips to the roof and solar panel can vary – using adhesives, staples, nails or other options. The solar panels are then aligned along the roof so that the strips on each match up. To actually connect these two connection strips together, an adhesive is applied on both top surfaces of connection strips. This simple double sided adhesion method is designed to be durable, lightweight and compatible with a variety of roof and solar panel types. This connection system helps to make solar panels a more accessible purchase for homeowners.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
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What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
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Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/
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