Fuel cells convert chemicals into electricity. They can use various fuels including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, methanol, and solid waste coupled with gasification. Benefits include:
- Reliable and consistent supply of electricity.
- Quiet operation when compared to combustion systems.
- Near zero emissions at the point of generation.
- Overall efficiencies as high as 90 percent when combined with CHP in place of combustion systems.
Current fuel cell incentives include:
- Federal 5-year MACRS and available bonus depreciation.
- 30 percent federal investment tax credit (up to $3,000/kW)
- NYSERDA programs including a capacity incentive of $1,000/kW (up to $1,500 for essential services) plus a performance incentive of $0.15/kW-hr/yr for three years.