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Residential Solar PV Rebate Program
(program specifics will be updated/finalized by June 1)
TNCC has partnered with San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) and the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) to offer a Residential Solar Rebate Program. The rebate program will be available beginning on June 1, 2008 to residents throughout the SMPA service territory. Rebates will be distributed equally throughout the region and will be issued throughout 2008 until funding is exhausted. Applications must be submitted by the installer. To assist the installers with this program, the following will be available soon:
- Installer information flier
- Rebate form
PV basics:
Once energy efficiency has been optimized, grid-tied, net-metered solar photovoltaic (PV) systems offer an elegant option for most households to further offset their electricity costs. Grid-tied PV systems allow the owner to send excess energy back into the grid and also benefit the owner by mitigating the susceptibility to fluctuations in the price of electricity. In addition, distributed solar electric systems decrease the demand for electricity generated from centralized fossil fuel plants, which leads to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Program Parameters and Requirements for Participation
Resident eligibility requirements - Homeowners must be a customer of San Miguel Power Association. Systems must be installed at the applicant's primary, year-round residence. SMPA will strive to award the GEO matching rebates based on an equitable geographic distribution of projects throughout our service territory. Consideration of time of application will be considered, but will not be the priority criteria in determining who is awarded. Some consideration may be given to the issue of financial need.
IInstaller eligibility requirements - Installers must have a history of successful PV projects that have been operational for at least a year or have been working with a qualified installer who has done the same. They must submit proof of these prior projects if requested. We encourage installers to have NABCEP certification, CoSEIA training, or SEI solar PV course completion. Installers must provide a 5-year system warranty to the customer.
System installation requirements - System orientation parameters should be determined by each installer based on local conditions. Minimum projected production of systems of no less than 90% of optimum orientation output as calculated with the assistance of the PVWATTS program (link provided below) is recommended. Technical assistance with determining appropriate local orientation may be obtained through the Program Administrator’s Technical Advisory Panel. Contact Program Administrators if assistance is needed.
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/codes_algs/PVWATTS/version1/US/Colorado/
Rebate awards – To simplify the application process, rebates will be issued directly to installers. Homeowners will see the rebate as a direct discount on their system cost. Rebates will be offered at $2.00 per watt with a limit of $3,000.
Renewable Energy Credits - The rebated portion of a PV system’s Renewable Energy Credits will be signed over to San Miguel Power as part of the customer submittal of application for the matching grant program.
Energy audit requirements and eligible auditing entities - To meet the homeowner awareness and educational goals of this grant, one of the following is required to be performed prior to system installation:
- The solar provider must do a basic home energy assessment and provide a report to the homeowner and a copy to TNCC with the rebate application submission.
- An energy audit will be done by a HERS certified rater, with a report provided to both the homeowner and with the rebate application.
System documentation for rebate eligibility - A full application package from the installer will include the following information, allowed to be submitted in two stages. Application Completion must be completed within a 90-day period from point of application, or the rebate will be denied and rotated to the next selected project. Rebates will not be awarded or paid until the system has been completed, inspected and is operating.
Note: SMPA uses the Colorado State electrical inspector to provide inspection and approval of any renewable grid tied generation project prior to SMPA placing the meter and energizing the facility.
Details of these forms will be worked out through discussions with regional solar providers, prior to program implementation.
First stage
- Basic homeowner information, including name, contact info, address, etc.
- Proof of installer eligibility (upon request)
- Copy of the home energy audit report
- Proof of purchase (copy of invoice with amount rebated to customer, copy of the deposit paid, brief system description including system size & capacity)
- Financial need document??
Second stage
- System certification form, signed by homeowner and installer, stating satisfaction with completed system installation
- Pictures of installed system (front & back of panels, storage tank, controls)
- Proof of system size & capabilities (copy of manufacturer data)
- Proof of 5-year warranty of system
- Signed awareness of an understanding and willingness to comply with the GEO’s Installation Verification requirement (form download available soon)
SMPA offers two programs that consumers can participate in: Green Blocks and Green Cents. Click here for more information and start making a difference TODAY!
View our brochures - Green Power Green Cents
Pictured above is a relatively new addition to SMPA’s fleet; a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid. When enough power is stored in the battery, this SUV can run exclusively on electric mode during slower speeds. This fuel efficient vehicle also offers low emissions.
 The Ford Escape is not SMPA’s only commitment to support renewable energy. SMPA and our Board of Directors have made a commitment to support renewable energy in all its forms. To this end, SMPA decided to install a grid tied photovoltaic solar system at the Ridgway office to demonstrate for our customers what it is and how it works.
For other options and more information about renewable energy, please visit Tri-State’s web site on renewable resources.
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