San Miguel Power Association has generously funded rebate matches for 2009, in a partnership with the Governor's Energy Office (GEO), Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) and TNCC. The solar rebate programs apply to both residential and commercial properties. All information regarding the rebates is contained in the links below.
SOLAR REBATE PROGRAM UPDATE:
The GEO has announced that there will be solar incentives offered statewide with stimulus funds. The program is being outlined by the GEO Renewable Energy Team. TNCC expects the program to be released this fall. More details will be available after September 1st. Please continue to check this website or the Governor’s Energy Office website for more updates.
Please read all information thoroughly; if you have further questions please feel free to contact TNCC at 970-728-5208.
Insulate Colorado Rebate Program
Insulate and Seal Colorado Rebate Program
Insulate Colorado rebate amounts are offered to homeowners in SMPA territory at 40% of the total job cost, or $500, whichever amount is less. This program is funded by the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) and San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) and is administered by TNCC. Funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The 2009 Rebate program began Jan 1, 2009 and runs through Dec 31, 2009.
PLEASE NOTE: TNCC highly recommends that homeowners invest in a HOME ENERGY AUDIT prior to hiring an insulation contractor to perform insulating and sealing of the home. According to the GEO, Energy efficiency is the most cost effective method for decreasing the home energy costs. A home energy audit is the best way for you to determine where your home is performing well, and where it needs to improve ….There are professional energy audit companies that you can hire, or you can choose to do your own audit. Depending on where you live, there may also be low-cost energy audit assistance programs in place.
- Home Energy Audit Service Providers serving the San Miguel County Region
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20% of heating and cooling costs, or up to 10% of total energy costs, by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists. “A recent 12% rise in energy costs has many homeowners looking for ways to control energy costs, and a properly insulated home can save money during both the heating and cooling seasons,” said Tom Plant, GEO Director. “GEO is using Clean Energy Funds to help homeowners insulate their homes, buy more energy efficient homes through the ENERGY STAR for New Homes program and ultimately to, save energy, money, and reduce their carbon footprint.”
Insulate Colorado Participation Requirements
Residents of the San Miguel Power Association service territory qualify for rebates through TNCC’s program. To qualify for the Insulate Colorado rebate, a homeowner must use an eligible contractor to install insulation to IECC 2006 recommended R-Values and complete air-sealing measures. Eligible contractors from southwestern Colorado.
Steps to Obtain a Rebate
1. Download a Homeowner Rebate Request Form
3. Obtain estimate(s) from eligible contractors and have the work completed. Have the insulation contractor assist with filling out the rebate form and sign.
4. Obtain a copy of the contractor’s invoice showing total job costs and measures installed and a copy of the official “Insulation Card” demonstrating the amount of insulation added.
5. Mail the completed rebate form, invoice, and Insulation Card to TNCC:
TNCC
Re: Insulate Colorado Rebate Program
PO Box 1625
Telluride, CO 81435
Insulation Contractor Information
List of approved insulation contractors.
Insulation contractors that intend to offer Insulate Colorado rebates to homeowners must attend one of the offered seminars. The seminar content will be directed toward field and technical staff, but anyone may attend. By completing the seminar, the contracting company will be acknowledging its understanding or all technical requirements and program guidelines. If you are a contractor interested in providing this service but have not attended a seminar, please contact Chris Fuller at the GEO (chris.fuller@state.co.us) or Kim Wheels at TNCC (970.728.5208 or energy.tncc@gmail.com).
Insulation Contractor Seminars. (Information coming soon.)
_________________________________________
Participation Requirements & How to participate
Residential Solar PV Rebate Application
Rebate Awards & Renewable Energy Credits
Participation Requirements & How to Participate
Residential Solar Hot Water Rebate Application
Commercial Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Rebate Program
Requirements for participation and how to participate
Commercial Solar PV Rebate Application
Rebate Awards/ Renewable Energy Credits
Requirements for participation and how to participate
Commercial Hot Water Rebate Application
Rebate Awards/ Renewable Energy Credits
Frequently asked Questions and Answers about Solar Rebates:
Q. Are there rebate funds left?
A. Rebate Funds Remaining:
PV = $0.00; However, we are still accepting applications to be placed on a waiting list. Some original applications may end up being withdrawn and replaced by those from the waiting list.
Solar Hot Water = Plenty of funds remaining. Please send in applications ASAP, to prevent the GEO funds from being moved to another program area.
Q. When does my system have to be installed by in order to receive my rebate?
A. System installation must begin after February 1, 2009 and complete by June 19, 2009.
We have extended the installation deadline on Solar Hot Water systems to June 26.
Q. Installation Warranty Policies required to be submitted with 2nd part of application:
PV systems - 5 years
Solar Hot Water systems - 2 years
Q. How do we define a Colorado Resident?
A. The applicant essentially needs to live in state at least six months out of the year.
Q. Will the GEO Solar Rebate program happen again?
A. TNCC is hopeful that another cycle of these rebate programs will begin in July, but at this point, there is no guarantee of this from the GEO. We will announce future programs as we have more information.
Q. Are there local tax incentives offered in my area?
A. Some local governments are offering tax incentives to encourage their citizens to utilize renewable energy on their property. Find out if your local government offers incentives.
Q. How much is the rebate?
A. Rebate Levels for the 2009 Program:
- Residential PV: $3/watt, up to 3kW or $9,000
- Small Commercial PV: $3/watt, up to 5kW or $15,000
- Residential Solar Domestic Hot Water: $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the size of the system
- Small Business Hot Water: 30% of the system cost, capped at $9,000
Rebate Levels for the 2009 Program:
- Residential PV: $3/watt, up to 3kW or $9,000 - Small Commercial PV: $3/watt, up to 5kW or $15,000
- Residentail Solar Domestic Hot Water: $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the size of the system
- Small Business Hot Water: 30% of the system cost, capped at $9,000
Where can I find an installer in my area?
Solar Contractors must be approved by CoSEIA in order to install systems for this program. A complete list of the Approved Solar Contractors.
The new rebate program rules take effect on February 1, 2009 and are explained below. Rebates are available to homeowners throughout the SMPA service territory, to all SMPA customers. Rebates are not retroactive to systems installed before February 1. Systems installed under this program must be completely installed and operational, with all documentation submitted to TNCC, by June 19, 2009. Applications will be submitted to TNCC in two stages, with a 90-day total completion timeframe, by the homeowner with assistance from the solar installer.
Residential Solar Participation Requirements
Homeowners must live in San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) Territory and be a Colorado resident. Rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
How to Participate
1. Review the Program Rules and Guidelines on this site.
2. Contact TNCC if you have further questions about the program, 970-728-5208.
3. Select a solar installer (choosing from two to three quotes is recommended); obtain system design and quote.
4. Schedule and obtain an energy audit for your home. Energy Audit Report may be submitted with Part 2 of your application, if necessary.
5. Submit Part 1 of the rebate application to your Program Partner, along with required documentation.
6. Once your Rebate Application Part 1 is reviewed and approved, you will receive a confirmation of your rebate reservation.
7. You will have 90 days from your rebate reservation date to complete the system installation.
8. Submit Rebate Application Part 2 along with required documents once installation is complete.
9. Rebates will be processed and issued within six to eight weeks.
10. Receive your rebate.
11. Sit back and enjoy clean and renewable energy and energy savings!
A full application package from the applicant will be submitted in two complete stages, as detailed below. Project completion must be completed within a 90-day period from point of mailing date of rebate confirmation letter, 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. Applications shall be submitted in two complete packages. Documents shall be hand-delivered or mailed (no fax or email) to:
TNCC
Attn: Kim Wheels
Hand-deliveries: 100 E. Colorado Ave, Suite 230
USPS: P.O. Box 1625
Telluride, CO 81435
Once energy efficiency has been optimized, grid-tied, net-metered solar photovoltaic (PV) systems offer an elegant option for most businesses 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 effects of electric utility price increases. 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.
Residential Solar PV Rebate Awards
Rebates will be issued directly to homeowners. Due to the technical details and other requirements in the application process, installers are required to be directly involved in the rebate application process. Rebate processing will take between 4-8 weeks. Rebates will be offered at $3.00 per watt up to a maximum rebate amount of $9,000
Renewable Energy Credits PV Systems
To qualify for the rebate, the homeowners must agree to assign all Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to SMPA for all energy produced by the system for a period of 10 years.
Residential Solar Hot Water Rebate Awards
Residential Solar Hot Water Rebate Awards
Rebates will be issued directly to homeowners. Rebate processing will take between 4-8 weeks. Due to the technical details and other requirements in the application process, installers are required to be directly involved in the rebate application process. Rebates will be awarded based on the system capacity (System capacity is based on SRCC rating for clear day/C interval) as follows:
Residential Solar Domestic Hot Water Rebates:
30,000 – 59,999 Btu/day output, minimum 50 Gal storage tank = $1500
60,000 & higher Btu/day, minimum 80 Gal storage tank = $3000
Requirement for Commercial Solar Participation
Businesses must located within San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) territory. Home businesses do not qualify, unless significant electricity use above normal home use is proven. Rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Commercial Solar PV Rebate Awards
Rebates will be issued directly to businesses. Due to the technical details and other requirements in the application process, installers are required to be directly involved in the rebate application process. Rebate processing will take between 4-8 weeks. Rebates will be offered at $3.00 per watt up to a maximum rebate amount of $15,000.
Renewable Energy Credits for PV Systems
To qualify for the rebate, the business must agree to assign all Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to SMPA for all energy produced by the system for a period of 10 years.
Commercial Solar PV Energy audit
To meet the energy awareness and educational goals of this grant, businesses are required to review energy efficiency measures currently in place. Businesses are also encouraged, but not required, to get a professional energy audit performed.
* An energy audit may be performed by a HERS certified rater
* A home energy audit may be performed by a home energy auditor
* The solar provider may do a basic home energy assessment covering at a minimum the items on the Home Energy Audit Form.
Commercial Solar Participation Requirements
Businesses must located within San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) territory. Home businesses do not qualify, unless significant electricity use above normal home use is proven. Rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Commercial Solar: How to Participate
1. Review the Program Rules and Guidelines on this site.
2. Contact TNCC if you have further questions about the program, 970-728-5208.
3. Select a solar installer (choosing from two to three quotes is recommended); obtain system design and quote.
4. Schedule and obtain an energy audit for your home. Energy Audit Report may be submitted with Part 2 of your application, if necessary.
5. Submit Part 1 of the rebate application to your Program Partner, along with required documentation.
6. Once your Rebate Application Part 1 is reviewed and approved, you will receive a confirmation of your rebate reservation.
7. You will have 90 days from your rebate reservation date to complete the system installation.
8. Submit Rebate Application Part 2 along with required documents once installation is complete.
9. Rebates will be processed and issued within six to eight weeks.
10. Receive your rebate.
11. Sit back and enjoy clean and renewable energy and energy savings!
A full application package from the applicant will be submitted in two complete stages, as detailed below. Project completion must be completed within a 90-day period from point of mailing date of rebate confirmation letter, 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. Applications shall be submitted in two complete packages. Documents shall be hand-delivered or mailed (no fax or email) to:
TNCC:
Attn: Kim WheelsHand-deliveries: 100 E. Colorado Ave, Suite 230
USPS: P.O. Box 1625
Telluride, CO 81435
Commercial Solar Hot Water Basics
Once a business has been optimized for energy efficiency, solar heated domestic hot water is perhaps one of the most cost effective ways to incorporate renewable energy into a business. By using solar energy to heat water, business owners can significantly reduce their water heating costs while also mitigating the consumption of fossil fuels.
Commercial Solar Hot Water Rebate awards
Rebates will be issued directly to businesses. Rebate processing will take between 4-8 weeks. Due to the technical details and other requirements in the application process, installers are required to be directly involved in the rebate application process. Rebates will be awarded based on the system capacity (System capacity is based on SRCC rating for clear day/C interval) as follows:
Businesses: 30% of total installation cost, Maximum Rebate: $9,000
Renewable Energy Credits
The rebated portion of a system’s Renewable Energy Credits will be claimed by the GEO.
Commercial Solar Energy audit requirements
To meet the energy awareness and educational goals of this grant, businesses are required to review energy efficiency measures currently in place. Businesses are also encouraged, but not required, to get a professional energy audit through one of the following avenues:
* An energy audit may be performed by a HERS certified rater
* A home energy audit may be performed by a home energy auditor
* The solar provider may do a basic home energy assessment covering at a minimum the items on the Home Energy Audit Form.
HOME ENERGY AUDITORS SERVING THE SAN MIGUEL COUNTY REGION
Home Energy service providers who serve San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) Territory and have expressed an interest in being included in TNCC’s informational listings are at the link below. This listing is not an endorsement for or a recommendation of any particular home energy auditor. TNCC recommends the homeowner fully research qualifications of home energy service providers and choose the provider who best fits their needs.
Regional Home Energy Service Providers
