Investment History
In 2008 SunRun raised $12 million in funding from a set of private investors. In the same year U.S. Bancorp invested $105 million to install 2,000 residential solar systems. In June 2010, SunRun successfully established a deal worth $100 million with PG&E.

Financing Models
SunRun offers two financing options for the residential power systems; Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and Lease.

1. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) - Power Purchase Agreement is a legal contract between electricity provider and purchaser. SunRun is the first US Company to provide PPA to the residential users although other companies offer this agreement for commercial use. SunRun provides this financing model in Massachusetts, New Jersey, California and Colorado (partially). Currently SunRun offers 18 year Power Purchase Agreements to residential customers. Under this agreement the company will own, maintain and insure the installed solar systems. Customers have to pay for the home solar power produced by the system.
2. Lease - Under the solar lease agreement, SunRun purchases the solar power systems for customers and owns and maintains them for a 20 year period. In return, customers have to pay a low monthly bill to rent the system and for the utilization of the solar electricity produced by the system. SunRun offers its lease financing model in Arizona, Los Angeles (LADWP territory only) and Colorado (partially).

What's the difference between PPA and Lease?
In a solar lease model your monthly bill will remain same in each month no matter how much electricity your solar systems produce. The payment is likely to increase annually depending upon the hike in rates.

SunRun Product Highlights

• SunRun dramatically reduces the cost of installing solar systems by managing state and national solar rebates. This specialization saves time and money for end users.
• Electricity payments remain low and more constant using solar as compared to ever increasing utility bills that fluctuate with the price of and demand for coal and other dirty limited energy sources.
• SunRun offers a quick payback on the solar investment you have made. Solar financing can easily be transferred to the next buyer of your home.
• A money-back guarantee for the solar power systems is offered if the panels stop working.
• Solar insurance is provided by the company to protect the systems against theft, damage and loss.
• SunRun monitors the solar power systems for any performance related problems and covers repair costs.
• SunRun certified solar installers bear the responsibility of all installation procedures.
• SunRun will do all the paperwork to ensure your home receives power from your present utility when your solar system isn't generating power.
• You can book a free home evaluation for solar systems via phone or online form.
• With the SunRun online calculator you can estimate the cost of installing solar per your zip code, amount of electric used, type of roof pitch, roof direction and shade type. Solar Power Authority also provides a free solar calculator.

SunRun currently offers two unique power plans designed to address the needs of lower income customers as well as those who wish to completely offset their power needs as follows.

SunRun Power Plans
SunRun Power Plans delivers a basic set of features with the minimum possible investment. With this method payback may take just a few years and is ideal for those who are considering a move within a ten year period.

Estimate example for a 3 bedroom house with normal electricity bill:

• Initial Payment: $0-$1,500
• Lifetime Savings: $22,000

SunRun Total Solar
SunRun Total Solar plan is designed for people who have more to invest and wish to offset their entire electricity bill. This offer is the best alternative available for homeowners who have planned to purchase solar power systems but lack enough tax credentials to apply for the federal tax credit.

Estimate example for a 3 bedroom house with normal electricity bill:

• Initial Payment: $10,500
• Average Lifetime Savings: $33,000

SunRun Availability

Arizona - A home solar system is the most prudent choice for the people of Arizona. The state offers ideal weather conditions for solar panels to produce electricity. SunRun has operated in Arizona since 2009. The financing model offered by SunRun in Arizona is Lease

California - The combination of sun, high energy costs and ample incentives makes California an excellent state to choose to go solar, it is also where SunRun was founded. The financing model offered by SunRun in California is Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

Colorado - The primary source of electricity in Colorado is coal burning which is not good for the environment. SunRun offers Power Purchase Agreement in partial areas of Colorado and lease for the rest of state.

Massachusetts - Governor Deval Patrick clearly states that Massachusetts should generate 250MW by the end of 2017 from solar systems. It is estimated that even if only 10% of state's homeowners opt for solar systems then this mere act will create over 35,000 jobs. SunRun is a leading company in Massachusetts. The financing model offered by SunRun in Massachusetts is Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

New Jersey - New Jersey produces 50% of its electricity from nuclear power, 20% of the total electricity from coal and still manages to have the second most solar installations in the U.S. Statistics show almost four thousand solar homes are present in the state. SunRun operates successfully in New Jersey. The financing model offered by SunRun in New Jersey is Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Independent SunRun User Reviews
The overall feedback of users for solar lease and rental business models is that of skepticism, in part based on companies which have failed (taking potential solar customers off the market while depleting them of money and time). There is some fear and doubt based on solar scams and whether such companies may be ligitimate. When it comes to residential solar systems SunRun maintains a good reputation and proves itself as an exception. A general question that almost everyone asks about a new company is the fate of installed solar systems, if the company can honor the initial investment or is headed for bankruptcy. SunRun has a positive investment history and is a trusted name with over 5000 customers to date.

One interesting question that users are eager to ask regarding SunRun is about the excessive power produced by their home solar system, some claim that SunRun will adjust this in the next month billing and is able to work with net metering when available.

Directly below is a live Google map feed streaming quotes that were provided within the hour for residential and businesses interested in installing solar systems around the United States. The solar calculator is free to use and we also provide free solar installation quotes using your zip code.

*Please note that you will be taken to Cooler Planet's website when you enter your zip code to find solar installers.

Find local solar installers near you and get free installation quotes using these tools. Simply enter your zip code, project type (residential or commercial), how much electricity you want to offset, your current monthly electricity bill and your local utility provider:

• Input your zip code to get a solar quote
• Choose how much of your electric bill you want to offset with solar energy
• Identify your utility company and determine net metering options

The tool also provides several pieces of valuable solar panel installation information instantly and for free including:

• Solar radiance - solar radiance (insulation) is the amount of solar energy received on a given surface area in a given time. Commonly expressed in kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/sqm/day). This measurement varies based on weather and latitude of the given location.
• Average monthly usage - this is the amount of electricity you consume in an average month. It is either determined by your input into the solar calculator or approximated by your electricity bill divided by the cost per kilowatt hour in your area.
• System size - this approximation is for a solar power system to produce enough electricity to offset the specified amount of your yearly electricity usage. It is determined by taking your average daily electrical usage, and dividing it by your solar radiance multiplied by 71%. The 71% factor is necessary in order to approximate for the inherit inefficiencies in solar power systems.
• Roof size - the approximate roof size needed with exposure to the sun in order to accommodate your solar power system. This can be determined by taking the size of the system and dividing by 10 to get the square footage (10 Watts per square foot).
• Estimated solar installation cost - the approximate cost estimate based on a price of $9 per Watt. This is the average rate, including parts and installation, for systems above 2kW.
• Cost of installing solar panels after rebates and incentives - an estimate of cost based on the available solar credits and solar rebates for your area. This may include kWh production incentives for up to 25 years if applicable in your area. This provides an approximation of the local and state incentives.
• Average monthly savings after installing solar panels on your house or commercial property
• 25 year savings based on the amount of electricity cost you save over a 25 year period assuming a yearly 4% increase in utility rates. This also includes a 25 year return on investment (ROI) of installing solar and your break even point in years for installing solar.

Furthermore, this solar cost calculator will tell you how many pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) your yearly electricity use is responsible for. The production and release of CO2 is a major contributor to global warming and comes from burning coal, gasoline and other fossil fuels. The solar calculator will also tell you how many trees it would take to offset your current carbon emissions.

Senate Bill 888, the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act, became effective in 2006. The hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 demonstrated Florida's vulnerability to supply disruptions of electricity and the Energy Act took the first comprehensive step towards a more diverse and reliable energy future for Florida. By generating more electricity from renewable sources and providing rebates, Florida hopes to increase their capacity and improve overall energy efficiency in the state. The legislation includes a Renewable Energy Technologies Tax Incentive which provides sales tax exemptions and corporate income tax credits for the production of clean energy, and the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program which provides rebates for solar system installation in homes and businesses.

The Energy Act also establishes the Renewable Energy Technologies Grant Program, which will provide matching grants for research and demonstration projects associated with the development of renewable energy systems, alternative fuel vehicles, and other energy technologies. It creates tax incentives for the manufacture, sale, and use of hydrogen fuel cells and for the production, storage, and distribution of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biodiesel, and ethanol. The act creates the Florida Energy Commission, a nine-member panel that will advise the state legislature on energy policy based on the guiding principles of reliability, efficiency, affordability, and energy diversity. Finally, the act provides a one-week sales tax holiday for the purchase of energy efficient products in early October.

Solar Energy Systems Equipment Sales Tax Exemptions

Solar energy systems have been exempt from Florida's sales and use tax since July 1, 1997. The term "solar energy system" means the equipment and requisite hardware that provide and are used for collecting, transferring, converting, storing or using incidental solar energy for water heating, space heating and cooling, or other applications that would otherwise require the use of a conventional source of energy such as petroleum products, natural gas, manufactured gas or electricity. Vendors of solar energy systems or components are required to document exempt sales.

This exemption was originally set to expire July 1, 2002, but was extended an additional three years. In May 2005, the exemption was made permanent when House Bill 805 was signed into law.

Rebate Programs

The Florida Solar Energy System Incentives Program was established in June of 2006 with the passage of Senate Bill 888. Financial incentives were provided for installing solar energy systems between July 1, 2006 and June 20, 2010. Due to the popularity of the program, the waiting list from the 2007-2008 incentives were rolled into the budget for 2008-2009 and all of those incentives have been exhausted. Florida is currently accepting applications for funding which might be appropriated from 2009-2010. If the program is funded, rebates will be based on the order in whic they were received. The program is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection and provides rebates for homeowners, businesses and non-profits for installing photovoltaic (PV) systems 2 KW or larger in capacity, and solar water heating systems that provide at least 50% of a building's hot water consumption.

For PV systems, the residential rebate is $4/watt DC with the incentive capped at $20,000. For commercial, non-profit, multi-family and public facilities the rebate is also $4/watt DC, but is capped at $100,000.

For Solar Water Heating systems, the residential rebate is $500 per installation, and for commercial, non-proft, multi-family and public facilities the rebate is $15 per 1,000 BTU per day, up to $5.000 BTUs, which must be metered. Solar Thermal Pool Heaters receive $100 per installation. Application for rebates must be submitted within 120 days of the purchase of the solar system.

Clay Electric Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative covering fourteen North Florida counties, including Gainesville, Keystone Heights, Lake City, Orange Park, Palatka, and Salt Springs. It offers low interest loans to help customers finance solar water heaters and solar pool heaters. Basic qualifications for an energy conservation loan include a good credit history, good payment record with Clay Electric and service with Clay Electric for one year. An energy survey is required. A $25 loan processing fee will be assessed on all applications submitted for loan consideration (approved and disapproved). The minimum loan amount is $1,000, the maximum is $5,000. The interest rate is 8% or 11% with a monthly loan payment of $100.

Clay Electric Cooperative also provides rebates to its residential members when they purchase qualified solar water heaters. Eligible solar water heaters can be either passive or active systems. The proposed solar system must meet Florida Solar Energy Center specifications and be installed by a contractor certified to install solar water heating systems by the Florida Department of Professional Regulation Construction Industry Licensing Board. The incentive amount is $0.01 per BTU with a maximum incentive capped at $600 and a maximum system size of 60,00 BTUs.

Gulf Power Solar Thermal Water Heating Pilot Program was approved by the Florida Public Service Commission for one year (January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009). Gulf Power will provide $1,000 rebate to qualifying customers and will also install a limited number of systems for free in low-income, multi-family apartments. Applicants will receive a home energy "check-up", complimentary of Gulf Power, as well as guidelines for successful solar thermal water heating installations.

The JEA Solar Incentive Program provides financial incentives to JEA's residential and commercial customers who install new and retrofit solar hot water heaters on homes and businesses. The highest rebates are available when customers use local installers. There is a maximum award of $5,000 for each new commercial installation and up to 30% of total cost (up to $500) to restore an existing solar water heating system to working order. When installed by local vendors, $800 rebate per installation. Residential solar water heaters installed by non-local vendors is $400 per installation. Commercial solar water heaters installed by local vendors receive a rebate of 30% of the total installation costs, capped at $5,000. When installed by non-local vendors, commercial solar water heaters receive a rebate of 15% of the total installation costs, capped at $2.500.

Incentives to restore older solar systems are 30% of the total costs, capped at $500. If non-local vendors restore a system the rebate is 15% of the total costs, capped at $250.

Since the program's inception in 2002 through January 2009, a total of 531 solar water heater systems have been installed under the program. The incentive only applies to the installation of solar water heating systems but does not apply to pool heating systems or photovoltaic (PV) systems. If other incentives (rebates, grants, etc.) are used to fund a solar hot water system, these funds combined with JEA funds cannot exceed the cost of the system.

Progress Energy Florida launched the Solar Water Heating with EnergyWise Program in February 2007 to encourage its residential customers to participate in its load control program and install a solar water heating system. A $450 credit on the customer's electric bill is offered to offset the purchase of a solar water heating system. Monthly EnergyWise credits for covered devices (whole-house electric cooling, heating and water heating) of ~$30/year; and EnergyWise monthly pool pump credit, if applicable, of $30 per year.

Progress Energy Florida installs EnergyWise equipment in a participating customer's home (at no cost) that enables the utility to briefly interrupt power to the customer's hot water system, heating or cooling system, or pool pump during periods of peak demand. Customers then receive a monthly credit on their energy bill for participating in the EnergyWise program and a $450 credit on their electric bill to offset the cost of installing a solar water heating system.

Solar Water Heating with EnergyWise customers are required to have whole-house electric heating, cooling and water heating installed with EnergyWise equipment and participate in the program for a minimum of three years. Otherwise, the customer must reimburse Progress Energy for a portion of the program incentive.

Orange County Solar Hot Water Rebate Program

Orange County offers a $200 rebate on newly installed solar hot water systems in the county. To be eligible for the rebate, the system owner must complete an application and provide proof of an energy audit, installation date and receipt of a solar hot water rebate from the utility. Only new systems, installed on or after April 22, 2008, are eligible and the rebate application must be received within six months of installation. Applications will be processed on a date-received priority basis and will continue as long as the program funding is available. Only one rebate incentive will be provided per property and pool systems are not eligible.

Lakeland Electric Solar Water Heating Program

Lakeland Electric, a municipal utility in Florida, is the nation's first utility to offer solar-heated domestic hot water on a "pay-for-energy" basis. The utility owns and maintains the solar water heaters they install on participating customers' homes and bills them only for hot water delivered to the faucet. The utility installs revenue-grade energy meters to measure the thermal output of the solar water heating systems. These meters internally convert the thermal energy (Btus) to an electricity equivalent (kWh) for billing purposes. Whereas hundreds of utilities across the U.S. offer their customers a green power option for a premium, the Lakeland program offers a customer-sited solar energy option that reduces the program participant's overall energy costs.

Gainesvilled Regional Utilities Solar Feed-in Tariff

Note: Gainesville Regional Utilities announced in March 2009 that it has received enough applications to meet the program caps for 2009 and 2010. However, GRU encourages additional applications since it expects some projects to fall through.

Gainesville Regional Utilities is a municipal utility owned by the City of Gainesville and will offer a solar feed-in-tariff for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Modeled after Germany's feed-in tariff, Gainesville Regional Utilities will purchase energy from qualified PV systems via a Standard Offer Contract at set rates for a period of 20 years plus the remaining balance of the calendar year in which the contract is executed. Both residential and commercial generators are eligible. Commercial generators will no longer have the option to net-meter once the feed-in tariff takes effect. Residential customers with PV systems less than 10 kW will have the option to enter into a feed-in tariff agreement and sell 100% of their electricity to Gainesville, or to net meter and only send the excess electricity to Gainesville Regional Utilitise under the terms established for that program. For those residential customers who choose to net meter, a rebate is offered to those who qualify.

The fixed rate for the life of the contract starts at $0.32/kWh or $0.26/kWh depending on size and application (for contracts executed in 2009 and 2010) and decreases over time. There are separate rates for: 1) building or pavement mounted (any size) or ground mounted (< 25 kW) systems; and 2) free standing (non-building or non-pavement mounted) systems, per the following schedule:

The general manager of Gainesville Regional Utilities is authorized to cease to offer new contracts after a total of 4 MW of PV has been connected to the utility per year, subject to City Commission review. All renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with customer generation belong to the utility.

$0.32/kWh for building- or pavement-mounted systems of any size or for ground-mounted systems <25 kW; $0.26/kWh for free-standing systems >25 kW Terms: 20-year contract.

Miami

Miami has put forth an initiative to become more energy efficient. The big city has instituted some rebates for home owners to attempt to lower emissions and inefficient energy use. Home owners who install a High-Efficiency Clothes Washer are eligible for up to $150 rebate from the city.

In 2005, Miami also enacted an incentive for city builders to install energy efficient solar power panels in new buildings. This article originally appeared on Solar Power Authority. The incentive is for contractors who apply for permits for building improvements. The city promises to expedite permits submitted for commercial or residential improvements that are environmentally friendly.

To keep up with growing trends, the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area just opened its first solar power commercial building in January 2009. The solar powered building was constructed with the idea that taking advantage of tax rebates could save the owners up to $100,000 per year or $4 per kilowatt of energy.

Tampa

Tampa has derived incentives through the city electric company, Tampa Electric. The company has provided rebates up to $30.00 per ton or $0.0025 per Btu. The incentive is for any home owner who decides to install equipment that meets Tampa Electric's energy efficient standards.

Tampa Electric also offers incentives for businesses that install commercial units that lower energy usage during peak hours through their Commercial Load Management Program.

Orlando

OUC has a variety of rebates and incentives for home improvements that create a better energy efficient home. Incentives include up to $100.00 in rebates to install better installation in attics. Solar panels are also given incentives for rebates up to $75.00. The highest rebate also gives back $300 for home owners who install more energy efficient heat pumps.

In addition to rebates, the Orlando Utilities Commission also offers loans for home owners who wish to install solar panels. Depending on the system, customers may borrow amounts up to $15,000 to improve home energy usage through solar power.

The Orlando Utilities Commission has also introduced the Pilot Solar Program that offers to buy back credits from consumers who have installed solar panels. Incentive payments are equal to $0.05/kWh for PV and $0.03/kWh for solar water heating (SWH) systems. The payment credits show on customer utility statements monthly.

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), through its Pilot Solar Program, offers to purchase the environmental attributes or renewable energy credits (RECs) from customers who install a photovoltaic (PV) and/or solar thermal energy system on their property. Incentive payments are equal to $0.05/kWh for PV and $0.03/kWh for solar water heating (SWH) systems and appear in the form of a credit on customers' monthly utility bills.*

Under this program, the electricity output of the PV system is used on-site and REC payments are based on the system's total output. Any net excess generation produced by PV systems is credited to the system owner at the utility's full retail rate.

This program is available for the first 600 kilowatts (kW) of residential PV installed and the first 1,200 kW of residential SWH generation capacity, as well as for the first two megawatts (MW) of "general service" (commercial) PV and the first 2 MW of "general service" SWH capacity.

Production agreements have an initial term of five years and automatically renew for five-year terms unless terminated by written notice by either party. Applicants must contract with a company listed in OUC's Preferred Contractor Network for solar installations. For installation financing options, OUC customers may apply for a low-interest Residential Solar Loan.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville's energy supplier also offers businesses a way to receive energy rebates that help businesses better their community energy usage. Incentives are better for customers who use local vendors. Home owners can receive up to $800 in rebates using a local vendor, and businesses can gain up to 30% of the cost to install solar heating but no more than $5,000.00.

Jacksonville also offers owners of broken water heaters to upgrade to better efficient heaters and restore currently broken units. Owners of broken units can save up to $500 in rebates for repairs.

Solar energy brings high incentive rewards for Jacksonville residents. The city offers up to $800 to install solar power heating systems in the home. This offer is in addition to the thirty percent break from the federal government. Jacksonville has also analyzed cost and found that use of solar power products pay for themselves in five years after installation.

Tallahassee

The City of Tallahassee Utilities also offers a wide range of incentives. The city offers rebates for home owners who purchase Energy-Star plug-in appliances. Large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers that meet energy efficient standards and have been purchases after February 20, 2008 can be reimbursed up to $100 depending on the unit. The city also offers a huge savings to those who decide to install more efficient insulation. Several standards are required depending on the nature of heating. Each standard offers rebates if installation meets city requirements. For those who need financing for solar energy products, Tallahassee offers small loans with as low as 5% rates. The city provides consumers with loans of up to $20,000 to help finance more energy efficient systems in the home. They provide consumers with a loan handbook for all products that are eligible for these incentives.

The Federal Government also provides a range of incentives to conserve energy and help reform environment degradation. The Energy Act of 2005 gives tax payers up to a 30% rebate incentive on installation and equipment for solar electric or solar domestic hot water system. The incentive does not allow in excess of $2,000.00.

Solar Business News

"The Push for Solar Power in Florida"

Florida Power & Light (FPL) will begin building one of the world's largest photovoltaic solar power plants in the world later this year. The move was made to propel Florida to join in many of the recent "go green" initiatives throughout the country. Governor Crist is trying to pass legislation this year that would require electric companies to produce 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. FPL previously announced plans for 110 megawatts of solar capacity to be built and construction is now under way on plants in DeSoto County and Martin County -- the first two large-scale solar developments in Florida. This most recent plant will be built on land owned by Babcock Ranch north of Fort Myers. The solar panels will sit on 350 acres within the city and provide the city with all its electricity needs. More than half of Babcock's 17,000 acres will permanently remain greenways and open space,while the city will also adjoin the 73,000-acre Babcock Ranch Preserve that has been purchased by the state. According to FPL, when the plant is complete in 2010 it will generate up to 75 megawatts and provide enough power for up to 11,000 homes. The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center as it is being called, is one of three solar-powered plants FPL announced plans to build last year. The other two are in DeSoto and Brevard counties.

At 25 megawatts the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, which is currently under construction, will be the largest photovoltaic solar facility in the nation when it is completed at the end of this year. The Solar Energy Center will use 90,000 photovoltaic panels on 180 acres of land and provide enough electricity to power more than 3,500 homes - more than 20 percent of the population in DeSoto County. The California company SunPower Corp will supply the solar panels. SunPower manufactures the highest-efficiency solar systems available today. SunPower systems use Tracker technology, which follows the sun's movement across the sky throughout the day, capturing up to 25 percent more energy than conventional systems. The facility is providing significant economic benefits to DeSoto County, creating more than 200 jobs during peak construction and providing more than $2 million in annual tax revenues by the end of 2010 to help boost the local economy.

The Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center will also use SunPower's high-efficiency solar panels and will commercially deploy its latest solar panel technology. This innovative technology will provide more electricity at a lower cost and will further solidify SunPower's position as the world leader in producing the most efficient solar panels.

Not everyone believes Florida Power & Light's decision to build large scale solar power plants is a good idea. Some renewable energy advocates question whether FPL is trying to gain favor for renewable energy legislation which favors large energy companies over consumers by pushing for large solar plants over small-scale solar production on homes and businesses. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has proven that small-scale solar development is cheaper and provides more jobs than large scale developments, but that isn't stopping Florida Power & Light from making a bid to be the dominant solar energy provider in Florida.

Older data that used to be contained within this article can now be found here.

Nevada's Renewable Portfolio Standard states that the state's two investor-owned utilities, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power, must generate a certain percentage of electricity from renewable sources. First set in 1997 the standard has been increasing every few years. The most recent changes were in 2005 when Assembly Bill 3 increased the standard to 20% from renewable sources by the year 2015. AB 3 also stated as part of the portfolio 5% of that 20% standard must be generated, acquired, or saved from solar sources.

Nevada also now promotes green commercial construction, including developing solar power systems. If you build certified green power and other energy efficiency features into your business you can take a property tax credit. In 2007 the tax credit was reduced to a maximum of 35% of your annual property tax.

The Legislature in Nevada has been trying to consolidate several different bills proposed since early in 2009 concerning how to maximize Nevada's potential for not only generating electricity from renewable sources, but the potential for the state to lead the country is developing an economically successful model to help transition to renewable sources of energy. A long debate about how much the state government should be involved in developing the renewable energy industry has been taking place. This should be an interesting year for legislation in Nevada, as many bills and ideas are in the works. A few of the issues being worked out include how prepared the state's work force is to accomplish what will need to be done. Unions lobby for requirements that state projects hire in-state workers, but the industry is so new its difficult to gauge how many workers may be needed and how quickly they can be trained. Another issue being debated is whether or not the state should focus on promoting the construction of large-scale solar power plants, or the smaller home and business-based solar systems where the electircity generated can be used on site. Large-scale power plants require more land, which puts them further away from consumers who would use the electricity and requires transmission lines be built.

Senate Bill 358 is a combination of several different bills that have been a part of the debate on the road to establishing a strategy for producing more electricity from renewable energy sources that is best for the state. SB 358 does include a requirement that companies hiring workers in the solar industry would receive tax abatements if those workers hired were residents of Nevada, but the requirement is only for companies to put forth their "best effort" to hire only two thirds of their workforce from within the state, something that doesn't make labor advocates very happy.  SB 358 will require that 2% of the 5% to be generated from solar power be generated specifically from small-scale solar systems such as are installed on the rooftops of homes and small businesses. This suggests the legislature is taking steps to ensure a more balanced approach to the debate over whether large or small-scale solar systems are best for Nevada.

Assembly Bill 448 attempts to make necessary improvements to the existing renewable energy incentives programs. If passed, AB 448 will increase the available rebates for solar projects and sets long term goals - not just for the solar industry, but wind and small hydro programs as well.

Assembly Bill 456 would help lower the formidable barriers to home solar systems, namely the up-front installation costs, by creating a low-interest rate loan pool which homeowners could borrow against.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) exist when a third party installs, owns, and operates a solar system and simply rents it to the user. These types of agreements allow both residents and small businesses to benefit from the power without the often daunting up-front installation costs. Assembly Bill 186, which is currently in process would clarify the definition of what a "public utility" is and what a "utility" is so that Power Purchase Agreements can further facilitate the development of the solar industry in Nevada without making smaller producers of electricity play by the same rules and the bigger investor-owned and municipal utilities.

Assembly Bill 522 is also still in process as of May 2009. AB 522 could change the state's approach to managing energy policy by creating a Nevada Energy Commission to oversee policy formulation and implementation in the energy industry. The Commission would create renewable energy zones within the state, manage rebate programs for renewable energy projects, and strategize on ways to reduce energy costs for residents. In the past such responsibilities have been scattered among a variety of task forces, agencies, and committees.

Rebate Programs

To meet the Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring 20% of the state's energy be generated from renewable sources, power companies can apply for credits based upon the number of renewable kilowatts they generate. The largest credit is for Solar Power at a rate of $2.40/kW. An extra credit of $0.05 is added in for customer-generated electricity. The incentive for home solar energy installations offered by the two major investor-owned utilities in the state, Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power, and is a $2.30/watt rebate through the Solar Generations Project.

Solar Generations was created by Assembly Bill 431 - the Solar Energy Systems Demonstration Program, was passed by the Nevada State Legislature in 2003 and authorized the funding so that rebates could be provided to residents who install photovoltaic systems. The program was launched in August of 2004 and its success led to the Nevada State Legislature making the SolarGenerations Program permanent in 2007. The size of the program nearly doubled from 1,900kW to 3,760 kW. The new HydroGenerations and WindGenerations Programs were also created. All three Programs together form RenewableGenerations.

The incentive amounts available for solar power in the 2010/2011 program year are $2.10/watt with a maximum rebate of $10,500 for residential installations. Small businesses installing a solar system receive a rebate of $2.10/watt and a cap of $63,000. Schools and public buildings are eligible to receive a rebate of $4.20/watt. The incentive amounts available for the 2010/2011 program year will be $2.10/watt with a cap of $10,500 for residential installations, $2.10/watt with a cap of $63,000 for small businesses and $4.20/watt for schools and public buildings.

Participants must be current customers of NV Energy to participate. The limits for the PV program consisted of 1,000 kW for residential and small business installations, 2,000 kW for schools, and 760 kW for public and non-profit buildings. There are no size restrictions for PV systems, but rebates are limited to 5 kW for residential installations, 30 kW for small businesses and public or non-profit buildings, and 50 kW for schools.

NV Energy RenewableGenerations Rebate Program

The 2009-2010 application period for solar rebates ended on October 31, 2008. The 2010-2011 application period will begin early in 2010. NV Energy, formerly Sierra Pacific Power and Nevada Power, administers the RenewableGenerations Rebate Program on behalf of the Nevada Task Force on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy. Residential, small business, agriculture, public building and school customers from across Nevada can benefit from the RenewableGenerations incentive program.

Solatron Technologies, Inc

Solatron Technologies, Inc. offers their customers an additional $400 rebate per PV Test Conditions rated kilowatt. It has introduced programs like SolarGreenBacks, which offers an additional cash rebate from $150 to $400 depending upon the option chosen by the customer.

Net Metering

The first net-metering law for renewable-energy systems in Nevada was enacted in 1997. It was then amended in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Systems up to one megawatt are generally eligible, although systems greater than 100 kilowatts may be subject to certain costs levied by the utility company. Systems must at least offset a portion of the electricity used at the site. The investor-owned utilities in Nevada must offer net metering until the consolidated capacity of all net-metered systems in its service territory reaches one percent of the utility's peak capacity.

For systems up to 100 kW the utility companies must offer their customers a meter that can register the flow of electricity in two directions. The utility companies may not charge any fees resulting in an increase in the customer's minimum monthly charge, up to an amount which is greater than their other customers in the same rate class.

For systems greater than 100 kW the utility companies can require their customers to install at their own cost a meter that can measure electrical output and customer load. A utility may also require customers to pay for any upgrades to the utility's system which may be required to make the customer's system compatible with the utility's system.

The procedure for net excess generation, or the amount of electricity produced but not used by the generator, designates that the excess amount be carried over to the following month as a kilowatt-hour credit. Prior to the enactment of AB 178, larger systems and smaller systems were treated differently. If the cost of purchasing and installing a net-metered system is paid for part by a utility, either a portion or the full amount, then the electricity produced by the system is considered to be produced by the utility, or at least acquired from a renewable-energy system so the utility company can count it towards the state's renewable portfolio standard. If the cost of the system was paid for entirely by a customer, then the Public Utilities Commission issues portfolio energy credits to the customer.

Solar Projects in Nevada

Amonix Integrated High-Concentration Photovoltaic (IHCPV) System The project features five modular panels, each rated at 5KW making it 25-Kw ICHCPV. The exclusiveness of this project can be truly appreciated by going through this passage published on their web. "The efficiency of any solar-electric system increases if the sun is tracked (in order to absorb the most direct normal light), and this system additionally performs sun tracking. The Amonix system is an example of a "concentrator" system. It uses a tracking (not stationary) concentration scheme by use of a proprietary hydraulically-driven tracker and by integrating the lens, solar cell, and solar receiver plate into a single unit.

Zero Energy Home Nevada Southwest Energy Partnership, Pinnacle Homes, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the Center for Energy Research have joined with ConSol and Nevada Power to create a home which generates as much electricity as it consumes. The house will face north and have a 5 kW photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the south side of the house. In cool months the PV system will be able to generate more power than the home is able to use. That excess power is sent to the grid. In the summer months the house will use more electricity than the PV system can generate, but at the end of the fiscal year the generate - use ratio will have evened out. The house will also save energy in water heating thanks to a 50 gallon solar water heater also positioned facing south. This water heater will supply the entire house with hot water. When the weather is not warm enough to produce very hot water, there will be an electric water heater to supplement.

ACCIONA's Nevada Solar One™ is the third largest concentrated solar power plant in the world. The cost to development Solar One was more than $260 million before it became operational in June of 2007. Solar One demonstrated that solar power generation is not only feasible on a commercial scale, it generates electricity without carbon emisions. Solar One makes Nevada the largest per-capita solar energy generator in the United States. Under Power Purchase Agreements Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company have purchased all of the electricity generated by the plant. The Power Purchase Agreements make sure that the electricity is produced in reasonable rates.

Nellis Air Force Base trains both U.S. and foreign aircrews at the Air Combat Command located in Nellis. The base is spread across over an area of 11,300 acres and has several photovoltaic plants. The largest is Nellis Solar Star where 72,000 solar panels produce power but no carbon emissions - the equivalent to removing 185,000 cars from the road. Nellis Solar Star generates 14 megawatts of electricity and demonstrates the abundance of renewable energy resources available in the United States.

Solar Business News

"The Debate Over Distributed Solar in Nevada"

The debate in Nevada concerning solar energy involves the two different approaches to generating solar power; large-scale utility plants or distributed solar power where the power is consumed where it's produced. The state could fund small-scale solar systems that produce renewable energy kilowatt by kilowatt, or invest in larger power plants. Proponents say distributed solar power has several advantages over the larger power plants. For one thing distributed solar doesn't consume vast stretches of desert and it's more efficient because energy isn't lost during transmission, something that happens when power must be brought in from a distance. Distributed solar can also help stabilize the grid and lower energy prices during peak times and creates a more steady stream of high-paying jobs.

Nevada's renewable standard portfolio requires 5% of the electricity generated in the state come from solar power, and it may be a combination of solar panels on rooftops and miles of mirrors in the desert that help Nevada reach that goal. Most of the other states in the southwest have policies requiring at least some distributed solar. Advocates say the industry needs only a little push to get going here.

Those opposed to the distributed solar approach include NV Energy and several legislators on the Senate Energy committee. They argue distributed solar is less efficient economically and costs more than building large-scale solar plants and a mandate to require it gives an unfair market advantage to manufacturers of rooftop panels rather than the rows of curved mirrors you see at large-scale plants.

Regardless of what is contained in Senate Bill 358, the bill is likely to include property and sales tax abatements for solar companies and new renewable energy portfolio requirements. States are competing for investment dollars and jobs as the country begins taking the generation of renewable energy seriously, so Nevada doesn't want to fall behind. If solar companies get better tax abatements in other states, Nevada could lose key investment dollars, but if the state doesn't get behind distributed solar programs as other states do - Nevada could lose out on the opportunity to create jobs in the state. It can be a delicate balancing act.

Older data that used to be contained within this article can now be found here.

The Massachusetts legislature enacted a law in 1997 to restructure the utilities and promote the production of clean energy in the state. It also created the Renewable Energy Trust, which provides incentives to residents and is funded by a 25 cent monthly charge for residential and small business customers. The 25 cent charge began generating about $25 million annually. The funding is believed by some to have been less effective than it could have beeen so in 2007 Senate Bill 2768, or the Green Communities Act, was introduced in the Senate and became law in 2008. SB 2768 focuses on reducing energy costs, developing renewable sources of energy, and taking the necessary steps to facilitate clean energy activity in the state. The law allows Massachusetts to stay competitive in the emerging market by improving energy efficiency. Utility companies are required to pursue energy efficiency improvements whenever necessary by offering rebates for anyone updating electrical appliances such as lighting and air conditioning. Rebates encourage the initial investments needed to gradually bring the cost of installing solar systems down.

In addition to improving energy efficiency in the state, the Green Communities Act promotes renewable forms of energy in the state by requiring utility companies to enter into long term contracts with renewable energy developers. This helps the developers obtain financing. Net-metering allows people who generate their own electricity to sell their excess generation back to the utility company, and utility companies can now offer Power Purchase Agreements up to 50 MW, but just for the next two years. Power Purchase Agreements allow a third party to own a solar electric installation, even if it's installed on your house.

SB 2768 also doubles the rate of increase in the Renewable Portfolio Standard from 0.5% per year to 1% per year - with no cap. Utilities are required to obtain enough power from renewable sources so as to equal 4% of sales in 2009. In 2020 the percentage will climb to 15, then 25% by 2030.

Rebate Programs

MTC - Commonwealth Solar Rebates is a $68 million, 4 year state rebate program to encourage investment in solar power installations. Commonwealth Solar was announced early in 2008 by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) and provides rebates for photovoltaic (PV) installations for residential locations, commercial, industrial, institutional, and public facilities. Residential rebate amounts are based primarily on the size of the system and start out at $1.00/watt and are subject to a cap of $20,000 per project.You can add $0.15/watt is your system uses Massachusetts-made components, another $2.00/watt if your home is moderately valued, and another $1.25/watt if your income is moderate.

All installations non-residential installations are eligible for a $3.15/watt for the first 15 kW of system capacity, $3.00/watt for the next 75 KW, $2.00/watt for the next 100 KW capacity, $1.40/watt for the next 300 KW of system capacity. Public buildings can add $1.00/watt.

MassSAVE is a residential conservation services program which offers no-interest financing to help residents increase the energy efficiency in their homes and businesses. The HEAT Loan Program is available for one to four family residences. The loans are capped at $15,000 with terms up to 7 years. Eligible improvements include installing insulation, high-efficiency heating and hot water systems, and energy-saving windows.

Chicopee Electric Light offers rebates for residential solar photovoltaic system installations. While limited to the first 15,000 installed watts per year, a rebate of $2.50/watt capped at $5,000 per installation. Chicopee requires customers with PV systems to have an automatic transfer switch to disconnect from the grid during power outages.

National Grid has a Solar Thermal Rebate Program which offers customers a rebate of 15% of project costs for residential locations and 50% of commercial installations. Residential rebates are capped at $1500, commercial locations have a maximum rebate of $100,000 or $250,000 for new construction projects implementing solar power systems. Residential systems must be installed by November 15, 2009 in order to qualify.

Solar Business News

"Small Town Solar Projects"

The Brockton Brightfield in Brockton, Massachusetts is not very big, but it's the largest solar energy system in New England. The plant is built on about four acres previously home to a natural gas plant. The term "brightfield" comes from transforming a "brownfield", or an abandoned and contaminated industrial site, into a solar power site. Funded by a city bond, a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Renewable Energy Trust, the Brockton Brightfield began sending electricity to the grid in 2006. With a 425 KW capacity, the Brightfield generates environmentally friendly energy from a formerly environmentally contaminated site. Brockton may be a small town, but it has the largest Brightfield in the country and plans to add more capacity soon.

In 1996 Assembly Bill 1890 was passed, directing the Investor-Owned Utilities in the state to being collecting $540 million from 1998-2002 to fund future rebate programs for solar energy. AB 1890 also established a public goods surcharge, which would help fund public interest programs such as the Public Interest Energy Research program and renewable energy programs. Senate Bill 90, which was passed in 1997, helped develop the administrative and expenditure criteria for the implementation of AB 1890. The public goods surcharge was extended for ten years with the passage of Assembly Bills 995 and 1194.

California's Renewable Standard Portfolio (RSP) was set in 2002 with the passage of Senate Bill 1078. The RSP establishes a certain percentage of electricity produced in the state must come from renewable sources by a certain year. SB 1078 set California's RSP at 20% by 2017. This number would be increased in more recent legislation, but that was the standard set in 2002.

In 2006 Senate Bill 1 established the "California Solar Initiative", which expanded the number of utilities required to participate in quest to generate an increased amount of electricity from solar power. In addition to the Investor-Owned Utilities, Municipal Utilities were now required to offer rebate programs. SB 1 also directed utilities to decrease the rebate amounts offered each year of the ten year program by a certain percentage.

Some bills proposed already in 2009 include Assembly Bill 3, which if passed will require a Renewable Energy Workforce Readiness Program be established. AB 3 also set some guidelines to ensure that training programs and job opportunities in the future renewable energy job force are fairly distributed.

If Assembly Bill 64 is passed, California's RSP will require 20% of electricity in the state to come from renewable sources by the end of 2010. Previously the standard had been 20% by 2017. AB 64 goes on to require at least 25% of electricity produced in the state come from renewable sources by the end of 2015, 35% by the end of 2020, and at least have a goal of reaching 50% by the end of 2035. AB 64 also proposes to establish a Renewable Infrastructure Authority to issue bonds, designate renewable energy zones, certify new power plants, and designate transmission corridors.

Another interesting bill proposed is the Carbon Labeling Act of 2009. Assembly Bill 19 would enact a voluntary "carbon footprint label" for consumer products sold in the state.

State Rebate Programs

In January of 2006 California Public Utilities Commission adopted the California Solar Initiative, a program designed to provide more than $3 billion in incentives for solar energy projects in the state. The objective was to produce 3000 Megawatts of solar capacity in the state by 2016. Originally limited to customers of the state's Investor-Owned Utilities, the California Solar Initiative was expanded in August of 2006, with the passage of Senate Bill 1, to include the state's Municipal Utilities as well. SB 1 directed Municipal Utilities to begin offering rebate programs beginning in 2008.

There were two basic different kinds of incentives included in the California Solar Initiative; Expected Performance-Based Buy downs and Performance-Based Incentives. The Expected Performance-Based Buy downs relied on calculations of the installed system's expected performance, calculations which considered factors such as the rating of the actual solar system installed and such things as geographic location, tilt, orientation and shading.

The Expected Performance Incentives were used for sources under 50 KW and were $2.50/ watt AC for residential and commercial installations, and $3.25/watt AC for government and non-profit entities.

Performance-Based Incentives were for systems 50 KW or greater and offered $0.39/kWh for 5 years for residential and commercial installations and $0.50/kWh for governments and non-profits.

The program is managed by Pacific Gas & Electricity (PG & E), Southern California Edison and the California Center for Sustainable Energy. The budget for the California Solar Initiative included a stipulation that a certain percentage of the funds be used for two low-income solar incentive programs. One program directed at single families is still very much in the works as of April 2009, but applications are being accepted for the Multi-family Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program. For photovoltaic systems offsetting common area loads a rebate of $3.30/watt is offered, and $4.00/watt for systems offsetting tenant loads. Utilities are developing virtual net energy metering tariffs which will allow MASH participants to allocate the kWh credits from a single solar system across several electric accounts at the same building complex.

The next roll out of rebate programs offered as a result of the California Solar Initiative will offer even higher rebates and incentives for applicants who are able to provide proof of "direct tenant benefits". As of April 2009 these direct tenant benefits are still being defined, but it is believed that by offering the virtual net-metering system in the first track of rebates, those participants will be able to effectively demonstrate reduced energy costs, for example, from having solar systems installed.

While the Solar Initiative in California is funding $3 billion worth of incentives over 10 years, it should be noted that most of this money is being used for investment in solar photovoltaic systems. Only a small pilot program for solar water heating was included in the funding.

Alameda Power & Telecom Solar Photovoltaics Rebate Program has a goal of reaching 2,127 KW of new solar capacity during the life of the program. The rebate is $2.60/watt in 2009.

Azusa Light & Water Solar Partnership Program is offering its customers $4/watt AC if they give Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to the utility company, or $2.80 watt if customers want to retain ownership of their RECs. The maximum incentive is capped at 50% of installation costs and the minimum eligible size for the system installed is 1 KW.

Municipal Rebate Programs

When Senate Bill 1 expanded the scope of utilities required to participate in increasing the amount of electricity from renewable sources, some municipal utilities already had rebate programs established in their communities. As directed in SB 1, rebate programs should be designed to decrease by a certain percentage every year during the ten year program. This encourages early investment because if you know you want to install a solar system for your home or business, the sooner you do it the larger the rebate. Greater investment early on then contributes to lowering costs later on. To counteract the decreasing rebate, a higher aggregate capacity for installations is allowed over the life of the program.

Anaheim Public Utilities offers a rebate of $4.00/watt AC for residential photovoltaic (PV) installations and $2.80/watt AC for commercial, up to 100 KW.

Banning Electric Department's Solar Support Program offers a $3.72/watt AC rebate with a maximum amount capped at 50% of the total system costs. Participants must be connected to the grid and must net-meter.

Burbank Water and Power offers a rebate of $3.00/watt AC if customers keep their Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), and $3.50/watt AC if they grant their RECs to the utility. For schools, non-profits, and affordable housing projects the rebate is $4.00/watt. They rates apply to systems up to 30KW. For PV systems over 30 KW the rates are $0.414/kWh if customers keep their RECs, $0.483/kWh if they grant them to the utility and $0.552/kWh for schools, non-profits and affordable housing projects.

City of Lompoc Utilities PV Rebate Program offers a rebate of $3.50/watt AC for non-profits, $3.00/watt AC for all other participants. The maximum amount of the incentive is capped at 50% of the system costs, up to $50,000.

City of Palo Alto Utilities has a PV Partners Program which offers residential customers a $2.00/watt AC rebate, small and medium commercial customers less than 100 KW can receive a $2.60/watt AC rebate. Systems greater than 100 KW receive a $0.33/kWh rebate for 60 months. For large commercial systems less than 100 KW the rebate is $2.20/watt AC, for large commercial systems greater than 100 KW the rebate is $0.28/kWh for 60 months. The rate for non-profits who have systems less than 100 KW the rebate is $3.75/watt AC, for systems greater than 100 KW it is $0.47 kWh for 60 months. As of April 2008, City of Palo customers have installed 257 PV systems totaling 827 KW in capacity.

City of Palo Alto Utilities also has a Solar Water Heating Program with a goal of 1000 new systems installed by 2020. There are two different kinds of incentives offered; the Prescriptive Method and the Area Method. The Prescriptive Method is calculated based on the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation rated savings of the system and a design-based solar factor. The Prescriptive method is for residential and small business installations only and is capped at $1500. The Area Method is based on the type of system involved and is capped at $75,000. AB 1470 passed in 2007 requires solar water heating rebate programs if the pilot program in San Diego is effective. Palo Alto Utilities merely opted to start their rebate program early.

Colton Public Utilities PV Rebate Program offers $4.00/watt with a maximum for residential installations at 50% of costs up to $20,000, and commercial installations 50% of costs up to $50,000

Glendale Water and Power Solar Solutions Program offers a $3.72/watt for systems 30 KW DC or less, $4.65/watt for affordable housing projects. For systems 30 KW or more the rebate is $0.456/kWh, or $0.641 for affordable housing projects. The maximum incentive is capped at 50% of all costs.

Hercules Municipal Utility PV Rebate Program offers a $3.00/watt AC rebate with a maximum incentive capped at $10,000, and a maximum size of 10 KW.

IID Energy PV Solutions Rebate Program offers a rebate of $2.60/watt AC with a minimum size of 1 KW and a maximum size of 1 MW. Imperial Irrigation District is unable, however, to accept anymore applications for 2009 due to lack of funding.

LADWE (Los Angelos Department of Water and Power) Solar Incentive Program has a maximum incentive capped at 75% of the total project costs for residential installations and a maximum of 50% for commercial systems. The minimum eligible size is 1 KW and maximum 1 MW AC per site.

Lodi Electric Utility PV Rebate Program offers a rebate of $2.60/watt AC with a maximum incentive of $375,000 per system, capped at payments of $75,000 per customer, per year, until paid.

Merced Irrigation District PV Buydown Program offers a $2.80/watt AC rebate with a maximum incentive capped at $8,000 for residential installations and $70,000 for commercial.

Modesto Irrigation District Photovoltaic Rebate Program offers a rebate of $2.60/watt AC for systems between 1 KW and 30 KW and $3.10/watt AC for government and non-profit entities. The minimum size to be eligible is 1 KW.

Pasadena Water & Power Solar Power Installation Rebate has a goal to fund the installation of 14 MW by 2017. For systems up to 50 KW they offer a expected performance-based incentive of $3.15/watt AC for residential installations, $2.00/watt AC for commercial, and $2.60/watt AC for government and non-profit entities. For systems larger than 50 KW the rebate is performance based with a rebate of $0.476/kWh for residential locations, $0.302/kWh for commercial, and $0.393/kWh for non-profit and government entities. Minimum size is 1 KW and maximum size is 1,000 KW.

Plumas-Sierra REC - PV Rebate Program has a 2009 rebate level of $2.60/watt AC with a maximum incentive capped at $6,000 for residential, agricultural, and non-profit applications, $12,000 cap for small commercial, and $20,000 for large commercial and industrial.

Riverside Public Utilities Non-Residential PV Incentive Program offers a commercial installation rebate of $3.00/watt AC with a maximum of 50% of the total project costs, or the specific dollar limits which vary according to the rage schedule of the applicant - whichever is less. The cap for incentives with a flat rate is $50,000, the cap for demand customers is $2000,000, and the cap for large customers (TOU) is $500,000. The Riverside Residential PV Incentive Program offers a $3.00/watt AC rebate with a maximum of $25,000 or 50% of project costs - whichever is less.

Roseville Electric PV Buydown Program offers a rebate of $3.00/watt AC with a maximum incentive capped at $10,000 for residential installations and $66,000 for non-residential installations.

Silicon Valley Power Solar Electric Buydown Program offers a $4.50/watt AC rebate for residential installations, $3.00/watt AC for commercial installations up to 100 KW and $0.40 for commercial installations from 100 KW to 1 MW. Performance-based incentives are paid to the customer quarterly for a period of 5 years. The maximum incentive for residential installations is $45,000.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District's (SMUD) Residential Solar Program offers 100% financing for installing solar water heating or PV systems at a rate of 8.5% for 10 years. The PV Residential Retrofit Buydown Program offers a rebate of $2.50/watt AC and the Solar Water Heater Rebate Program offers a rebate of $1500 per system.

Truckee Donner PUD Photovoltaic Buydown Program is not accepting anymore applications for 2009 or 2010. As of January 2009 they are accepting applications for the 2011 rebate program. The 2008 rebate level was $5.00/watt, 2009 was $4.50/watt, and 2010 will be $4.00/watt with a maximum incentive capped at $15,000 for residential installations and $25,000 for commercial.

Turlock Irrigation District PV Rebate Program offers a rebate of $4.00/watt AC for residential installations and $2.80/watt AC for commercial with a maximum incentive of 50% of total costs. The minimum eligible size is 1 KW and the maximum 1 MW.

Ukiah Utilities PV Buydown Program offers a rebate of $2.52/watt AC with a maximum incentive capped at $6,000 for residential installations and $15,00 for commercial. The maximum size is 1 MW.

Solar Business News

Walmart is expanding their solar installations in California. The world's largest retailer has 18 solar arrays already installed at store locations in California and with more than 200 stores 7 distribution centers throughout the state there are plenty of stores to choose from. Walmart will team up with BP Solar, SunEdison LLC, and PowerLight to install solar panels on 10 to 20 facilities in the next 18 months to provide anywhere from 20% to 30% of the installation location's electricity with plans to eventually reach 100%.

Pacific Gas & Light (PG & E) is investing directly in renewable energy for the first time in ten years. Until very recently PG & E typically purchased electricity only from third party clean energy projects, now they have a 5 year program to produce 500 MW of solar power . Instead of building one big plant, PG & E is adopting the strategy of generating electricity from a collection of midsize plants somewhere in the area of 1 MW to 20 MW capacity. A solar power plant with a capacity for producing 1 MW can power one large retail store or 300 homes. PG & E will rely on other providers for the remaining 250 MW of power necessary to reach their goal.

Pacific Gas & Light is also teaming up with Solaren Corp to establish a pilot project which captures solar power in space and then beams the power back down to earth via radio signals. Solaren uses solar panels on satellites in orbit to capture the sun's power, then converts the power into a radio frequency which can be sent to a receiving station, converted to electriciy and fed into PG & E's grid. While noone has built a system the size Solaren envisions for this project, the technology itself is not so new. Satellites have been collecting solar energy via solar cells on spacecraft and sending it to earth for over 45 years. The concept of capturing the sun's energy in space offers the benefit of not worrying about cloudy days or other factors here on earth which can interfere with our ability to take full advantage of the sun's energy.

Older data that used to be contained within this article can now be found here.

Features
The company designs and manufactures high-efficiency crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, roof tiles and solar panels based on a silicon all-back-contact solar cell invented at Stanford University. In recent news SunPower has announced product development on a new panel system with 23.4% efficiency! That's way above the industry average of between 12% and 20% at the highest end. Unfortunately for home owners this high efficiency panel is only available for businesses at the moment.

SunPower is known for delivering professional results at an affordable price nation-wide and they partner with local installers in nearly every US state to provide a free site evaluation so it's definitely worth checking out and their number is toll free 1-800-SUNPOWER (786-7693). Their stock price has been bouncing around a little bit recently but as one of the big players in the space we are confident in their continued success and have seen several SunPower installations go in right near downtown Mountain View, CA where the CleanTech Authority Network is based.

SunPower Solar Panels
SunPower offers not only some of the most efficient solar panels in the industry but also takes into account aesthetic considerations. SunPower is known for having some of the most aesthetically pleasing solar panels on the market that feature an "all black" look that blends nicely with most dark shingles. SunPower Signature Black panels come without the familiar grid lines which puts them in harmony with roof design. By contrast, competing solar panels have a grid of silver lacing and diamond shapes running through the panel layout.

In addition to the two looks offered by SunPower, they also offer three levels of technology ranging from lower efficiency (and more affordable) to high efficiency panels that cost more but save space, weight, and installation costs. The models are called 205, 210, and 215 with more details available at the SunPower website.

• SunPower E19 Series provides anti-reflective coating to increase sunlight absorption.
• SunPower E18 Series offers more energy than other competitors.

Monitoring
The SunPower Monitoring System is a revolutionary step taken by the company to provide more detail on use and performance to users.

• Web-based monitoring offers the opportunity to get in touch with your system no matter where you are.
• Wall-mounted LCD display provides easy access to stats and performance details.
• SunPower keeps you informed about your system through the iPhone as well via a well designed app.
• You can leave the task of monitoring to your dealer if you prefer. Your dealer or installer will get all the notifications if the system encounters a problem.

Financing
SunPower offers flexibility when it comes to financing. The financing team of SunPower brings forward diverse options to cope with the needs of its customers.

• Big companies with good business can invest heavily in the solar systems. SunPower offers accelerated depreciation and smooth processing of associated tax credit.
• Companies that are not entitled to utilize tax incentives can go for lease options. SunPower leases the solar system for 10 to 15 years and afterwards you can either renew the lease or purchase the whole system.
• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is offered by the SunPower for commercial use. SunPower purchases, owns, maintains and insures the solar systems. Companies have to pay monthly bill for the electricity produced by the solar systems.
• Commercial loan is also available for companies.
• Municipal financing is available for the government entities.

SunPower began offering corporate discounts in 2008 and has an ongoing solar rebate for Hewlett Packard and Google employees in the US. These employee solar rebate programs can be found here and here. For more information visit these URL's or contact SunPower directly.

User Reviews
Many users have expressed the challenge of obtaining just one SunPower panel as they are only offered through certified installers who apply them to larger jobs. In one such case a potential customer was struggling to purchase a panel for his sailboat.

I personally (the founder of the CleanTech Authority network) was able to negotiate with local installers in Mountain View California to purchase four panels at once and have see single panels in use at information fairs such as the EV rally in Palo Alto. There are no guarantees but with a bit of planning, friendly request and up front payment your shot at getting a couple SunPower solar panels for your project can be pretty good.

• e85 stations: http://www.e85vehicles.com/e85-stations.htm
• electric car stations: http://www.cleancarmaps.com/
  

Affordable grid tie kits are great for do-it-yourself homeowners
Thanks to rapid advancements in inverter technology, you can install a solar grid tie kit onto your home for far less then ever before. It used to cost at least $10,000 to install a small system on a home. But using micro-inverters and 200W panels, homeowners can install a single panel and inverter for about $1000 and start to reap the benefits of free energy from the sun.

Many homeowners have begun slowly adding panels on a regular basis, on Earth Day, or as their budget allows. The new technology allows homeowners or anyone with a building to add on to the system in increments, without spending a fortune all at once. You could start with a 230W system, add a panel every 3 months or as your finances allow, and have a 4000W system that covered your entire power bill in just a few years. It's never too early to start, especially with the price of electricity fluctuating and rising over time.

Solar leasing programs often cost nothing to start
Now that solar has gone mainstream and is a viable investment, companies like SunRun have leasing programs to help homeowners get started in renewable energy. Here's how it works:

• A local installer works with a solar financing company like SunRun to evaluate the suitability of your home for solar.
• If your situation is right, the financing company will pay the installer to put the panels on your home, usually at zero cost to you.
• The financing company owns and maintains the panels, and receives any rebates associated with the installation.
• You get charged a fixed, discounted rate for your electricity for the life of the lease, usually 20-25 years.
• You save money in the short term in the discounted and fixed rate, plus you won't experience the sharp rate increases that are inevitable as carbon taxes and renewable subsidies become more prevalent.
• You can choose to purchase the system from the financing company and reduce your energy bills to nearly zero.

Whether you buy or lease solar panels you get the satisfaction of knowing that you are saving money AND helping the environment at the same time!

Simple RV, boat and golf cart systems are affordable and functional
Many people forget that there are various uses for solar panels. Boats, RVs and even golf carts are great candidates because they are simple to upgrade and are usually being operated on sunny days! Solar panels generate direct current, or DC power, which is what most boats and RV's need anyway. Adding a simple panel and charge controller to the system will keep the batteries charged, save the expense of charging batteries, and allow you stay out longer and go farther. Furthermore, trickle charging traditional lead acid batteries like those found on golf carts, boats and RV's is one of the best ways to extend battery life.

In most cases the panels will allow you get rid of the generator or shore power you relied on before. For folks in southern climates that use golf carts or neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) in lieu of traditional vehicles, a 200W solar golf cart kit means you can say goodbye to the power cord and hello to lower energy bills. Starter kits can be as little as $100, the larger units are over $1000.

Take your electronics and other stuff "off the grid"
It wasn't long ago that the components in solar power systems were so complicated that using an electrician to install them was a must. That is no longer the case however thanks to portable solar panels. Plug and play solar power kits like the Solio and HYmini allow you to gather, store, and use the sun's energy easily from anywhere. Larger systems work much the same way a computer does, you simply plug the panel into the control box (like you would a computer monitor), and then plug the control box into a battery (like you would plug the computer into the wall). Then, you just start plugging your stuff into the control box the same way you used to plug into the 220V wall socket.

This is a great system for remote cabins, work sheds, or garages. Often people that live in hurricane country keep them for backup power during tropical storms. They're great for campers and travelers who have added laptops, iPhones and stereos to their "must have" list when they're in the back country. These kits can be had for as little as $300 and are expandable.

Make your living and working space brighter and more comfortable with sun power
In some cases solar lighting has gotten a bad rap due to cheapy solar garden lights you might find at WalMart but that's no longer the case. There are, believe it or not, great solar lights out there that produce ample light, are high quality and look terrific. Many communities are doing away with the gas lamps that appear on every front lawn because they are expensive to run and maintain. Consider the effort involved with connecting just one light to the existing grid, the extra digging and splicing adds a lot of cost and energy. A nice solar lamp post light can replace the gas lamp, spruce up your yard, catch the interest of your neighbors and community and cost less than $200!

There are also tons of affordable options for heating and cooling your home with solar. Solar air heaters have recently become more popular, and they have the added benefit of using recycled cans in many cases. There are even solar air conditioners now, too. These use the sun to heat the medium in the cooling process, whereas traditional AC's use electricity. These new solar AC's are about 50% more efficient than their traditional counterparts.

So solar doesn't have to be out of reach for everyone. With a wide variety of applications and prices, solar power can help you save money and the planet.

Much of the information contained in this article was contributed by Kriss Bergethon who is a Solar Power expert and author from Colorado. For more information visit his site and check out the DIY Solar Kits.

Solar shingles, or photovoltaic shingles, were first released in 2005. Much like the larger solar panels we are used to, solar shingles capture sunlight and transform it into useable energy. Unlike the larger solar panel discussed above, they are typically 12 inches wide and 86 inches long and can be stapled directly to the roofing cloth just like normal shingles. Once installed, they give the roof a purplish blue tint but otherwise look much like regular tar and sand shingles.

Electricity is generated through solar shingles when the sun strikes a semiconductor layer, which is typically made from crystalline silicon, laminated to the shingle's surface. According to an article on Thisoldhouse.com, a single solar shingle produces about 50-200 watts of energy, which is enough energy to power a wall fan. This isn't bad for one tiny shingle but just think how much you could do with a whole roof of them? One of the big challenges with solar panels is determining how many to install, they don't usually come in smaller sizes so many customers end up with too much or just under what they could really use. The smaller dimensions of shingles eliminate this issue.

According to an article on solar shingles on Hubpages.com, solar shingles on your roof can create energy for your household for up to forty years! What's amazing about this is that most people replace the shingles at least once within this kind of time frame so you could actually cut down on the maintenance costs of your house in addition to the boost in sustainability. The biggest payoff with any solar technology is the savings in transporting energy to the location of use. With traditional coal or nuclear energy power is lost as it is transferred along lines all over the city. Micro power or localized solar solves this.

Just like regular solar panels, energy generated from solar shingles is stored either locally in a battery or passed through to the grid using net metering. During the night when users need energy the grid pumps it out but during the day they feed energy in which is shared all over the community, including corporations and businesses where the house owner may work.

Wikipedia states that, "Backup storage, in the form of batteries, is expensive, adds complexity to the installation, and is uneconomic in any large scale. Battery backup units require an array of additional hardware. This includes batteries, battery enclosures, battery charge controllers, and separate sub panels for critical load circuits. However, grid power is only useful as a backup system if it is available when solar power is not." If you live far away from an established grid, don't have access an electric company that offers net metering or are building a completely new sub division however, the battery storage option may begin to make sense.

Are solar shingles expensive? Well, compared to traditional solar panels, the answer is no. One author on Hubpages.com claims that not only will you be reducing your monthly energy bill, you will be increasing the overall value of your house by as much as 4%. With the price of energy and building uncertain going forwards, locking in your rates by tethering the energy of the sun might be a wise decision and reflect this increase in property value. While your neighbors are all suffering through brown outs and outages you may doing just fine.

In addition, Hubpages.com states that installing solar shingles "gives you back a price premium of about 10%, which is an increased value of your property, after making it energy efficient and renewable." So, depending on your situation as a home owner this return could represent a 6% increase in value at day one with ongoing benefits, minus the cost of interest if you take out a loan.

While older models of solar shingles were a bit more expensive because they were a new technology, new models such as shingles made with thin-film copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) cells are far more affordable and can be installed in as little as 10 hours instead of the 22 to 30 hours it takes to install large solar panels.

So who makes solar shingles? Companies that currently manufacture solar shingles include SunPower Corporation, Solar Components Corporation, Atlantis Energy Systems, and Dow Chemical. In addition, large homebuilders in California are partnering with companies like SunPower to offer homes that have solar systems already installed. This is a wonderful thing to see because the costs of rewiring and reinforcing a roof for solar can take up as much as 50% of the overall cost and regularly becomes a deciding factor for families considering renewable energy. Even homes that come "solar ready" but do not have solar panels or shingles installed are worth more than the status quo.

I've been down in Texas visiting friends and family for the past month, taking in the different types of architecture here in San Antonio. I've been noticing the large pointed roofs on many of the houses, a feature designed to keep heat away from the ground floor. I've noticed the trees strategically positioned to shade windows and all of the white trucks parked out front... The ceramic tile that extends from bathrooms and showers to cover the entire house floor because cold tiles feel nice against bare feet on hot summer days.

There a few really simple techniques you can use when designing a house to keep it cool. Have a ridge vent installed in addition to intake vents along the eves. This type of setup pulls in cold (or at least relatively cool air) from the sides of the house and drafts it up through the hotter internal spaces out through the top. You can use spray-on heat deflecting materials or attic foil such as Radiant Barrier (highly recommended by construction workers in these parts) designed to reduce radiant heat. But both of these options are easier to do when you're already replacing a roof or starting from scratch but will probably become more and more favorable as the price of electricity rises.

This is exactly where solar attic fans. These devices come in all shapes and sizes, some lower quality than others, but they all follow the same basic concept: get air circulating through your attic space to keep it cooler and thus, keep your living rooms below the roof and attic cooler as well, all while conserving energy by leveraging solar power.

It sounds simple but there is really more to consider here. First, you want to make sure you aren't sucking cool air away from your living spaces. This can be avoided by checking the seals on inset light fixtures (Home Depot sells sealed ones) as well as light switch and plug outlets (you can get foam pads that fit behind the plastic covers and block the holes and cracks). You really want to make sure you have some eve vents on your house so there is a place, other than the rooms below, for air to travel up into the attic from. It's a real bummer when you realize all of the AC you're generating is being sucked up into your attic! Eve vents (also called soffit vents) and good sealing techniques will solve this.

Installation of a solar electric attic vent is something you want to execute very carefully or hire a professional to do. Most installers recommend positioning one or two of them at opposite ends of the house. And don't get thrown immediately if one of these contractors tells you otherwise about a solar attic fan. I heard one gentleman say "the hottest your house will be is after dark in August," implying that the solar powered device would be shut off (no sun after dark), but he was missing one important point. Even if it were true that the hottest part of the day in a house was after the sun had gone down, it would certainly be less hot after a day full of venting than one with no venting at all.

The best solution for one house is probably different from another and might combine all of the passive cooling techniques described here. A solar powered attic fan is certainly not going to hurt you if it's installed correctly and fit into your venting design with a bit of intelligence. Consider plugging those air leaks, utilize a ridge vent or at least the eve vents as well as a fan approach and good luck with those hot summer days!

Anyone who's visited a ranch knows about these long metal swinging gates. They work pretty well (unless kids have been riding on them) and are effective property markers. I've seen them in use in the mountains of Colorado, ranches in Texas and just about anywhere else that people are living on two or more acres. They are useful and economical, the only downside is that they've traditionally required a lot of effort to use.

Imagine getting out of your truck or car each time you arrive "home" finally after a long day in town or hauling loads across the countryside or mountains. You're back, but you're not really there yet. You have to stop your car, get out and unlock the gate or just loosen the chain. Swing the gate open and maybe tie it up, then you get back into your car, drive through and park again. Get out and close the gate. That's five steps total and that's a waste of gas (whether your car is idling or using extra energy to stop and start twice). It's no wonder that electric gate openers are in widespread use across the country. Much like a garage door, these devices usually rely on a car battery to prop the gate open and then close it 30 seconds later. They are secure, reliable, and they save a lot of energy.

These gates use car batteries in most cases because they are cheap, convenient and much easier to place than wires running from the main house. The jump from stand alone batteries to trickle charged batteries operating off of a small panel took less than a nanosecond. Trickle charging is one of the best ways to charge batteries, adding to their lives, and the panels don't have to be too large to make it all work. Just like the panels you might see on roadside emergency phones, lights and even trashcans, these work great for solar powered driveway gates.

Just below are several images and descriptions of these solar powered gate systems. First up is a complete shot of the light poll with the solar panel attached, the electronics box and the gate with the electric motor.

Next is the back side of the mini solar panel (this one was made by UNI-SOLAR) used to charge the car battery inside the electronics box which opens the gate and controls the remote control activator.

Just below is an inside shot of the car battery and electronics printed circuit board (PCB) that controls the gate and sets the security code. This particular unit was made by Apollo Gate company and is from 2001. Not much to it really, the battery connects to the control unit and there is a radio receiver for the remote (works just like a garage door opener) and a few pins that control the opening code. There is also a turn key and button on the exterior of the box which can be disabled. Apollo sells swing gate and slide gate systems depending on your taste as well as barrier arms (think railroad tracks only smaller) and there are keycode boxes that can be mounted on the driveway if the remote control isn't your style. Using the small solar panel and trickle charge setup the battery will last years and the entire system can run $500 or less if you've already got fencing in place and it will save you a lot of  hassle, gas and frustration (especially if it's raining).

This report looks at high-temperature solar thermal (HTST) technology, with the four main designs being considered: parabolic dish, parabolic trough, power tower, and linear Fresnel. First, a description of HTST technology is provided, and the commercialisation of HTST technology is examined. HTST technology is then evaluated from social, environmental and economic perspectives, with consideration given to both positive and negative issues. The economic evaluation includes a comparison with coal power technology. Finally, the limitations of HTST technology are outlined, and barriers to implementation in Australia are discussed. From the information presented, it can be seen that HTST has many benefits, and vast potential, especially in Australia. However, the high cost and a lack of government support continues to prevent its rapid uptake.

High-Temperature Solar Thermal (HTST) Technology Overview

Solar thermal technologies are categorised as low-temperature, medium-temperature, or high-temperature. High-temperature solar thermal (HTST), also known as concentrating solar thermal (CST), is used for electrical power generation. HTST power plants are a lot like traditional fossil fuel power plants, but the important difference is that they obtain their energy input from the sun, instead of from fossil fuels. HTST systems have two main components: the collector / concentrator, and the receiver / absorber. The collector is a mirror with the function of collecting solar energy and concentrating this energy (by reflection) toward a centralised receiver, which contains a working fluid that absorbs the concentrated solar energy. The four main HTST designs are: parabolic trough, parabolic dish, power tower, and linear Fresnel.

Parabolic Trough
The parabolic trough (Figure 1) is the most common type of HTST system(1). The mathematical properties of a parabola curve are such that it reflects all incident sunlight onto a focal point, and thus the concentration of solar energy can be maximised. However, parabolic troughs do not fully exploit these properties, being parabolic only in one dimension. The concentration ratio is typically 8 to 80 times the incident intensity, with operating temperatures ranging from 260 to 400 degrees C, and a maximum conversion (Carnot) efficiency of 56%(2). The working fluid contained in the tubular receiver is usually synthetic oil (molten salt or water/steam may also be used). Heat absorbed by this oil is used to generate steam via heat exchangers (Rankine cycle), in order to power a steam turbine, which drives an electrical generator. A power plant utilising this design will be comprised of many parallel rows of troughs, usually orientated on a north-south axis and each with a single-axis sun tracking system.

Parabolic Dish
The parabolic dish (Figure 2) is based on the same principle as the parabolic trough, however the dish is parabolic in two dimensions, and the incident sunlight is concentrated toward a single focal point. As a result, the typical concentration ratio is much higher at 800 to 8000, with operating temperatures ranging from 500 to 1200 degrees C, and a maximum conversion efficiency of 80%(2). The working fluid is a gas, such as hydrogen or air, which is used to generate electricity via a small Stirling or Brayton engine attached to the receiver. Parabolic dishes employ double-axis sun tracking systems.

Linear Fresnel
The linear Fresnel (Figure 4) arrangement utilises a series of long (slightly curved or flat) collectors and one or more linear receivers. The design might be viewed as incorporating aspects of the parabolic trough and the power tower. Like the parabolic trough, the receiver runs the length of the collectors, however it is physically independent of them and fixed in position (as with the power tower), which leads to a simpler design. Single-axis tracking is used. The concentration ratio, operating temperature range, and maximum efficiency are similar to the parabolic trough(2).

Energy Storage & Base Load Power
One advantage of HTST over other renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, is that the captured energy can be stored more easily. Because of this, intermittency is less of an issue, and HSTS can provide base load power(4). Molten salt is a proven storage medium(5)(6), with the obvious advantage that it can simultaneously be used as the working fluid. Other options include the use of concrete or phase change materials(5), and the dissociation of ammonia to produce hydrogen(7). By utilising energy storage, HTST can replace traditional fossil fuel power plants. On the other hand, if energy storage is not used, HTST power plants can provide base load power by supplementing with fossil fuels (usually natural gas).

Commercial Status of HTST
The United States and Spain are the world leaders in HTST for power generation. Each currently has 6 operational plants (see Table 1), with a total capacity of 430 MW and 182 MW respectively(8).

Operational HTST Power Plants in the USA and Spain (8)

Spain has 20 plants under construction, which account for 1617 MW of the 1757 MW (92%) of capacity under construction worldwide(8). All of the plants under construction in Spain are expected to come online by the end of 2010, and all will use parabolic trough technology, except for one 17 MW plant, which will use the power tower arrangement. Spain also has another 19 plants announced, totalling 1080 MW. Of these, 15 will be parabolic trough, with 5 of those 15 using energy storage(8).

The USA has 29 plants announced, totalling 8546 MW(8). Of these, 15 will be parabolic trough, 8 will be power tower, 2 will be parabolic dish, and 2 will be linear Fresnel. So although parabolic troughs remain the favourite HTST technology, power towers are becoming increasingly attractive, as are parabolic dishes, at least in the USA.

In Australia, large-scale HTST power installations are yet to be seen, however this is likely to change in the near future, as Australia is actively involved in R&D and commercialisation. Australia's first HTST power station was constructed by the Australian National University, at White Cliffs, NSW, in 1981. It was comprised of 14 parabolic dishes, with a total capacity of just 25 kW, before Solar Systems Pty. Ltd. converted the dishes to PV in 1997(9)(10). Solar Systems Pty. Ltd. has also recently constructed parabolic dish power stations at Hermannsburg (192 kW), Yuendumu (240 kW), Lajamanu (288 kW), and Umawa (220 kW), and although the dishes use PV technology, they are also capable of high temperature operation, and the CSIRO has been using the technology for this purpose(11).

The CSIRO's National Solar Energy Centre (NSEC), launched in 2006, is the only multi-collector installation of its type in Australia(12). It consists of a power tower with a capacity of 0.5 MW, and a linear Fresnel system.

In 2003, Solar Heat & Power Pty. Ltd. begun the construction of a 40 MW compact linear Fresnel plant, located adjacent to the 2000 MW coal-fired power station in Liddell(13). The company is now designing a stand-alone 240 MW system.

The Australian National University's 'Big Dish' (Figure 5) is the world's largest parabolic dish technology, with an aperture of 400m2(14). The ANU and Wizard Power Pty. Ltd. have entered into a partnership to commercialise the Big Dish, with plans to construct a demonstration plant consisting of up to 20 dishes, each with an electrical generation capacity of 100 kW.

Environmental Evaluation

HTST is a renewable energy technology, however this does not mean that it is necessarily an environmentally sustainable technology in all instances. The environmental impact of HTST depends on how it is implemented. Here we look at several environmental issues associated with HTST technology.

Land use: HTST requires large areas of cleared flat land. The amount of land required of course varies depending on the size of the plant, the chosen HTST design, and whether energy storage is employed. A typical parabolic trough plant requires about 5 to 10 acres of land per MW of capacity(16), and the land required for a typical parabolic dish plant is at the lower end of this range(17). For comparison, a typical coal-fired plant requires about 1 acre per MW of capacity(18), but this does not include the land area required for mining coal.

Conservation of biodiversity: due to the land and solar energy requirements of HTST, the Mojave Desert in California has become a potential hotspot for HTST companies and developers, in what has been described as a "...California gold rush-like scenario unfolding in the desert"(19). However, there are mounting concerns about the potential impact on rare and protected species in the area, such as the desert tortoise, the Mojave fringe-toed lizard and Nelson's bighorn sheep(20). These concerns have already resulted in some HTST project plans being abandoned(21), but the mandate for emissions reductions remains a strong driving force behind HTST development, and decision-makers have indicated that this mandate will take precedence over biodiversity conservation(19).

Water use: power plants that utilise Rankine steam cycles need to be cooled, and HTST power plants are no exception. The amount of water used for HTST power generation depends on the cooling method and chosen HTST design. A wet-cooled power tower plant uses about 2250 Lt/MWh (about the same as a typical wet-cooled coal or nuclear plant), and a parabolic trough plant uses about 3650 Lt/MWh(22). Dry-cooling (air-cooling) is an option that eliminates 90% of water use, but it also decreases energy output and increases the cost of producing electricity by an amount that depends on the location and chosen HTST design(22). Parabolic dishes are inherently dry-cooled, and thus use virtually no water(23).

Air pollution: it has been calculated that HTST results in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of 10g to 80g CO2e/kWh, depending on the chosen HTST design(24). However, these emissions must be offset against the 'avoided emissions' i.e. emissions that would otherwise have come from the combustion of fossil fuels or nuclear fission. It has been calculated that lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (including fuel production) for coal, gas (CCGT) and nuclear power are 974g CO2e/kWh, 464g CO2e/kWh, and 15g CO2e/kWh respectively(25). It should be noted that the calculated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for nuclear power do not include emissions associated with the permanent storage of high-level radioactive waste, and so the actual figure would necessarily be higher than that cited above. Based on the above figures, it can be seen that replacing coal power with HTST results in emissions reductions of about 95% on average, and replacing gas power with HTST results in emissions reductions of about 90% on average. HTST also results in the elimination of SOx / NOx and other undesirable emissions during operation. Thus, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution in general, HTST is a beneficial technology.

Social Evaluation

Aesthetic impacts: due to the sheer size of HTST installations, some people might consider them to be visually offensive. This of course depends on where installations are sited, and who is looking at them. In HTST hotspots, such as the Mojave Desert, "nearby residents and national park visitors will (also) face the burden of increased traffic, pollution, noise, and infrastructure..."(26). All of these things diminish the aesthetic quality of the immediate environment, and can thus result in decreased well-being for some people.

Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS): currently, many remote communities do not have access to a reliable power supply, and this is a social inequality. Some remote communities use stand-alone photovoltaic systems (or small wind turbines) with a diesel generator for backup, and a battery bank for energy storage. HTST has so far proven best suited to large-scale applications, and thus has not been deployed for RAPS. As a result, the benefits of HTST are not yet realised by those who most in need of a reliable power supply.

Energy Security: for HTST to be viable, a certain amount of solar irradiation must be available for harnessing at the site. As Figure 6 shows, solar resources are abundant in the USA, Mexico, northern and southern Africa, the Middle East, and Australia. These regions / countries can utilise HTST, and thus obtain a larger proportion of domestic power from an indigenous energy resource. This would necessarily increase energy security, and therefore contribute to a reduction in social and political tensions associated with energy insecurity.

Public acceptance: there are few if any studies that include specific information on the public acceptance of HTST power. However, it would not be unreasonable to assume that the level of public acceptance of HTST is somewhat similar to that of solar technologies in general. Solar technology is one of the most widely recognised types of renewable energy technology, and the most positively regarded(28). It is argued that HTST will have a high level of public acceptance, provided that environmental issues such as land use and conservation of biodiversity are addressed prior to implementation.

Economic Evaluation

The cost of HTST power depends on system design and power plant siting. As we have seen, the parabolic trough is the most utilised design, followed by the power tower and linear Fresnel, with the parabolic dish seldom being utilized so far. This is indicative of the current cost of each design relative to the others. With regard to power plant siting, energy will be cheaper to produce where solar resources are plentiful.

Currently, the cost of HTST (not parabolic dish) power is between 125 and 225 USD per MWh(29)(30), which gives an average cost of about 175 USD per MWh. The lower end of this range represents larger parabolic trough installations (under construction or recently completed) that utilise energy storage, and are sited in locations that receive high levels of solar radiation. This is compared to the cost of coal power, which can range between 30 and 70 USD per MWh (31)(32)(33), giving an average cost of about 50 USD per MWh. Thus, HTST power is about 3.5 times as expensive as coal power on average.

The cost break-downs of HTST and coal power are quite different. The majority of the cost of HTST is made up of the capital cost, and fuel costs are nil. The costs of coal power, on the other hand, are more evenly distributed between capital costs, fuel and O&M(32) (with O&M accounting for the smallest proportion), however the ratio of course depends on certain factors such as whether the fuel is indigenous or imported.

It should be noted that the figures for coal power cited above do not include the cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, carbon pricing, or negative externalities. It is estimated that CCS will increase the cost of coal power by between 37% and 91%(34). If we take the average of this range (i.e. 64%) and apply it to the average cost of coal calculated above, we find that coal power would cost about 82 USD per MWh on average, with CCS. A carbon tax of 32 USD per MWh would have the same effect. In both cases, the cost of coal power would still be half that of HTST. Negative externalities e.g. environmental pollution / degradation are difficult to quantify, but it could be argued that if they were also factored in, HTST would start to become cost-competitive with coal.

When comparing the cost of different technologies, projections should also be considered. Whilst the cost of coal power will probably increase due to carbon taxes / carbon trading legislation, the cost of HTST is expected to decrease. Significant cost reduction potential exists in three key areas: increased volume production, plant scale up, and technological advance(35). Accordingly, projections suggest that the cost of HTST power will be reduced down to 50 USD per MWh (equal to the cost of coal power now), at a total installed capacity of 40 GW, some time between 2020 and 2025(35). Energy policy can play an important role in the uptake of HTST. For example, Spain has a set target of 500 MW of installed HTST capacity by 2010, and this target is supported by a generous HTST feed-in tariff(35). This is one of the main reasons why HTST has experienced rapid growth in Spain.

HTST projects boost employment. One feasibility study found that HTST power plants require a workforce 67% larger than that required for a combined cycle plant, and that "investment in CSP power plants delivers greater return to California in both economic activity and employment than corresponding investment in natural gas equipment"(35).

Barriers to the Implementation of HTST in Australia

The average amount of solar radiation in Australia ranges from 1500 to 1900 kWh/m2/yr, the highest of any continent in the world(11). Based on this information, it has been calculated that Australia's total primary energy consumption in 2006 (5500 PJ) could have been met by 4000 km2 of solar collectors, assuming an average conversion efficiency of 20%(11). If constructed as a power station with 20% land coverage, then just 138 km2 of land would be required, which is 0.000018% of the total land area of Australia.

This begs the question: why are there so few HTST installations in Australia, considering Australia's solar energy resources and HTST expertise are among the best in the world?

One obvious answer to the question is that HTST is not yet cost competitive with other available energy technologies. This is particularly true in Australia, because coal is so cheap and abundant. As well, Australia's wind resources are excellent(36) and wind power has so far proven the most economic of the 'new renewables' in Australia(37). These two factors have made it difficult for HTST to penetrate the market for large-scale power generation.

The other answer to the question is that government incentives are lacking. David Mills, co-founder of Ausra and Solar Heat & Power Pty. Ltd., has moved his business offshore to California, and cites the lack of government support in Australia as a key reason(38). Between 1997 and 2007, the Australian Government's Mandatory Renewable Energy Target resulted in a wind power boom, but it did little, if anything, for HTST(37). To this day, there is still no national target for installed HTST capacity, still no HTST feed-in tariff, and still no price on carbon emissions. Only very recently has the Australian Government acknowledged the potential of HTST, through the Solar Flagships Program, which provides funding for two HTST power plants(39).

Another barrier, alluded to earlier, is that HTST is not suited to small stand-alone applications in the same way that solar PV and small wind turbines are. Thus, this potential market is not available for exploitation, at least not yet.

Conclusion

This report has described the four main HTST system designs. The parabolic trough currently dominates the market, but power tower and linear Fresnel systems are increasingly being utilised and scaled up. Parabolic dishes are the most expensive design, and thus the least used, despite the fact that they are the most efficient, and use less land and water. Parabolic dishes may become the favoured design in the future if costs can be reduced. Any HTST design can provide base load power if energy storage is employed.

HTST requires large areas of cleared flat land, and can cause significant environmental damage if inappropriately sited. Best-practice would prescribe that HTST installations be located away from fragile ecosystems, and preferably on already degraded land. Water use is another issue that must be considered, particularly in desert / dry locations. The potential environmental and aesthetic impacts of HTST are generally more than offset by the benefits, which include significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, and increased energy security. Consequently, HTST has a high level of public acceptance.

The cost of HTST power is significantly higher than that of coal power, particularly in Australia. If the costs of CCS and negative externalities are factored in, then HTST starts to become more cost competitive with coal. The cost of HTST is projected to decrease significantly over the next 10 to 15 years due to production volume increases, plant size scale up, and technological advance. HTST projects are labor intensive and thus could be especially beneficial during times of higher unemployment, such as now.

The USA and Spain are world leaders in HTST deployment, while Australia is actively involved with R&D and commercialisation of cutting-edge HTST technology. In Australia, HTST faces strong competition with fossil fuel and wind power. So far, government incentives have been inadequate. If Australia is to take advantage of its abundant solar resources, new national and state energy policies must be introduced. Such policies would include a national target for installed HTST capacity, and a feed-in tariff for HTST power.

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12 CSIRO, "National Solar Energy Centre", 2005.
http://www.det.csiro.au/science/r_h/nsec.htm (accessed October 29, 2009).

13 Solar Heat & Power, "Projects", 2004.
http://solarheatpower.veritel.com.au/mainmenu.html (accessed October 25, 2009).

14 Wizard Power, "ANU's Solar Dish Technology", 2008.
http://www.wizardpower.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=33 (accessed October 29, 2009).

15 Australian National University, "Solar Dish Photos from ANU", 2008.
http://solar-thermal.anu.edu.au/pages/DownloadPics.php (accessed November 1, 2009).

16 Frank Wilkins, "Concentrating Solar Power - Overview for CSP PEER Reviewers", 2009.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/review_meeting/pdfs/prm2009_wilkins_csp_overview.pdf (accessed November 2, 2009).

17 SolarByTheWatt.com, "Solar Energy Land Area Efficiency or How Many Acres per MW, kWp per Acre", 2009.
http://solarbythewatt.com/2009/03/09/solar-energy-land-area-efficiency-or-how-much-acres-per-mw-kwp-per-acre/ (accessed November 2, 2009).

18 Solar Energy Industries Association, "Utility-Scale Solar Power - Responsible Land Use", 2009.
http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/factsheet_land_use.pdf (accessed November 2, 2009).

19 Los Angeles Times, "Environmental Concerns Delay Solar Projects in California Desert", 2009.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar19-2009oct19,0,2124650.story (accessed November 2, 2009).

20 The New York Times, "Battle Brewing Over Giant Desert Solar Farm", 2009.
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/battle-brewing-over-giant-desert-solar-farm/ (accessed November 1, 2009).

21 PhysOrg.Com, "Calif. Solar Firm Hits Desert Swarm", 2009.
http://www.physorg.com/news173461215.html (accessed November 2, 2009).

22 U.S. Department of Energy, "Concentrating Solar Power Commercial Application Study: Reducing Water Consumption of Concentrating Solar Power Electricity Generation", 2009.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/csp_water_study.pdf (accessed November 2, 2009).

23 Environment America Research & Policy Center, "On the Rise - Solar Thermal Power and the Fight Against Global Warming", 2008.
http://www.seia.org/galleries/pdf/EnviroAmer.CSP_Report_5.08.pdf (accessed November 1, 2009).

24 Yolanda Lechón, Cristina de la Rúa, and Rosa Sáez, "Life Cycle Environmental Impacts

of Electricity Production by Solarthermal Power Plants in Spain", 2008, Journal of Solar Energy Engineering: Vol. 130.
http://www.ciemat.es/recursos/doc/Areas_Actividad/Energia/ASE/340773185_2142009101221.pdf (accessed November 2, 2009).

25 P.J. Meier and G.L. Kulcinski, "Life-Cycle Energy Cost and Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Gas Turbine Power", 2000.
http://www.ecw.org/prod/202-1.pdf (accessed November 1, 2009).

26 Holly Campbell, Abby P. Metzger, Deidra Spencer, Stacey Miller, and Erika Allen Wolters, "Here Comes the Sun: Solar Thermal in the Mojave Desert--Carbon Reduction or Loss of Sequestration?", 2009.
http://people.oregonstate.edu/~spencerd/Deidras_Homepage/Current_Projects_files/Solar%20Thermal%20Mojave%20Desert.pdf (accessed November 2, 2009).

27 World Resources Institute, "Global Direct Normal Radiation", 2009.
http://www.wri.org/map/global-direct-normal-solar-radiation (accessed November 2, 2009).

28 Dr. Patrick Devine-Wright, "Reconsidering Public Attitudes and Public Acceptance of Renewable Energy Technologies: A Critical Review", 2007.
http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/research/beyond_nimbyism/deliverables/bn_wp1_4.pdf (accessed November 2, 2009).

29 Super Smart Grid, "Concentrating Solar Thermal Power system Economics", 2009.
http://www.supersmartgrid.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/csp_memo.pdf (accessed November 3, 2009).

30 The Oil Drum, "Concentrating On The Important Things - Solar Thermal Power", 2008.
http://anz.theoildrum.com/node/3791 (accessed November 3, 2009).

31 Claverton Energy Research Group, "Relative / Comparative Costs of Wind Energy, Nuclear 
Energy, Hydro Power, Coal Power, Natural Gas, Geothermal Energy, and Biomass", 2009.
http://www.claverton-energy.com/killer-wind-graphs.html (accessed November 2, 2009).

32 Risto Tarjanne, Aija Kivistö, "Comparison of Electricity Generation Costs", 2008.
https://oa.doria.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/39685/isbn9789522145888.pdf (accessed November 3, 2009).

33 The Australia Institute, "Wind Farms - The Facts and the Fallacies", 2006.
https://www.tai.org.au/documents/dp_fulltext/DP91.pdf (accessed november 3, 2009).

34 Frédéric Beauregard-Tellier, "The Economics of Carbon Capture and Storage", 2006.
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/PRBpubs/prb05103-e.htm (accessed November 3, 2009).

35 Wyld Group Pty. Ltd., "High Temperature Solar Thermal Technology Roadmap", 2008.
http://www.solenco.com.au/download/HTSolar_thermal_roadmap.pdf (accessed November 3, 2009).

36 Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, "Renewable Energy Atlas of Australia: Mean Wind Speed at 80m Above Ground Level", 2008.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/atlas/pubs/mean-wind-speed.pdf (accessed November 4, 2009).

37 ABARE Economics, "Energy in Australia 2009 - Renewable Energy", 2009.
http://www.abareconomics.com/interactive/09_auEnergy/htm/chapter_4.htm (accessed November 4, 2009).

38 YouTube, "Sunrise: Interview with David Mills About Solar Industry in AU Titled "Solar sell out?", 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwSRgEsMmMM (accessed November 4, 2009).

39 Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, "Clean Energy Initiative", 2009.
http://www.ret.gov.au/Department/Documents/CEI%20Fact%20Sheet%20(13%20May%2009).pdf (accessed November 4, 2009).

Below is the press release.   For more information, please contact Anne Smith, public relations 408-313-8089.

COULOMB TECHNOLOGIES EXPANDS INTO CANADA WITH FIRST
ELECTRIC VEHICLE NETWORKED CHARGING STATIONS

Coulomb Distributor Charge Northwest Signs BC-Based Rapid Electric Vehicles as First Canadian Reseller for ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations

Vancouver, BC. December 14, 2009 - Coulomb Technologies, the leader in electric vehicle charging station infrastructure, today announced the first networked charging stations for electric vehicles are now available in Canada. The ChargePoint® Networked Charging Stations available for consumer and fleet use are now installed at the headquarters of Rapid Electric Vehicles (REV) in Vancouver.  Additionally, Charge Northwest, Coulomb's Pacific Northwest distributor has signed REV as an official reseller in British Columbia of ChargePoint® Networked Charging Stations.

"Canada is a strategic and important country for deployment of electric vehicle charging stations," said Richard Lowenthal CEO of Coulomb Technologies.  "There are hundreds of progressive organizations, utilities and government entities that have shown strong interest in laying the groundwork for the necessary infrastructure to welcome EV's to the market in 2010.  Partnering with established distribution names in the Pacific Northwest gives us a distinct advantage to rapidly move forward in our expansion plans.  We are proud to be partnering with REV and Charge Northwest."

The ChargePoint® Network is open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and provides authentication, management, and real-time control for the networked electric vehicle charging stations through multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet managers, Drivers, and Utilities.  ChargePoint Network unique features include: charging status by SMS text or email notification, location of unoccupied charging stations via smart phones, authenticated access to eliminate energy theft, authorized energizing for safety, and Smart Grid integration for utility load management with future V2G capabilities.  The network of electric vehicle charging stations is accessible to all plug-in drivers by making a toll free call to the 24/7 number on each charging station, or signing up for a ChargePoint Network monthly access plan and obtaining a Smart Card. Other future payment options include using any smart (RFID) credit/debit card to authorize a session or using a standard credit or debit card at a remote payment station (RPS) to pay for charging sessions. To locate available charging stations, visit http://www.mychargepoint.net and click "Find Stations".

"We have worked closely with REV in the past year to develop strategic relationships within British Columbia," said Jim Blaisdell, President of  Charge Northwest.  "The Vancouver Mayor has aggressive and specific goals about clean air mandates and reducing emissions.  These charging stations are the first step to building the infrastructure for the new wave of vehicles that are coming soon to Canada.  We look forward to many more installation announcements in the coming months."

"We are proud to offer the first of many publicaly available charging stations for electric vehicles in Vancouver," said Jay Giraud, CEO of REV.  "Earlier this year, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson launched the Greenest City initiative, his vision of how our city can earn that title by 2020.  The Greenest City Initiative offers specifications for zero emission vehicles including at least 15 percent of new vehicles in Vancouver should be fully electric, plug-in hybrids or fuel cell vehicles.  Infrastructure is the necessary component in order to fuel these zero emission vehicles."

About REV
Rapid Electric Vehicles (REV) is a leader in electric vehicle solutions for fleets, delivering a fully integrated solution for transforming and electrifying fleets.  The complete solution provides everything fleets need to transform their existing passenger vehicles into 100 percent electric vehicles including: fast-install AC drive technology, integrated data management, charging stations, fleet charging management and V2G. The REV product eliminates vehicle emissions with a systems-integrated approach designed specifically for fleet operations while saving fuel and maintenance costs and increasing fleet-service life.  For more information on REV visit http://www.rapidelectricvehicles.com.  Follow REV on Twitter: http://twitter.com/revtechnologies.

About Charge Northwest
Charge Northwest provides electric vehicle charging infrastructure solutions for Oregon, Washington, Alaska and British Columbia.  Charge NW is the authorized reseller of ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations from Coulomb Technologies in the Northwest. Charge NW also provides EV infrastructure strategy, assessment, and planning, as well as software integration for charging infrastructure.  For more information, visit http://www.chargenw.com.

About Coulomb Technologies, Inc.
Coulomb Technologies is the leader in electric vehicle charging station infrastructure with networked charging stations installed in municipalities and organizations worldwide.  Coulomb provides a vehicle-charging infrastructure with an open system driver network: the ChargePoint Network provides multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet managers, Drivers, and Utilities http://www.mychargepoint.net, and ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations ranging in capability from 120 Volt to 240 Volt AC charging to future 500 Volt DC charging.  For more information, please visit http://www.coulombtech.com and follow Coulomb on Twitter at http://twitter.com/coulombevi.

Media Contact
Anne Smith
Coulomb Technologies, Inc.
408-313-8089
anne@annesmithcommunications.com

According to Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC), any project using qualifying facilities can get an offset up to 35 percent of the cost the facilities against Oregon income and corporation excise taxes. And qualifying renewable energy resources and facilities including high efficiency combined heat and power facilities can avail a tax credit up to 50 percent of the eligible cost. The eligible renewable energy resources must be completed on or before January 1, 2007. The tax credit is also available for home owners who install renewable energy facilities in their home. Any homebuilder with renewable energy facility can avail a tax credit up to $9,000. And certified high performance home builder installed renewable energy facilities are eligible for a tax credit up to $12,000. A certified home means that it has availed the Northwest Energy Star Homes Program along with some additional requirements. The maximum amount that can be credited through BETC for qualifying high efficiency combined heat and power facilities is capped at $10 million. Any unused credit can also be carried forward up to eight years. Any Oregon business or qualifying non-profit organization can also transfer the tax credit in return of a cash payment. Any Oregon business can qualify for this tax credit. The credit can be used to cover the actual project cost including equipment cost, design fees, supplier and installation costs. But maintenance costs cannot be covered by this tax credit. However the organization cannot apply for this tax credit to meet the replacement cost of equipment after the end of its useful life. According to HB 3619 in March 2008, the maximum amount was increased to $20 million which is 50% of a $40 million project. Also HB 3619 made Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) the governing body which is required to set the standards for the qualifying manufacturing facilities. Also ODOE will set the minimum level of increased employment in the organization and its financial viability. ODOE has the full authority to grant lesser amount of costs than what was actually applied by the qualifying facility based on these standards. The list of renewable energy resources include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass or fuel cells. At least 10% of the total electricity, gas or oil used must be replaced by the renewable energy resource. The energy can be used for the applying project itself or it can also be sold. Till now a total of 14,000 tax credits have been provided to the Oregon's business by ODOE and at least $215 million worthy investments have been saved.

According to HB 3201, a separate tax credit for Renewable Energy Resource Equipment Manufacturing Facilities was enacted in June 2008. It was done as a part of the Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC). Through this tax credit up to 50% of the construction costs of a facility can be availed. The eligible facility is the one which will manufacture renewable energy systems. The tax credit can used to cover the cost of the building excavation, equipment and machinery used to manufacture the system. This total 50% tax credit will provided over the course of 5 years. Each year tax credit equal to 10% of the cost will be given. HB 3619 totally separated this manufacturing credit from the rest of the revenue stream for BETC. To be qualified for the tax credit the renewable energy system must produce energy from the sun, wind, water or geothermal resources. An application should be submitted to the ODOE for preliminary certification. In addition to this certification, the system should also acquire a final certification and a financial feasibility review. The maximum amount that can be credited through this manufacturing tax credit is capped at $20 million.

With an ambition to promote innovation in project finance and design and to increase the scope of clean renewable energy generation technology, Bonneville Environmental Foundation's (BEF) started Solar 4R Schools program in the year of 2002. With the help of this program schools in the state of Oregon can avail grant to install small scale solar systems. After the completion of the installation, these projects will also include educational components to encourage the use of photovoltaic. In return of the grant the participating school will get to own and maintain the system and it will also provide access to the network to transfer the solar data. The solar system and monitoring equipment will be provided by the BEF. The school has to maintain a renewable energy curriculum framework provided by the BEF. The photovoltaic monitoring data can be availed through school's computer network or it can also put on the school's website for public access. Till now BEF has come up with 3 different curriculum modules for the schools. A complete funding for systems of 1.1 kW can be availed through BEF and for other larger systems, 33% of the original cost can be availed.

Through Eugene Water & Electric Board's (EWEB) Solar Electric Program commercial and residential customers can avail financial incentive from the company. The eligible systems must be producing electricity using solar energy. If the customer wants then he can go for rebates and in that case he will have to put the system under net meter program. Otherwise he can avail a production incentive for a system generating 10 kW or more electricity. The amount of rebate for net metered system is $2 per watt-AC and the maximum amount is capped at $10,000. And the same for commercial customers is $1 per watt-AC with a maximum amount of $25,000. The electrical output of the system will be calculated after the equipment and site losses are taken into account. The customer will retain the ownerships to the renewable-energy credits (RECs) generated by his system. If the customer agrees not to use the electricity generated and feed it to the grid, then he can avail a production payment of $0.12 per kW for 10 years. But under this category EWEB will retain the ownership to the renewable-energy credits (RECs) generated by the system. To become eligible for this program a EWEB interconnection agreement and program agreement must be executed.

According to HB 3039 enacted in July 2009, all solar photovoltaic systems are eligible for a pilot feed-in-tariff. All electric companies except electric co-operatives and public utility districts will offer this feed-in-tariff. To become eligible for this program, the photovoltaic system must be grid connected and generated electricity must be used for sale to a utility. In addition to these, the applying systems should be metered and meet all the codes and regulations applicable in the state of Oregon. The maximum capacity for this pilot program is capped at 25 megawatt-AC. And also 75% of this total electricity must be generated from small scale solar systems. No rate or rule was specified in the HB 3039. T he Public Utility Commission (PUC) is set to adopt the rules and rates for this program by the end of April 2010. The incentive will be paid over duration of 15 years at a rate set initially while enrolling in the program.

Various Rebate programs

Energy Trust - Solar Electric Buy-Down Program

Oregon's Energy Trust started this incentive program in May 2003. Through this incentive customers of Pacific Power and PGE can avail funding to install new solar photovoltaic systems on their new or existing homes. This State Rebate Program is applicable to commercial, industrial, residential sectors. The incentive amount for residential photovoltaic systems owned by homeowners is $1.50 per watt-DC within Pacific Power service territory and $1.75 per watt-DC within PGE service territory. The maximum amount per site which can be availed through rebate program is capped at $20,000. The applying system must meet all the federal, state and local codes and should carry a minimum warranty of 2 years on parts and labor. Other than these inverters must carry a minimum warranty of 5 year and panels should carry a minimum of 2 year warranty. The systems should also be grid connected and net metered. The installation should be done by an approved Energy Trust solar trade ally contractor. The budget for this state rebate program for the year of 2009 is $1.6 million in Pacific Power's service territory and $6.1 million in PGE's service territory. All the RECs generated by the system will be owned by the customer and after that it will revert to Energy Trust for the following 20 years.

EPUD - Solar Water Heater Loan

This solar water heater program was started by the Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD) in the year of 1997. Till today EPUD's customers' count is more than 17,000. EPUD's residential customers who buy solar hot water heater are eligible to avail a $600 rebate in addition to a zero interest loan. The total budget for this rebate program is $18,000 per year. The interested customers must select an EPUD approved contractor. If the installation includes additional costs which will not be covered by the rebate then customers can borrow up to $7,500 with zero interest. For loans of less than $1,500 the repayment must be done with a time period of 3 years and for loans of greater than $1,500 it is 5 years. Till today a total amount of $350,000 has been awarded under this loan scheme. In addition to this loan a State tax credit can also be availed for qualifying systems.

Central Electric Cooperative - Solar Rebates

As a part of the Bright Way to Heat Water Program from Bonneville Power Administration, all the customers of Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) are eligible to avail a cash rebate of $500 if they make a purchase of electric water heater. This rebate is available to all systems over 31 square feet. Systems should also meet all the technical standards imposed by the State of Oregon Tax Credit. The installer must be approved by the CEC. System installation work should not be started until the application gets approved by the CEC and the rebate will provided only after a complete inspection of the system is made. Other than this CEC also offers a solar PV rebate for all net metered systems. If the system is not generating more than 25 kW then it can avail a rebate of $500 per kW of installed capacity with a maximum rebate of $1,500 per system.

Four charging stations will be the first between Denver and Chicago

CAMPBELL, Calif., November 11, 2009 Coulomb Technologies the leader in networked electric vehicle charging stations today announced that Elk Horn, Iowa is the latest city to install Coulomb's ChargePoint® Networked Charging Stations.   Iron Eagle Technologies, along with the Danish Windmill, AmericInn Motels, the Elk Horn Service Station and Coulomb's distributor Carbon Day Automotive have joined efforts to promote renewable energy products, energy conservation and carbon output reduction with the installation of four publicly available Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.

A ribbon cutting for the charging stations, the first in the state of Iowa, will take place at the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa, on November 12 at 2:00 PM.  State officials and local business leaders will be speaking about the importance of building EV infrastructure for the future of transportation, and EV manufacturers will be represented, bringing along with them different types of EV's for viewing and rides.  The event will be free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be provided.

The charging stations will be the first of many along the I-80 corridor through Nebraska and Iowa as Iron Eagle Technologies looks to expand and build infrastructure for the EV movement.  They are a compliment to Iron Eagle Technologies' new World EVAL program, which is a new line of business for testing and certification of electric vehicles and EV components.

Coulomb Technologies' ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations are open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and provides authentication, management, and real-time control through multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet Managers, Drivers, and Utilities.  ChargePoint® Network unique features include: charging status by SMS text or email notification, location of unoccupied charging stations via smart phones, authenticated access to eliminate energy theft, authorized energizing for safety, and Smart Grid integration for utility load management with future V2G capabilities.  The network of electric vehicle charging stations is accessible to all plug-in drivers by making a toll free call to the 24/7 number on each charging station, or signing up for a ChargePoint Network monthly access plan and obtaining a Smart Card. Other future payment options include using any smart (RFID) credit/debit card to authorize a session or using a standard credit or debit card at a remote payment station (RPS) to pay for charging sessions. To locate available charging stations, visit http://www.mychargepoint.net and click "Find Stations".

President and CEO of IET, Mike Howard noted, "Although it's not well known, the first successful electric vehicle was actually invented in Iowa by William Morrison.  We've come a long way since then, and Iron Eagle Technologies is committed to putting the EV focus back in the heartland."

About Iron Eagle Technologies, Inc.
IET, along with established world-class calibration companies World Cal, Inc. and Liberty Labs, Inc., and also with Liberty Auto Restoration, Inc. offers testing and certification services for renewable energy products.  In addition to safety and compliance testing for PV solar products and electric vehicles, long term reliability testing for solar arrays and EV fleets; IET also provides EV conversions and solar array design and installation services for commercial and residential applications.

About Coulomb Technologies, Inc.
Coulomb Technologies is the leader in electric vehicle charging station infrastructure with networked charging stations installed in municipalities and organizations worldwide.  Coulomb provides a vehicle-charging infrastructure, which includes an open system driver network: the ChargePoint Network provides multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet managers, Subscribers, and Utilities http://www.mychargepoint.net, and ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations ranging in capability from 120V 16A to 240V 80A AC charging to future 120kW DC charging, and all US charging stations are SAE J1772™ compliant.  For more information, please visit http://www.coulombtech.com and follow Coulomb on Twitter at http://twitter.com/coulombevi.

Media Contact:
Anne Smith
Public Relations
Coulomb Technologies
408-313-8089

First San Diego North County Charging Station to Open to Public Nov. 11

AN DIEGO, Calif. November 6, 2009 - Sequoia Solar a leading San Diego company in the design, installation, and maintenance of turnkey, grid-connected, solar solutions today announced they will unveil their first networked solar-powered electric vehicle charging station. Powered by a combination of the sun and ChargePoint® Networked Charging Stations, Sequoia plans to extend the ChargePoint® Network and their solar technologies throughout San Diego County. Sequoia Solar will unveil the charging station at Sequoia Solar, 343 South Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA at 2:00pm on November 11, 2009.

"In 2008, Sequoia Solar built and installed the first solar powered charging station in the world," said Marty Reed, CEO and Founder of Sequoia Solar.  "Today we are taking the next step to upgrade our solar-powered EV charging station to include Coulomb's world-leading networked electric vehicle charging station and further establish the ChargePoint Network throughout San Diego.  The marriage of solar-generated electricity and electric vehicle charging is an exciting prospect for us and for the advancement of clean tech and reducing our carbon footprint."

Coulomb Technologies' electric vehicle charging stations address the needs of drivers, utilities, governments, and parking space owners enabling drivers to charge their electric vehicles wherever they live, work and shop.  The ChargePoint Network is open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and provides authentication, management, and real-time control for the networked electric vehicle charging stations through multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet managers, Subscribers, and Utilities.  ChargePoint Network unique features include: charging status by SMS text or email notification, location of unoccupied charging stations via smart phones, authenticated access to eliminate energy theft, authorized energizing for safety, and Smart Grid integration for utility load management with future V2G capabilities.  The network of electric vehicle charging stations is accessible to all plug-in drivers by making a toll free call to the 24/7 number on each charging station, or signing up for a ChargePoint Network monthly access plan and obtaining a Smart Card.

Sequoia Solar is a solar photovoltaic design and installation company with offices in Solana Beach, Palm Desert and Santa Rosa, California. Our team consists of both NABCEP certified and LEED Accredited Professionals. At Sequoia Solar we walk the talk, from our solar powered headquarters and education center in Solana Beach, to our hybrid sales vehicles and biodiesel powered installation trucks, and even to system installations that are powered by our mobile solar power station. We are invested in promoting and expediting our country's switch to locally produced, non-polluting, renewable energy.  For more information, please visit us at www.sequoiasolar.com.

About Coulomb Technologies, Inc.
Coulomb Technologies is the leader in electric vehicle charging station infrastructure with networked charging stations installed in municipalities and organizations worldwide.  Coulomb provides a vehicle-charging infrastructure, which includes an open system driver network: the ChargePoint Network proves multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet managers, Subscribers, and Utilities http://www.mychargepoint.net, and ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations ranging in capability from 120V 16A to 240V 80A AC charging to future 120kW DC charging, and all US charging stations are SAE J1772™ compliant.  For more information, please visit http://www.coulombtech.com and follow Coulomb on Twitter at http://twitter.com/coulombevi.

To provide healthier environment, reduce operating cost and to conserve energy and resources the City of Chicago initiated Green Permit Program for building design, construction and renovation. This Green Permit Program is monitored and administered by the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). The department is responsible to provide the owners and developers of the building with incentive to build greener buildings. The permit process timeline is totally streamlined for projects which promise to maximize indoor air quality and conserve energy and resources. The permit can be achieved through this Green Permit Program within a time limit of less than 30 days and if everything goes well then within 15 days also. Allowed renewable technologies include passive solar space heat, solar space heat, photovoltaic, wind, solar water heat, biomass, geothermal heat pumps and small hydroelectric. This program is eligible in Industrial, commercial, residential and institutional sectors. The time required to avail the permit greatly depends on the number of green building elements involved in the project and the overall project complexity. There is also a possible waiver of consultant code review fees in case the project meets the most sustainability guidelines. The maximum amount that can be waived is capped at $25000. Generally all interested applicants, who want to avail this permit, are instructed to involve DOB in the early stage of their project design process. DOB will help them throughout the whole process which in return will guarantee shorter permitting process time. The green building certification involves two different Benefit Tiers. Each project is evaluated based on a series of requirements and then it qualifies for one of those two tiers. All commercial projects need to earn appropriate credits in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system which is developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. On the other hand residential projects only need to bag at least a 2 star rating under Chicago Green Homes Council. In addition to these certification requirements, projects need to have menu items which are green design strategies above certification. Both residential and commercial projects need to have 1 to 3 of these menu items in order to enter into green permit program. Chicago Department of Environment started the Chicago Green Homes program as a measure of green building's elements. It is a checklist based rating system. Till 2009, at least 200 green homes were under this program. Green homes program also provide training material free of charge.

The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) in partnership with the Community Energy has started the Renewable Energy Credit Aggregation Program (RECAP) in January 2009 to provide incentive to customers using renewable energy systems. This program is eligible in various sectors like - industrial, residential, commercial, schools; state government institution etc. Normally photovoltaic is accepted as an eligible renewable technology under this program. ISEA generally purchases renewable energy credits in Illinois and sell them to Community Energy. And community Energy utilizes these RECs in the City of Naperville's renewable energy program which it runs in partnership with the Naperville's municipal utility. Though incentives are available only for solar photovoltaic; but incentives for small wind and solar thermal will be available in near future. There are certain requirements which must be fulfilled by the PV systems in order to get qualified for the program. The PV system must be located in Illinois. It must also be grid connected and have passed at least one year's field testing. To retain the ownership of RECs net metering agreement will be needed. Normally there is no size limit for this program. But systems with less than 10 kW of AC capacity is being given preference by ISEA. Production of the system must be documented with quarterly estimates. But for systems with greater than 10 kW production monthly production data must be submitted to the department. The participant of this program must also get registered as the residential or commercial member of the Illinois Solar Energy Association. The amount given through incentive program is $0.065 per kWh and the maximum amount which is available in the year of 2009 is capped at $15,000. According to the terms the systems producing at least 35 Mwh will be accepted under this incentive program.

In the state of Illinois a special assessment of solar energy systems is available for property tax evaluation according to 35 ILCS 200. Under this incentive program if a property owner registers with a chief county assessment officer then the solar energy system will be evaluated at a price of conventional energy system. Eligible renewable technologies include solar water heat, passive solar space heat, solar space heat, photovoltaic etc. And this program is available in industrial, commercial and residential sectors. Equipments usable in a conventional energy system or components serving non-solar energy productions are not eligible for this exemption program.

According to S.B. 0583 enacted in August 2009, property owners can borrow money from local government to make any payments resulting from energy improvements on their real property under the Property Assessed Clean Energy or "PACE". The customer has to repay the amount through an increased property tax assessment done in the following years. City, village or incorporated town municipalities have entered into agreements with property owners and contractual assessments have been finalized. Through these assessments only the property owner will avail funding for the installation or improvement of renewable energy technologies into their property.

Public entities like local, state, federal government or public school can avail grants of worth $5 million from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic for community renewable energy projects providing energy for the applicant's own need. The funding is received from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Eligible projects under this program include solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies. Any new solar thermal system approved by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) is eligible to avail a grant up to $100,000. For solar PV system, it must be listed with UL or must have been operational for at least one year and an amount more than $100,000 can availed under this program. The grant is available under a competitive application process. Before approval of the grant a many factors are taken into consideration like application quality, applicant capacity, economic development, green house gas emission reductions, energy reduction, cost-effectiveness or project timeliness. Under this grant program at least 25% of the total project cost can be covered using the funds. Any other publicly supported programs cannot be used for this purpose.

Rebate programs

DCEO - Solar Energy Rebate Program

The Renewable Energy Resources Program (RERP) funded by the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund support promotion of development and use of renewable in Illinois. This rebate program is monitored and administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). All solar energy systems installed in Illinois after January 2008 are eligible to avail this rebate. 30% of an individual system's cost can be funded by this rebate program. The maximum amount that can be offered through this rebate program is capped at $10,000. This is applicable in public and private schools, individual, business, non-profit organization etc. project with an estimated cost greater than $50,000 cannot be considered for this rebate program. Also projects that have external private funding available covering more than 30% of the total cost are not eligible to apply for. PV systems must be listed under UL or must be operational for at least one year to be considered for this rebate program. PV systems with a capacity of greater than 1 kW are eligible. Similarly solar thermal systems must be recognized by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC). In case of solar pool heating system, the pool must be available to the general public in order to be eligible for this rebate program.

MidAmerican Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

All residential customers of MidAmerican Energy are eligible for their incentive program in order to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Under this utility rebate program, various energy efficiency technologies are eligible like - solar heaters, water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps etc. the incentive amount depends on the particular utility upon which the rebate is sought. All interested applicants must submit the equipment rebate application form to the MidAmerican after completion of installation of the energy system. The expiration date for this utility rebate program is January 2010.

Ameren Illinois Utilities - Energy Efficiency Rebates for Businesses

Non-residential customers of Ameren Illinois can easily available various incentives for installing energy efficiency improvements. The applicant must get the system pre-approved for availing any sort of rebates. All commercial customers of Ameren affiliates with an eligible rate schedule are eligible for this rebate program. The incentive amount is decided based on the equipment size, type and relative measure of energy efficiency. The maximum amount that can be availed from this incentive program is capped at $100,000 and the rebate approved for custom improvements cannot exceed 50% of the incremental project cost. Current program's time period is from May 2009 to May 2010. Equipments installed or costs incurred outside this time period are not eligible for this incentive program. 

According to Energy Conservation Investment (MCA 15-32-103), a taxpayer in Montana can avail a deduction in his total expenditure for an investment in a building which promotes the use of renewable energy sources. Individual, corporation, partnership or small Business Corporation is eligible to avail this corporate tax deduction. The investment made must be of amount $5000 or more and qualified under section 48(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The property or building must not be financed by State, federal or any other private grant funds for energy conservation. According to MCA 15-32-106, this tax treatment needs to be approved by the revenue department. The revenue department has the rights to refer to the department of environmental quality for advice and the later should correspond within a period of 60 days. The same goes for the department of labor and industry. If the department of revenue finds a deduction or credit impractical or ineffective, it has the right to deny the deduction. Under this tax deduction scheme the taxpayer can deduct from his total corporate income up to $1800 if it's a residential investment and in case of a non-residential building up to $3600 can be deducted.

According to Alternative energy investment tax credit (MCA 15-32-401), any commercial investment of amount $5000 or more promoting alternative energy industry in Montana is eligible for this tax credit. The main purpose of introducing this alternative energy tax credit is to attract more alternative energy manufacturing industries in the State. It is desirable to for the industry to sale alternatively generated electricity on a direct contract basis without affecting the rates charged to other electricity users. Commercial and net metering investment is eligible to avail up to 35% tax credit against corporate tax on the income generated by the investment. This credit will be given only on gross income produced by the qualified energy equipment. The credit should be availed on the same year in which the equipment is installed. Ay exceeded amount of tax credit can be carried over next year and can also be applied against State tax liability for the following 7 years. A project of 5 MW having an employment agreement with the tribal government can carry the tax credit for a period of 15 years. While availing this alternative energy tax credit, the taxpayers is needed not to avail any other State energy or State investment tax benefits. Normally the tax rate is 6.75. The credit can be availed on an existing facility and as well as on a new one also.

According to MCA § 15-6-157 enacted in May 2007, all new renewable energy production facilities, renewable research and developments equipment and renewable energy manufacturing facilities are eligible for property tax abatement. All these facilities and equipments will be assessed at 50% of their gross taxable value. The allowed list renewable technologies include solar space heat, solar water heat, solar thermal process heat, wind, photovoltaic, solar pool heating, fuel cells using renewable energy fuels etc. All these renewable manufacturing facilities must have a total production of renewable energy equipment equal to at least half of its total annual production. This tax abatement is provided for the period of construction of the renewable energy equipment and also the first 15 years of its service. Eligible facilities must have begun the production after June 2007. All production and manufacturing facilities must get approved by the department of Environment Quality in order to avail this tax abatement.

According to M.C.A. §15-32-109, all individual Montana taxpayers are eligible to avail tax credit of 25% of the total cost of any investment made to promote the use of renewable energy resources in building against their tax liability. Under this tax credit a maximum amount $500 can be credited. The investment must be made in physical attributes of a building like water, heating or cooling system. The type of investment must be for energy conservation purposes. This tax credit should be claimed in the same year the investment is made.

According to MCA 15-32-201, all Montana taxpayers are eligible to claim a tax credit if they install an energy system recognized as a standard non-fossil form of energy system to provide heat for his main dwelling. The amount of tax credit can be equal to the total cost of the energy system including the installation costs. But the maximum amount is capped at $500. This tax credit can also be carried over for the next 4 taxable years.

Any Montana resident taxpayer or a person constructing new residence with the installation of a geothermal system is liable to claim a tax credit against his tax liability. The amount which can be claimed through this tax credit can be a portion of the total cost involved in the construction, but it cannot exceed $1500. If the amount of the tax credit exceeds the total liability of the taxpayer in the year of the installation then it can be carried over for the next 7 years. The amount which is not used in the year it is earned should be carried first to the earliest tax year in which it can be applied and then it can be carried over the following years.

The Northwest Solar Cooperative (NWSC) is managed by the Solar Oregon and through arrangements with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Three Degrees Group it offers various grant programs to the owners of the small photovoltaic (PV) power generating systems. Customers can purchase the rights to the "Green Tags" or environmental attributes at the rate of $0.02 per KW through December 2009. All the residential and non-residential owners of PV systems can take participation in the Green Tag Program if the system is installed after June 2002. There is no fixed period involved in the contract terms and regulation. The renewable of the contract for another 3 years after December 2009 will mainly depend on the status of 3 Degrees Energy. All interested PV system owners are required to sign an agreement with the NWSC to sell Green Tags and to report any system failures.

According to MCA 15-24-1402, any generating plant in Montana are eligible for the Corporate Property Tax Reduction for New/Expanded Generating Facilities if its production is 1 MW or more and it must use an alternative renewable energy source for the production. After a construction permit is issued, for the first 5 years any qualifying improvements or modernized process representing new industry or expansion of any existing industry must be taxed at 50% of the total taxable value. Each year thereafter the tax amount is increased by equal percentage till the 10th year to attain the full taxable value. After 10 years the system must be taxed at the 100% taxable value. This property tax assessment must be approved by the local governing authority of the affected county or the incorporated city or town.

Under the State Buildings Energy Conservation Bond program projects on state owned buildings can be financed for the use of improved renewable energy resources. The whole program is administered by the Montana department of Environmental Quality. Normally bond proceeds are used for the funding of the projects and in return energy savings to pay the bonds back. All government agencies are encouraged to take participate in this program for various benefits involved. Buildings constructed under energy projects have less drafts and it's more comfortable. Projects eligible for this program are tune-ups, lighting upgrades, HVAC system upgrades, insulation and infiltration control etc.

Rebate Programs

Black Hills Power - Commercial/Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs
Under this utility rebate program Black Hills Power provides various rebates to its commercial customers using energy efficient systems. Eligible efficiency technologies include heat pumps and water heaters. Various renewable geothermal heat pumps using air and ground sources are eligible for this utility rebate. New heat pump owners or owner who wants to replace the existing ones can avail this rebate. The incentive amount depends on various factors. Along with the rebate come various technical customer assistance programs. Moreover upon request rate comparison, voltage monitoring, account analysis, power factor, harmonic measurements are also available. The maximum amount is capped at $7500 for new heat pumps, $800 for replacing the old heat pumps and $800 for water heaters. The incentive amount is $150 per ton for new heat pumps, $50 per ton for replacement heat pumps and $1 to $2 per gallon for water heaters.

Flathead Electric Cooperative - Commercial Lighting Rebate Program
Under this utility program Flathead Electric Cooperative together with the Bonneville Power Administration encourages it commercial and residential customers to use various energy efficient resources. The incentive amount is available under two parallel rebate programs - commercial lighting retro fit rebate program and new construction lighting rebate program. If any customer makes the purchase of a new high-efficient fixture or replacement fixtures then he will be provided rebate to offset the cost. Mostly a significant amount of the total cost of the equipment is covered in the rebate amount. The system must get approved by the Flathead Electric Cooperative before beginning any new project installation. The incentive amount cannot exceed 70% of the total project cost.

NorthWestern Energy - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Under this utility rebate program and other available ones, NorthWestern Energy encourages its industrial and commercial customers to use various renewable energy resources in their business. Rebate is available for the replacement of any old or less efficient lighting products with new high efficiency technologies under E+ Commercial Lighting Rebate Program. This program is developed mainly to aim retrofit projects. The minimum incentive amount is $50. Similarly the E+ Premium Efficiency Motor Rebate Program provides incentive for motor retrofits and new construction. Owner of the motor must apply for this rebate within 90 days of motor purchase. Normally motors with in between 20 HP and 500 HP are eligible for this rebate program.

According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 16-245n in August 2005, Operational Demonstration Program was launched by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF). This program was introduced to promote clean energy technologies like solar thermal electric, landfill gas, wind, wave energy, fuel cells. Biomass, small hydroelectric, ocean thermal, Tidal energy and other distributed generation technologies. Other than these, emerging technologies not involving combustion of coal, petroleum, municipal solid waste are also eligible for this program. Companies starting out their own near-commercial projects are eligible to apply. Normally companies will have to submit proposals for various demonstration projects and the commercial products must be developed within a specified period of time. The demonstration projects must prove to produce an electricity of at least 1 kW. A total amount of $4 million has been allotted under this program. Companies can secure funding in the forms of unsecured loan. 25% of the whole funding must be provided as cost-share. The maximum amount allowed is capped at $750,000. If any product is found to exceed a higher revenue threshold, then the company will be charged for additional product revenue by the CCEF.

The New Energy technology (NET) was introduced to promote the use of most innovative energy saving and renewable energy technologies in commercial sector. The purpose of this program was to assist various projects which are quite promising to save energy, to improve air quality and to create new employment opportunities in the market. Various eligible renewable technologies include passive solar space heat, solar space heat, solar water heat, fuel cells, municipal solid waste, geothermal electric, geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaic, solar thermal electric, Daylighting, Tidal energy, wave energy and Ocean energy. Applicants submitting promising project proposals using one of these technologies will receive grants under this program. Additionally they will also receive financial and technical assistance in finding potential industry partners and other federal programs for their projects. This program has been in effect for the last 14 years providing grants to various small firms and helping them to implement new energy related technologies. The maximum amount that can be sanctioned under this grant scheme is capped at $10,000 and up to 5 small firms can avail it. Any resident or company in Connecticut having less than 30 employees is eligible to apply for. The fund can be used for product development, patent application, prototype testing, payroll, business plan development and product marketing.

Under the residential leasing program for solar energy CT solar lease, Connecticut homeowners are eligible to lease a photovoltaic system with no down payment and low fixed monthly repayments - less than $120 pm for a 5 kW system. Owners of 1o 4 family homes are eligible to apply for this lease program and they must have an annual income of not greater than 200% of the particular area's median income. They will have the full flexibility to choose the PV installer. The generated electricity will be used to reduce the homeowner's electric bill. The lease will be valid for 20 years. After having used the system for 15 years the homeowners will be presented with 3 options - purchase of the system at a reduce rate, removal of the system at his own expense and extension of the lease for another 5 years at a compromised monthly rate. After serving the 20 years of the lease agreement the owner will have to go for either of the first two options. In any case if the owner is to sell the home itself, then the new home owner will take all the responsibilities of the prevailing lease otherwise the previous homeowner should continue with the terms of the lease. During the period of the lease, the homeowner is responsible for any kind of repairing or maintenance cost. The CCEF has allotted a fund comprising $38.6 million under this residential lease program. The aim is to get 1,000 new PV systems installed by the year of 2011.

According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-412 enacted on June 2007 all solar energy equipments and geothermal heat pumps installed in the State of Connecticut were exempted from sales and use tax. Though the State has already exempted geothermal systems from sales tax, but it expired on June 30, 2007. Later passive and active solar water heating systems, active and passive solar space heating systems and solar electric systems were also added to the list in HB 7432. This exemption doesn't have any expiration date. Under this exemption a 100% sales and use tax exemption can be availed. This is applicable in residential, commercial and consumer sector.

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) started its Community Innovations Grants Program (CIGP) in June 2006 as a pilot program. The main aim of providing this funding is to increase awareness among communities and individuals regarding clean energy and to promote the idea of building model sustainable communities. Under this State Grant program an amount in the range of $1,000 to $4,000 can be availed. Normally 50 municipalities are eligible for a micro-grant of $4,000 and 45 municipalities are eligible for $2,000 micro grant. Communities are also liable to receive to block grants. The whole program and funds are managed by local energy task force in each community. These local task forces also provide grants to individuals or organizations to initiate projects promoting clean energy awareness and education. Various individuals seeking this grant should apply to these local energy task forces. An amount in the range of $250 to $2,000 can be availed. Individuals must have a project which supports the main idea of this grant program - increasing clean energy awareness and education.

In December 2005 CCEF started Connecticut's On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation (DG) Program. Under this program all systems producing electricity by the use of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, fuel cells, landfill gas, wave or tidal power, ocean-thermal power are eligible for grants covering installation charges. The electricity producing system can be installed at industrial, commercial and institutional buildings. Ana mount of $66.24 million has been allotted for this State Grant program. The system must have a capacity of at least 10 kW to become eligible for this grant. If a project receives the grant then it must continue using the system for at least 10 years for wind energy projects and for 15 years for PV projects. An amount of $850,000 can be availed by individual PV projects and in case of other project the amount is capped at $4 million. All renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the PV or wind projects will be owned by the CCEF. N return the owner of the system will be compensated by the CCEF.

Connecticut Housing Investment Fund, Inc. (CHIF) started providing Energy Conservation Loans for single families to owners of 1 to 4 family homes in Connecticut. The owner must have a limited annual income according to the family size and also the location of the house. The funding can be used for energy conservation improvements. Interest rate will mainly depend on the applicant's family size and annual income. The repayment tenure is kept at 10 years. Large residential properties can also avail loan under multi-family Energy Conservation Loan program. The maximum amount is capped at $25,000 for single family loans and $60,000 for multi-family loans. Eligible renewable technologies under this loan program include solar water heat, solar space heat, passive solar space heat, wind, biomass, geothermal heat pumps etc.

The Energy Conscious Blueprint program from the United Illuminating Company (UI) provides financial assistance to its industrial and commercial customers who build energy efficient technologies into their facilities. The program mainly offers financial incentives to new constructions and renovations. Projects owners, designers and architects of industrial and commercial buildings can avail design grants and implementation grants under this program. The customers will get assistance from UI throughout all the stages of the project with a wide range of structured and custom options. The funding can be availed based on the size of the total area or the percentage by which the building exceeds energy efficiency code. Additionally rebates also can be availed under this Energy Conscious Blueprint program.

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund started Small Business Energy Advantage Program as one of its other several innovative solutions and this program is administered by the Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P). This program is a combined loan and rebate program. CL&P's customers availing this incentive have to use the funding for energy efficiency improvements in their facilities. This utility loan is provided at a 0% interest and the repayment tenure is kept at 30 months. CL&P's business customers with an annual demand in between 10 kW to 200 kW are eligible for this program and industrial customers with a demand less than 50 kW are preferred.

Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) started providing zero percentage financing to its industrial and commercial customers. This financing program is administered by Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) in partnership with three local banks. Customers should have projects which qualify under the terms of energy efficiency improvement programs. A technical evaluation of the project is done before giving the incentive to customers and the result must prove that the project would have payback of less than 5 years.

Rebate Programs

Connecticut Light & Power - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebates
This rebate is offered by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) to its industrial and commercial customers for purchasing certain energy efficiency equipments. Some of the eligible equipments are HVAC equipment, lighting, vending machines and motors. Under this utility rebate program a fixed amount is provided to the applicant on a per-unit basis. The amount will greatly depend on the efficiency measures and customers will receive the amount directly after the installation of the systems.

Connecticut Light & Power - Energy Opportunities Efficiency Program
Under this rebate program and Retro Commissioning Program the CL&P offers financial incentives to its industrial, commercial and municipal customers to improve energy efficiency of their existing facilities. The funding comes in form of express rebates and low or zero interest loans. CL&P will employ energy experts to work with its customers to identify various energy saving opportunities. After the completion of the project and verification of various energy measures payment is made to the customers.

Groton Utilities - Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
A number of financial incentives are provided by Groton Utilities to its business customers to install energy efficient equipment in their facilities. Various eligible energy efficiency technologies include Lighting, heat pumps, lighting controls/sensors, motors, air conditioners, vending machine control equipment etc. Under this utility rebate program at maximum 50% of the whole project cost can be availed. The applicants must get rebate applications approved before purchasing any equipment. Cash incentives are also provided to customers who participate in Groton Utilities Demand Response program. Under this program the customer is supposed to reduce electricity consumption when the system is constrained and the price is also high.

Austin Public Utility started its Solar Choice Program in Minnesota to help state people installing photovoltaic solar arrays since 1st October 2005. In order to get the incentive payment from Austin Public Utility, the solar arrays must be connected to its electrical distribution system. The incentive will be provided based on the system's production. Systems using Renewable technologies like photovoltaic are accepted. Various sectors are eligible to apply including industrial, commercial, agricultural, residential, institutional etc. every person making a purchase of solar utility will be contributing to the solar utility producer and thus the total amount contributed to each utility will be calculated. Depending on the amount earned by its purchases each producer will be given an incentive up to $1 per kWh. This program is not available for the people who want to back-up their power generation at home or business using renewable energy sources.

According to Minn. Stat. § 216C.41, the Minnesota Renewable Development Fund started offering 1¢ to 1.5¢ per kWh against electricity produced through various renewable energy resources like biomass, hydroelectric, wind, anaerobic digestion etc. in order to receive the incentive, the hydro facilities must be located at the dam site. Since May 2007, farms using anaerobic digesters to produce gas are eligible to receive the incentive. This makes it very much clear that the farm was no longer required to produce electric from the gas to receive the incentive. But, the amount paid through this incentive has not been calculated for anaerobic digesters.

According to Minn. Stat. § 272.02 enacted on 18th May 2002, the value added by solar systems is exempted from the real property taxation. Wind energy systems are also exempted from the state's property tax. But the property on which the system is installed is not exempted from states tax. Since 2002, all large wind-energy systems received a production tax. Systems generating energy greater than 12 MW were charged 0.12 cents per KWh and those generating between 12 MW and 2 MW received 0.036 cents per kWh. Various systems with a capacity less than 250 kWh are exempted from the tax. According to Minn. Stat. § 272.029 enacted in 2006, the revenue generated from the tax is distributed to local taxing districts. According to Minn. Stat. § 272.028 a local government can negotiate a lower tax to promote wind or solar development.

According to Minn. Stat. § 297A.67 all solar systems which were purchased after August 2005 were given 100% sales tax exemption. Eligible renewable technologies are solar space heat, solar water heat and photovoltaic. Customers from residential and commercial sectors are eligible to apply for this sales tax exemption. No expiration date was implemented for this incentive.

In 2007 Minnesota legislature started the Renewable Energy Equipment Grant Program to fund installation of various systems. Eligible renewable technologies are biodiesel and solar space heat. Only families having low income are eligible to apply for. A maximum amount of $4,700 can be offered under this program. The applying system must be standardized by the Energy Assistance Program. And each grant will associated with a weatherization project. This renewable and conservation energy program is mainly aimed at giving maximum benefit to the low income families.

According to Minn. Stat. § 41B.043 enacted in 1995, Minnesota Department of Agriculture started Agricultural Improvement Loan Program in collaboration with Minnesota Rural Finance Authority. Under this low interest loan program, farmers can avail loans for improvements to their agricultural facilities. Wind energy systems with a capacity of 1 MW are eligible under this loan program. The loan is made available by various financial institutions under RFA. RFA has more than 400 such financial institutions under a Master Participation Agreement. RFA has limited its share to 45% of the principle or $200, 00 whichever is less. Since September 2008, the interest is lowered to 5.5%. The person applying for the loan must also be the owner of the system and must not have a total net greater than $398,000.

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency started its Home Energy Loan Program to offer low interest loans to all Minnesota homeowners. This program is administered by the Center for Energy and Environment Financial Resources. The loan must be applied in conjunction with various home improvements. Eligible renewable technologies include building insulation, water heaters, boilers, furnaces etc. But the program administer may allow some custom improvements under special circumstances. The applicant must be having a residential property for a single family and 49% of it can be used for business. The borrower must have purchased the property. A maximum amount of $10,000 can be availed through this program. The loan will be sanctioned with 6.25 APR and the repayment term is kept at 5 years.

Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency (MHFA) started Minnesota Energy Loan Program under which all single family homes, duplexes and quads are eligible to avail low interest loans. This program was implemented for the improvement of renewable energy initiatives. The borrower must have an annual income below $91,000. An amount in the range of $2,000 to $35.000 can be availed through this loan. A fixed interest of 6.25% is charged with a repayment period in between 1 to 20 years which is decided based on the amount of the loan. The applicant should apply to Neighborhood Energy Connection (NEC) to get an energy audit done.

All Minnesota rental property owners are eligible to avail the Rental Energy Loan. This energy loan is provided to increase the energy efficiency of the buildings. The loan borrower must have at least one third interest in the property. An amount in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 can be availed through this loan and interest rate charged will be 4% APR. The repayment period is 1 to 5 years, but there is no penalty for prepayment.

Under Residential Energy Conservation Loan Program started by Dakota Electric and Anchor Bank, customers are eligible to avail loan for any kind of energy efficient improvement in their home. An amount in the range of $1000 to $5000 can be availed with an interest of 7.99%. Repayment period is kept at 5 years. The rate can be adjusted for any further loan. Various eligible efficiency technologies under this utility loan program include lighting, doors, windows etc.

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative started Energy Conservation Loan Program through which low interest loans can be availed by residential customers. The funding can be used for energy efficient improvements in their homes like weather stripping, thermal windows, heat pumps, electric water heaters etc. This funding can only be used for replacement. A maximum amount of $3,000 with an interest of 5% can be availed through this program.

Customers of Stearns Electric Association are liable to get Energy Resource Conservation (ERC) loans. These loans are available at low interest of 5%. An amount up to $3,000 can be availed through these loans. The funding can be used for energy improvement in homes or businesses. The repayment period is set at 5 years. Various eligible technologies include water heaters, heat pumps, equipment insulation, air sealing etc.

Rebate programs

Solar Hot Water Rebate Program
All the residents of Minnesota all eligible to avail rebates for solar hot water heaters under Solar Hot Water Rebate Program run by the Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES). These are available for new systems and also for repairing of faulty ones. The rebate level is fixed at $30 per square foot of net aperture. The rebated systems must pass various equipment, warranty and installation requirements. The OES will inspect and monitor the systems so that it meets the rebate requirements. Under solar rebate program an amount of $700,000 is allocated for various rebates. The owner must install the system within one year after getting the rebate confirmation.

Solar-Electric (PV) Rebate Program
Xcel Energy has funded Solar-Electric (PV) rebate program under the administration of the Minnesota Office of Energy Security. Under this program an incentive of $2 per watt is provided. The maximum amount is capped at $20,000 per system. Only 5 rebates per participation are allowed. And moreover rebate can not be provided with Xcel Renewable Development Fund Support. The program has set an aim of installing 500 kW or grid connected PV systems in the state of Minnesota. Since January 2004, all electric customers in Minnesota are eligible to apply for this program.

Great River Energy (28 Member Cooperatives) - Solar-Electric (PV) Rebate Program
Every customer of Great River Energy (GRE) is eligible to avail a rebate of $2,000 per kW for grid connected solar electric systems. The rebates maximum amount is capped at $4,000 per customer. This rebate offer can also be availed in conjunction with state's Solar Electric Rebate through which an additional $2,000 per kW can be availed. In order to qualify, the installation completion deadline must be met and it will be set by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The rebate is available on a first come first served basis. Systems with a capacity of lower than 1 kW are not eligible to apply for. Each system cannot avail a total rebate of more than $20,000.

Alexandria Light and Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
All customers of Alexandria Light and Power (ALP) are eligible to avail various rebates like Energy Star Appliance rebates, Energy Star Residential Water Heater rebate etc. eligible appliances include dishwashers, central AC, heat pump, clothe washers etc. also a rebate in the range of $200 to $350 can be availed for hot water heaters. A rebate of $1.5 per light bulb can also be availed in case of a purchase of 10 or more compact fluorescent light bulbs. Application for the rebate should contain a copy of the original dated sales receipt.

Hutchinson Utilities Commission - Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Customers of Huthinson Utilities Commission (HUC) can avail a rebate of $500 in case of energy conservation improvements to their homes. Various appliances are eligible for the rebate like boilers, heat pumps, clothe washer, water heaters etc. the incentive amount will be decided based on the appliance. Equipments must pass the requirement criteria set by the program. The application is processed by first come first served basis. And the applicant is required to submit an original dated sales receipt along with the application for the rebate.

State Legislation
In July 2008, $80 million were sanctioned for loan and grant program in Pennsylvania to facilitate the solar energy technologies. This funding came from the $650 million alternative energy bill signed by the Democrat Governor Edward Rendell, this initiative was supervised by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) under the direction of Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA). Various business sectors are eligible to apply for this loan program including profit or non-profit organizations, schools, local governments and economic development organizations.

According to the Special Session H.B. 1 of The General Assembly of Pennsylvania, all the facilities that utilize waste coal, alternative Biomass, solar energy, wind energy and geothermal energy come under the title "Alternative Energy Production Project". Those who are entitled to be granted with this loan for development must fall under these categories:

1. Systems using renewable energy sources as their source of energy
2. Systems that install equipment to facilitate or improve energy conservation and efficiency.
3. Solar electric or solar thermal installations.

The applicable system must have a lifetime of at least 4 years. The fund can be granted for various parts of the whole project including

1. Infrastructure development and land acquisition for necessary project construction
2. Preparation of the land for the project
3. Renovation of the infrastructure to facilitate the ongoing project
4. Purchase of the necessary equipments for solar systems
5. Permit fees and also the administrative costs of the project.

The applicant must provide proof for availability of matching funding equal to the granted amount. Moreover for Solar thermal system, there is one more requirement for the SRCC-100 rating or other comparable rating from DEP. All the systems must be bought and installed new and UL-listed.

According to 24 P.S. enacted in 13th July 2005, all new schools must be built efficiently under the Governor's Green Government Council of Pennsylvania. Under this program a part of the soft costs of designing a green building will be provided. The amount that will be granted is capped at $25,000. The funding will cover modeling costs, consultancy fees and documentation costs for LEED-NC certification. An amount equivalent to 10% to the total cost of the building or renovation can be availed under this incentive.

State Funding
Funding is availed in several different flavors. As of April 2009, Loans can be secured with an interest of 5% and repayment tenure of 10 years for equipments and 15 years for real estate. Various manufacturing facilities can avail an amount up to $35,000 through this loan and for various energy production projects it is capped at $5 million. All loan applications will be evaluated by the authorities on a case by case basis.

State Grants
Funding can also be availed through Grants. Manufacturing facilities can get an amount up to $5,000 through these grant schemes while, various energy production facilities can take up to $1 million. Various R&D projects or studies on Renewable Energy System are also eligible for a grant of 50% of the cost or $175,000 whichever is lesser. Generally CFA considers various projects eligible for grants where the contract is for less than 10 years rather than loans. The applicant must produce Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) during the process to be considered eligible for the loan or grant. Not only this, loan guarantees are also available under this program. This funding can be used in case of financing default on the applicant's part. An amount equivalent to 75% of the deficiency can be availed through this program. The maximum amount allocated for loan guarantees is $30 million and the repayment tenure is kept at 5 years for all applicants.

State Loan Programs

Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority
The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) provides various periodical financial incentives to energy projects in the field of solar thermal electric, photovoltaic, renewable transportation fuels, fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps and coal mine methane. PEDA's April 2010 solicitation offers $16 million under this incentive program. All the applicants are required to produce some documented cost share or matching funds. PEDA is willing to accommodate 30 projects under the current budget.

• Program Budget: $16 million
• Maximum Incentive: $1 million

Pennsylvania Energy Harvest program
To preserve land quality, reduce air pollution and provide opportunities for the agricultural community, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) started the Pennsylvania Energy Harvest program in 2003. Under this program financial incentives can be availed for various projects which make use of renewable energy technologies. Till 2007, $26 million was awarded under this program as financial incentives. Projects which do not concern environmental or energy concerns are not eligible to apply for. In April 2008 solicitation of $5 million is offered and new Request for Proposal is issued during the spring of each year.

Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan & Rebate Program
Homeowners in Pennsylvania are eligible to get financial incentives under the Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan & Rebate Program. This program is administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the AFC First Financial Corporation. To become eligible homeowner must have an annual income of less than $150,000 and they can apply for only one loan every fiscal year. Various types of secured and unsecured loans like Energy Star Loans, Advanced Performance Energy Star Loans, Renovate and Repair Energy Star Loans and Whole House Improvement Loans are available under this program. With $17 million of budget the loan portion for this program remains open.

• Program Budget: $17 million
• Maximum Incentive: $35,000

Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account Loan Program
Under Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account Loan Program various small businesses in Pennsylvania having 100 or less full time employees are eligible to avail low interest loans for projects implementing renewable energy technologies. This program started in 1999. And it has sanctioned loans for more than $9.3 million.

• Maximum Incentive: $100,000
• Terms: 2% fixed interest; Loan term of 10 years

Investor-Owned Electric System Funding

Metropolitan Edison Company Sustainable Energy Fund
The Metropolitan Edison Company Sustainable Energy Fund was sanctioned in the year of 2000 by First Energy and an amount of $5.7 million was made available for immediate grants. Later due to the merger between GPU Energy and First Energy an additional amount of $2.5 million was added to this program. Though under this Local Grant program no eligible efficiency technologies have been specified, but various eligible Renewable include Solar Water Heater, Solar Thermal Electric, Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaic, Biomass and Fuel Cells. The fund can be used for various purposes including development of renewable energy technologies, energy conservation, sustainable energy efficiency, improvements of environment in the company's territory.

• Maximum Incentive: $25,000

Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund
First Energy also establishes the Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund in 2000 under which an amount of $9.1 million was sanctioned for local loans and grants. The entire fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Alleghenies in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Two third of this fund is made available for venture capital and business lending and one third for environmental grant making. The fund is sanctioned mainly to facilitate the development of renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy business.

Local Loan Programs

Sustainable Energy Fund
Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) is an organization that grants limited number of loans in the PPL Territory. Eligible sectors are industrial, commercial, local government and non-profit. The amount which can be sanctioned will greatly depend on the project. The fund has been released with the following purposes: financing sound energy solutions for businesses, manufacturing facilities and teacher training under CFL Energy education. The SEF was a direct consequence of the merger of PPL Inc. and the PUC. An amount, greater than $25 million was made available under this program. The organization can offer loans from $35,000 up to $750,000.

Sustainable Development Fund Financing Program
Sustainable Development Fund Financing Program was established by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in the final order of the PECO. This program is administered by the Reinvestment Fund, Inc. (TRF). After the PECO Unicom/Energy merger SDF had additional funding later. Currently, the total amount of funding available is $31.8 million. Various energy efficiency technologies like Heat pumps, Lighting, Air Conditioners etc are eligible to apply. Other eligible renewable technologies are photovoltaic, solar space heat, solar thermal processes, geothermal heat pumps etc. the fund can be availed in the form of subordinated debt, commercial loans, equity financing and royalty financing. The 2009 Program Plan had the expected awarding up to $4 million in loans, equity investments and other financing.

West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund
To facilitate the use of renewable energy and clean energy in West Penn Market, the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) has been established. Solar system manufacturers, distributors and service companies can avail commercial loans under this program.The loan will be offered at an interest below the rate available in market.

According to 72 P.S enacted in 29th November 2006, wind turbines and all related equipment are exempt of tax assessors. The equity evaluation of the property is done by the capitalized value of land-lease agreements. The WSPPSEF's updates in the year 2010 show a focus on energy conservation of residential single-family and multi-family moreover keen interest is shown for commercial biomass heat projects.

Utility Loan Program

Adams Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Adams Electric Cooperative started offering financial incentives to its residential customers under the Energy Resource Conservation (ERC) and Supplemental Loan Program. Fund will be sanctioned based on the credit status of the applicant.

• Maximum Incentive: $25,000
• Terms: Rate: 5%. Payment up to 7 years

Rebate Programs

PA Home Energy (West Penn Power) - Home Efficiency Incentives
To let Pennsylvania consumers reduce home energy use the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) has started the Pennsylvania Home Energy program and only customers of West Penn Power (Allegheny Energy) are eligible to apply for this program. It is expected to expand the scope of this program. Normally incentives are available under two programs - Energy Star Homes program and Home Performance with Energy Star program. Energy Star program focuses on saving utility bills and in 2009 alone saved $17 billion.

PA Home Energy operates hand in hand with the Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (Keystone HELP) so that homeowners who have adopted Energy Star standards should get low-cost financing. An amount in the range of $200 to $1000 can be availed through this program. New homes certified by the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index are eligible to avail increased incentives.

Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Rebate Program
Under this rebate program all Pennsylvania residents using Photovoltaic and Solar systems are eligible to avail funding. This program started in May 2009 under the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A total amount of $100 million is available under this program.

The system must be installed in the applicant's home and it must be his primary residence in Pennsylvania. No repairing cost will be supported under this program. One prerequisite for submitting the application indicates that applications should be submitted by an official installer on behalf of the applicant.

According to N.M. Stat. § 7-9G-2 enacted in 4th July 2007, all commercial projects in the field of Solar thermal electric, Geothermal electric and Photovoltaics are eligible to avail Advanced Energy Tax Credit(Corporate). All projects approved by the New Mexico Environment Department can get a 6% credit against corporate, withholding or compensating taxes. The eligible generation plant costs under this program includes development and construction expenses, site assessment and engineering, design, carbon dioxide capture, treatment, compression, system acquisition etc. And amount of $60 million was sanctioned under this program. According to SB 237 enacted in 3rd September 2009, Geothermal and Photovoltaic electric systems installed after 1st July 2009 with capacity of 1 megawatt or greater can also apply for the tax credit. But it shouldn't exceed the maximum name-plate capacity of net 700 megawatts. Carryover provision for any sort of unused credit was set at 10 years. And if the claimed amount is more than the taxpayer's liability then it must be carried over for the next 5 years. All the decisions are made by New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department and so an applicant must file for a tax credit after getting certified by the same department. And after the eligible generation plant costs have incurred, the credit must be filed within 1 year.

According to N.M. Stat. § 7-2A-19 enacted in 7th January 2002, all commercial and industrial systems generating electricity from Solar Thermal power, wind, Biomass, anaerobic digestion, Solid Waste are eligible to avail Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (Corporate). The eligible system must start producing electricity on or before 1st January 2018. The qualified energy generator will be liable to get a tax credit of 1 cent per kilo-watt-hour of the first 400 thousands megawatt-hours in the taxable year. Solar light or solar heat driven generators are limited to get a tax credit for the first 200 thousands megawatt-hours of electricity produced during the taxable year. The amount which can be credited under this tax credit varies greatly based upon the taxable year. A qualified taxpayer is eligible for the renewable energy production tax credit for ten consecutive years. The amount credited to the taxpayer will be deducted from his New Mexico corporate income tax liability for the taxable year. If the amount is more than his corporate income tax liability and the qualified energy generator first produced electric before 1st October 2007, then the excess amount can be carried forward for a period of 5 taxable years. And if it is after 1st October 2007, then the excess amount will be refunded to the taxpayer.

According to N.M. Stat. § 7-2A-21 enacted in 4th January 2009, all new sustainable building constructions in New Mexico or renovation of an existing building in New Mexico into a sustainable one, are eligible to avail Sustainable Building Tax Credit (Corporate). This tax credit is available in Residential, Commercial and multi-family residential sectors. The taxpayer must be the owner of the building at the time when it gets certified by the LEED green building rating system or the build green New Mexico rating system. The amount that can be credited will be calculated based on the certification level and qualified occupied square footage in the sustainable building. Taxpayer must apply for the certification from the departments of energy, minerals and natural resources. The total amount of sustainable building tax credits should not exceed in any year an average amount of $5,000,000 for commercial buildings and $1,250,000 for sustainable residential buildings. The certification level must be submitted to the taxation and revenue department to become eligible for the tax credit. After the document granting sustainable tax credit has been issued, it can be sold or transferred and the department must be notified of the same within 10 days. If the amount to be credited is more than the taxpayer liability then the excess amount can be carried over for up to next 7 years. According to SB 291 of 2009 nonprofits are also eligible to apply for the certification and transfer the tax credits or even sell them. Moreover, entities who do not have enough taxes to become eligible for the tax credit, can also sell it to other parties that can pay the taxes. This information was independently researched and published for Solar Power Authority.

According to N.M. Stat. § 7-9J-1 enacted on 4th March 2007, all alternative energy products, vehicles or components are eligible to get Alternative Energy Product Manufacturers Tax Credit. Alternative energy products or vehicles include fuel cell system, renewable energy system or any component of an alternative energy vehicle. The taxpayer must have made the purchase of manufacturing equipment after 1st July, 2006 and it must be certified by the department. Various renewable energy systems eligible for this tax credit are solar thermal energy system, photovoltaic energy system, biomass and wind energy system, battery cell energy system etc. the taxpayer must have employed at least one full time employee for at least one year prior to the day on which the tax credit was claimed. An amount of not more than 5% of the total expenses can be claimed.

According to SB 237 enacted on 3rd September 2009, all solar thermal electric plants and associated energy devices can get Advanced Energy Tax Credit (Personal). Under this program 6% tax credit can be clamed against gross recipients or withholding taxes. Photovoltaic or geothermal electric generators were also added by SB 237. The maximum tax credit amount cannot exceed an amount of $60 million. And unused tax credit can be carried forward for the next 10 years.

According to NM Stat. § 7-2-18.14 enacted on 3rd June 2006, a taxpayer purchasing and installing solar thermal system or photovoltaic system on or after 1st January 2006 can claim Solar Market Development Tax Credit. It will cover 30$ of the total purchase and installation costs. Eligible sectors are residence, business or agricultural enterprises in New Mexico. An amount up to $2 million for solar systems and $3 million for photovoltaic systems can be allowed by the department. Until the credit gets fully expanded it can be forwarded for next 10 years.

El Paso Electric in New Mexico started purchasing renewable energy certificate (REC) from all taxpayers in New Mexico who own photovoltaic systems capable of producing a maximum of 10 kilowatts. This way, homeowners can easily avail financial incentives to buy and install Photovoltaic systems. From March 2006, PNM also started purchasing RECs from New Mexico customers with a capacity of producing electricity up to 1 megawatt. Xcel Energy also purchases RECs for systems with a capacity in between 0.5 kilowatt and 10 kilowatt.

New Mexico State Government has gross receipts tax structure under which each business is taxed based on the total amount of transaction before deducting the expenses. So, revenue generated from solar systems for space heat, hot water or electricity is deducted from the gross receipts before calculating the tax.

Rebate programs

Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative (CNMEC) has started an incentive program under which all New Mexico residents who want to install renewable energy products in their homes can avail various rebates on the purchase made. The rebate can also be availed for replacement installments. To become eligible the applicant must belong to CNMEC's service area. An amount up to $70 can be availed through this rebate program for purchasing a renewable energy product. And extra $50 will be provided as bonus if the system has a timer or low-wattage element. And the applicant must make the claim for the rebate within 180 days of the purchase of the system.

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative - ETS System Rebate Program
Under this utility rebate program, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative has started incentive program for its New Mexico customers who are willing to install energy efficient cooling/heating equipment. Customers can also apply for various discounts available for Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) systems. The amount of rebate will be in the range of $900 to $3000 and it will greatly depend on the size of the system.

PNM - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
This utility rebate program from PNM is applicable to only in commercial sector. Customers can increase the energy efficiency of their buildings through this incentive program. Eligible technologies under this rebate program are lighting, advanced evaporative coolers. Advanced evaporative coolers can avail incentives up to $500 and for lighting it will decided based on the lighting type.