New Wind Energy Rebate
The Maine Public Utilities Commission has just released a press release on a new Wind Energy Rebate. Below is more information on the program.
Efficiency Maine, a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, has established a new incentive for state residents, businesses and others seeking to install small wind energy systems.
Rebates up to $2,000 will be available for qualified residential wind systems and $4,000 for non-residential systems that meet program requirements, under rules adopted by the Maine Public Utilities Commission in accordance with recent statutory changes.
The MPUC and Efficiency Maine also announced renewed but limited availability of rebates for solar thermal installations under a program that was temporarily suspended this year when demand exceeded available funding. Applications for these solar thermal rebates must be postmarked from January 2nd through January 16th to be considered.
In addition, the level of rebate available for solar thermal systems has been changed. As of January 2nd, the maximum rebate for qualified systems will be $1,000 or 25% of the installed cost, whichever is less, for both residential and commercial applications.
Rebates for solar photovoltaic systems are set for the coming year at a maximum of $2,000 per qualified installation.
In response to recent cases in which demand for renewable energy incentives has outpaced available funding, a random selection system may be utilized. Thus, qualified applications for solar thermal rebates that are postmarked from January 2nd through January 16th will be subject to a random drawing by a third-party contractor.
Based on the level of demand for solar thermal rebates experienced in 2008, it is expected that qualified applications received during the 14-day period will exceed available funding. Should that occur, the program will then be suspended for the remainder of the calendar year.
Qualified applications for the new wind incentive program received through the first quarter will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. If after the first quarter demand appears to be on track to exceed available funding, then a random selection system may be instituted.
For more information and to download applications, go online to efficiencymaine.com and click on “Renewable Energy.” Or call 1-866-376-2463 and ask for Richard Fortier.
