Gainesville Regional Utilities - Solar-Electric (PV) System Rebate Program

September 30, 2014

Summary

NOTE: Application targets for fiscal year 2013 have been met for the GRU Solar PV Rebate Program. The next round of applications are scheduled to open on October 1, 2013 pending approval of the GRU budget by the Gainesville City Commission.

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) offers its customers a rebate to install photovoltaic (PV) systems. Systems with solar windows of 80% or more receive a $1.00/watt rebate. The GRU PV rebate is not available for solar windows lower than 79%. The current maximum rebate is $5,000 for residential customers. GRU must perform a pre-inspection of the applicant's site; results of the pre-inspection will determine rebate eligibility. The final rebate level will be determined following verification of the installed system by a GRU solar field inspector. The rebate only applies to locations within the GRU electric service territory. The rebate offer may not exceed the purchase price of the PV system.

PV modules must be UL-listed or ETL-listed to qualify for the rebate. All PV systems installed must carry at least a five-year warranty from the manufacturer and installer. The contractor must be currently certified to install PV systems by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Construction Industry Licensing Board. Licensed electrical contractors must obtain all necessary permits and perform all electrical interconnections. The customer must carry and maintain $100,000 in liability insurance.

All PV systems connected to GRU's electrical grid must comply with current City of Gainesville guidelines governing interconnection with GRU's electric system, and any subsequent revisions to these guidelines. Deed restrictions must not prohibit the installation of a PV system on property per Florida's solar-access law. Customers receiving rebates from GRU must transfer all renewable-energy credits (RECs) and other environmental attributes from power generated by PV systems to GRU.

Unless otherwise specified by GRU, PV systems receiving rebates will be dual metered. Under this arrangement, customers will be paid for the electricity they generate that is not used onsite at the time of production.

GRU retains the right to deny rebates based on inadequate solar window or poor orientation of the solar array.