AEP (SWEPCO) - SMART Source Solar PV Program

Summary

Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) offers rebates to customers that install photovoltaic (PV) systems on homes. Rebates may be assigned to the customer, a service provider, or a third party.

Rebates are offered at a rate of $1.50 per watt (DC) for residential installations and $1.20 per watt (DC) for non-residential installations. The maximum per project and per customer rebate for residential systems is $15,000 and for non-residential systems is $30,000. Individual system size is limited by the Texas interconnection and net metering limits for distributed renewable generation (currently 2 MW). In addition, systems may not be sized to produce energy in excess of that required to meet annual on-site energy consumption. Each customer and point of service is eligible to participate in the program multiple times, subject to other program limitations (e.g., maximum per customer and per project incentive limits).

Systems must be new, connected to the grid on the customer side of the meter, meet minimum estimated performance requirements (80% of optimum), and meet all applicable code and utility interconnection requirements. Eligible systems must be covered by an all-inclusive warranty for at least five years from the date of installation.The modules must be new and certified to UL 1703 and inverters must be new and certified to UL 1741. All installations must be performed service providers who meet program eligibility requirements. AC disconnect switches are required as are revenue grade solar meters. Service providers are also subject to ongoing quality assurance standards and are required to attend technical training sessions. Installations may be subject to a variety of inspection and performance monitoring requirements in the short- and long-term. System owners retain title to renewable energy certificates (RECs) produced by their system.

All incentive reservations expire either on six calendar months after the date of acceptance, or November 30, 2013.

Contact program personnel for additional information on applications, incentive eligibility, installer qualifications and other program details.

*Non-residential maximum rebate amounts were $25,000 in 2009, $90,000 in 2010, $17,500 during most of 2011, and increased to $43,750 in October 2011. Non-residential rebates are not available for the 2012 program year.