Lower Valley Energy - Solar Rebate Program

March 15, 2012

Summary

Lower Valley Energy (LVE) provides a solar rebate program for residential and commercial customers who install photovoltaic and/or solar water heater collectors in LVE service territory.

Solar Water Heaters

Rebate for a solar water heater collector is $400. A minimum of 31 square feet of evacuated tubes must be installed. (Domestic hot water only.)

Solar water heaters systems must be designed, installed, inspected and found to be in substantial compliance with the most recent version of the Bright Way to Heat Water Program “General and Technical Specifications."

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

PV installations ranging from 1kw to 10kW are eligible for a $400 per kW rebate.

System must be certified by the California Energy Commission (CEC), installed by a licensed contractor or the purchaser, installed to the manufacture’s specifications, meet applicable electrical codes and standards, and be tied to the grid.

PV systems must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as meeting the requirements of the Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1703. Inverters must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for safe operation. Further, all grid-connected, inverter-based systems must meet the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Standard 929-2000.

The warranty must cover the PV panel components of the generating system against breakdown and degradation in electrical output of more than 20% from the originally rated electrical output in the first 20 years. Other components of the generating systems against breakdown and degradation for 5 Years, including the full cost of repair or replacement of defective components or systems.

Only a member of Lower Valley Energy will be eligible to apply for this rebate. System must be installed within the Lower Valley Energy service territory.Copies of specification sheets and invoices must be provided to Lower Valley Energy. Lower Valley Energy will conduct inspections to verify the system is operational and in service.