Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program
| Program Type | Rebate |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics, Solar Space Heat, Solar Hot Water Heating, Wind Energy |
| Amount | Up to $2,000 |
| Required Documentation | Solar Incentive Application Form |
| Official Web Site | http://www.efficiencymaine.com/renewable-energy/solar |
This highly popular first-come-first-serve program has been offered in Maine since 2005. Originally, it was funded at a rate of $500,000 annually, but the state increased funding for the program to $2.75 million for 2010, with some of the money coming from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. The program has been extended through 2015 and funding increased to $1 million annually, again partly because of ARRA funding. The state funds its portion of the program through a $0.005 cent, per kilowatt hour (kWh) assessment on utility electric generation.
The program is open to tenants as well as home and business-owners. For electricity-producing systems, applicants can qualify for a rebate of $2 per AC watt, up to a maximum of $2,000 for homeowners installing PV or wind systems. Commercial companies can qualify for a rebate of up to $4,000 for installing wind generation at their facility. Solar thermal systems like water or space heating systems qualify for a rebate of up to $1,000 or 25 percent of system costs, whichever is less. However, new Energy Star homes or Maine Performance Homes can receive $1,500 for a solar thermal system.
To be eligible, people must apply for the rebate prior to purchasing or installing a system. Applicants can purchase their system after obtaining a reservation number for the rebate. To qualify for a PV rebate, the building must first undergo an energy audit and the results must be submitted to the program. PV systems must be installed by master electricians certified by NABCEP or one working with a NABCEP-certified installer and certified by the Maine’s Public Utilities Commission. Maine maintains a list of certified installers at the program’s page.
