Power Naturally Incentive Program
| Program Type | Rebate |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics |
| Amount | $1.75 per watt DC, a total of $13,750 or 5 kilowatts (kWs) per residential systems |
| Required Documentation | All documentation must be submitted by a state registered installer |
| Official Web Site | http://www.powernaturally.org/Programs/Solar/incentives.asp |
NYSERDA through its Power Naturally program offers a first-come-first serve photovoltaic (PV) rebate to install PV systems on homes and buildings. The rebates are available to property owners that are charged an RPS or Systems Benefit Charge fee on their electric billing statement. The program should run through at least 2015 as part of the state’s RPS goals.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Energy Efficiency (DSIRE) said that the program is funded at $2 million per month, through 2015. So, as of August 2010, roughly $104 million of funding for PV installations remains. However, the Power Naturally site said on August 3, 2010, that the program was closed. It was unclear when the site was last updated. But it is wise to submit applications as early in the month as possible to ensure the system is covered under the program.
To qualify for the incentive, the system must be installed by an eligible installer, and the system must be grid-tied. The installer will submit all application materials on behalf of the system owner. However, eligible PV installers may only submit for incentives on up to 225 kW of PV installations in any given month. After they reach that level, they are not eligible to apply for more installation incentives until the next month.
Under the program, incentives are paid directly to the system installer, in two increments. The first payment, of 75 percent, is made to the installer upon delivery of all materials to the installation site. The 25 percent remainder of the incentive is paid upon completion of the installation after all paperwork has been submitted and the site was inspected and approved by NYSERDA or its representatives. All the rebates are given directly to the installer but are passed on 100 percent to the customer.
Rebates may not exceed 50 percent of the system’s costs. However, the actual rebate may be less depending on system location, tilt and more. According to NYSERDA, Energy Star labeled homes and building integrated PV systems may be eligible for an additional $.50 per watt rebate which may not exceed 50 percent of the total installed system costs.
The size of the PV system is limited to 110 percent of the home’s existing energy use, based on previous electricity bills, or 5 kW. To qualify for the full amount of the rebate, the system cannot have losses of more than 20 percent for a traditional PV installation. For building-integrated PV systems, a system cannot lose more than 40 percent. If loss levels exceed those thresholds, the amount of the rebate is adjusted accordingly. These factors, including shading by trees or neighboring buildings, the orientation and tilt of the system, (i.e., faces east or west, or lies flat on a flat roof), must be analyzed by the installer and are assessed during the review process.
