Utah Renewable Energy Rebate Program
| Program Type | Rebate |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics, Solar Hot Water Heating, and Wind Energy |
| Amount |
Up to 25 percent of total system cost, or $8,750, for residential PV, $5,000 for wind, and $2,500 for solar hot water |
| Required Documentation | Rebate Reservation Application, Rebate Reservation Confirmation Letter, and Rebate Application Form |
| Official Web Site | http://geology.utah.gov/sep/stimulus/sep_formula/renew_energy_rebate.htm |
This first-come-first-serve renewable energy rebate program began in 2010 and was funded by $3 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The rebate provides rebates to home and business owners as well as schools, local governments, and nonprofits. It is not clear whether Utah will extend financing for the program after the funds are exhausted. At this point (Sept. 2010), the program is continuing to accept applications for residential PV and residential solar thermal (electric, hot water and heating) systems. However, residential wind turbines can no longer qualify for the rebate, and businesses and nonprofits can only qualify for rebates for solar thermal systems and wind turbines.
The Utah State Energy Program requires interested parties, prior to purchasing the system, to solicit a bid on the proposed project from a properly licensed contractor. Then, using that information, they must submit a Rebate Reservation Application package. The program recommends using technical information from the contractor for the information. Upon granting approval, the program will send the applicant a rebate-reservation letter allowing construction on the project to move forward. Upon completion, applicants must submit the rebate application form. Applicants have nine months to submit the form.
Homeowners can qualify for a maximum rebate of up to 25 percent of the solar installation and system costs or $8,750, whichever is less. The $8,750 is offered at a rate of $2 per installed DC watt of PV power. The system must be at least 900 watts in size and no more than 25 kWs in size. Solar thermal systems are reimbursed at a rate of $30 per square foot, up to $2,500. There are no limits to the size of a solar thermal system.
Homeowners installing wind turbines previously qualified for a rebate of up to $5,000 at a rate of $1.50 per watt, whether or not the program will reopen to residents installing wind remains to be seen.
Other renewable energy rebates are available through utilities. To learn more about those programs, residents should contact their utility or visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Energy Efficiency.
