Focus On Energy Cash Back Rewards
| Program Type | Rebate |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics, Solar Hot Water, Solar Thermal Heat |
| Amount | $1.00 per annual kWh produced by a system, up to $50,000 or 25 percent of a PV system’s costs |
| Required Documentation | Pre-approval application, notice of installation form |
| Official Web Site | http://www.focusonenergy.com/Incentives/Residential/ |
Focus on Energy offers rebates to residents and businesses that install photovoltaics (PV) or other renewable energy technologies on their properties. The program is available to customers of participating utilities in the state. Check Focus on Energy’s website to see which utilities in the state are participating.
Focus on Energy is made possible through a government, private, and public partnership. The partners include the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the Statewide Energy Efficiency and Renewable Administration (a coalition of utilities), Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, Energy Center of Wisconsin, and others. As of 2010, the program had about $8.2 million to fund the rebates in 2010.
The residential and business rebate level is capped at $50,000 and 50 kilowatt hours (kWh) for PV and $100,000 for wind. Under the program, the rebate is based on the size of the system installed. PV systems qualify for rebates at $1.00 per projected annual kWh of electric production. Focus on Energy cautions applicants to wait until they receive approval prior to buying or installing a system, or else the system will become ineligible for the rebate. It also recommends conducting a site assessment and talking with at least three installers prior to deciding the system and the installer.
To be eligible for the rebate, applicants must submit a pre-approval application form, which Focus on Energy decides on within 30 days. If a change in a proposed system results in more than 20 percent expected change in generation, the applicant must submit a second application, otherwise the application may be rejected. Upon installing the system, the applicant must submit the notice of installation to Focus on Energy within 60 days to receive the funds. The rebate is payable either to the installer or the system owner. The current pre-approval form is valid until Dec. 31, 2010.
In addition to PV and wind, solar hot water and biomass combustion qualify for funding under the program.
