Solar Incentive Program

Solar Technology Overview• Sunlight converted to DC electricity by solar panel

• Solar panels connected to an inverter to create AC electricity

• AC electricity can be used to offset electricity from the grid and spin the meter in reverse

• Storing the electricity in batteries is expensive, so most systems are operated in grid parallel mode

Program Overview

• In support of Gov. Paterson’s “45 by 15” Plan

• Incentive for NYPA’s Municipal and Rural Electric System Cooperative Customers

• Rebate is only available for the installation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems – (not solar thermal systems for hot water)

Funding• Each Municipal Utility can initially apply for up to

$125,000 of rebates– Should cover minimum of three residential,

commercial or municipal sites

• Funding of $4 per watt ($4000 / kW) of installed DC capacity up to 10 kW per site

• $1,000 in additional funding per site for expenses associated with site selection and interconnection (maximum of $5,000 per utility)

Potential Sites• Any residential, commercial or municipal location

either roof or ground mount– Recommend roofing less than five years old– Relatively flat ground– Preference given to locations with unobstructed

southern exposure

• Approximate size: approximately 2000 ft2 for 10 kW installation

Costs

For systems up to 10 kW:– PV Panels ~$4/W

– Inverter ~$1/W

– Balance of System ~$1/W

– Installation/Labor ~$2/W

Total ~$8/W

Other Considerations

• 30% Federal personal/corporate tax credit (residential/commercial sites)

• 25% New York State personal tax credit (residential/commercial sites)

• 100% New York State sales tax exemption on PV equipment

Resource: dsireusa.org

Next Steps for Potential Applicants• Talk to your Accountant / Tax Professional

• Talk to a Solar InstallerResource: NYSERDA Eligible Installer List

(www.powernaturally.org/Programs/Solar/Installerspv.asp)

• File Site Applications with MED – Applications will be available in early 2010– Completed Application will be due in late March

(final date to be publicized)

Next Steps MED• Initiate Net Metering Tariff – January 2010

• Develop agreement between MED and approved applicant(s)

• Review Sites – after applications are received

• MED lottery for funding - If multiple acceptable sites are identified

Continue Next Steps MED• File Final Site Application(s) with NYPA

– due April 15, 2010

• File request with NYPA for Milestone 1 Payment – Available after system design is received and approved – Milestone 1 payment equal 20% of total funding

• File request with NYPA for Milestone 2 Payment– Available after System Startup – Balance of Funding requested (80%)

Consultants / Technical Resources• Tax Professionals

– Charlie McGrath – Mark Bogdan

• Solar Installers– Scott Shipley – Wayne Davison

Solar PV Incentive ProgramSystem Design Requirements

Prospective Installer Listwww.powernaturally.org/Programs/Solar/Installerspv.asp