Recently the State of Minnesota has opened the state renewable energy rebate program for new applications. For Photovoltaic Solar systems (electric) the rebate is up to $10,000 for residential systems. The rebate money is based on the DC output of the solar system at $1.75/watt and $2.00/watt for a NABCEP certified installation. So a 5,000 watt electrical system will get the $10,000 maximum rebate. The same qualified system using a non certified installer would only get $8750 for there rebate. Giving the qualified installer a $1250 rebate advantage.
The state rebate fund has just received Federal ARRA funding in the about of $3 million. In the past the funds in this program have been from Excel Renewable Energy Fund (RDF) and have never had this level of funding. Traditionally the fund has run out in a short time period and this funding will likely spark a large number of applications. With applications come more work for the unemployed people of the USA. Finally we are seeing an impact on the economic issues of today. Along with allowing our economic need to co-exist with the planet.
Always remember that NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy practitioners) certify individual installers. Not the installation it’s self nor the contractor doing the install. Certification can only be claimed by an individual such as “Ray Zeran”.
For more on rebates and incentives for renewable energy and efficiency go to www.dsireusa.org for a complete state to state listing.
Log in often as posting will happen on a near daily basis. Next adventure will be a trip to Starbuck, MN to visit “SolarSkies”. A manufacture of solar thermal collectors. Hot water anyone?
