Financial incentives for solar electric systems
Q: What incentives will SRP provide to customers who participate in EarthWise Solar
Energy?
A:
- Solar electric program: $3.00/watt, up to a 20 kW system.
$2.50/watt for systems greater than 20 kW with a cap of $500,000 per system.
- Solar water heating program: $0.50/kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy savings. For
example, installing a system with 2,300 kWh of energy savings would result in a payment of $1,150 (2,300 x
$0.50 = $1,150).
Q: Can I apply for both a solar electric and a solar water heating incentive?
A: Yes.
Q: What is SRP getting in return for paying its customers to install solar technology?
A: In exchange for payment, the customer allows SRP to retain the green energy credits
for the electricity produced. "Green energy credits" or "green tags" represent the environmental attributes
associated with electricity generation from new renewable technologies like solar power and wind energy.
A renewable energy facility produces two distinct products: The first is electricity. The second is the
package of environmental benefits resulting from not generating the same electricity and emissions from
conventional gas or coal-fired plants. These environmental benefits can be separated from the electrical
power and packaged into a green credit or green tag. The green credit represents those collective
environmental benefits. SRP accumulates these green credits and counts them toward our Renewable Portfolio
Standard.
Eligibility for incentives
Q: I recently installed a solar energy system; do I qualify for the rebate?
A: Solar electric installation eligibility date is: Jan. 1, 2004.
Solar water heating installation eligibility date is: Sept. 1, 2004.
Q: I am an off-grid SRP customer; can I participate in the program?
A: Yes, please consult with a contractor for more information regarding off-grid solar
electric systems.
Q: Are solar electric systems that use battery back up eligible for the program?
A: Yes, however the use of a battery back up adds to the cost, complexity and maintenance
of a solar electric system. Customers utilizing a battery back up system must complete SRP's
Interconnection Guidelines For Distributed Generators in addition to the standard application.
Q: Can I replace parts of an existing solar energy system and still qualify for the
program?
A: No, to qualify for the program you must install a new and complete solar electric or solar
water heating system.
Q: I want/have a solar energy system for my swimming pool; do I qualify for the
program?
A: No, this program was developed to encourage interest in solar water heating for the home or
business.
Q: I want to replace my gas water heating system for a solar water heating system, can I
apply?
A: Yes, both electric and gas solar water heating systems are eligible.
System requirements
Q: What types of solar energy systems qualify for an EarthWise Solar Energy payment?
Solar electric program qualifications:
- Solar panels and inverter must be UL listed
- System must be located in SRP service territory
Solar water heating program qualifications:
Residential
- System must be OG-300 rated
- System must be located in SRP service territory
Commercial
- System must be OG-100 rated
- System must be located in SRP service territory
Q: Why do solar water heating systems have to be OG-100 or OG-300 rated?
A: SRP requires that systems must meet minimum standards for durability, reliability, safety,
and operation. If a solar water heating system is OG-300 rated, it means the entire system has been certified
to meet these requirements. Systems are rated by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation.
