LPEA/4CORE to offer solar thermal rebates in 2009

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DURANGO, Colo. – In an effort to further advance Colorado’s New Energy Economy, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) and the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) have been approved for a combined total of $90,000 of matching grants as part of the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) Solar Rebate Program. Funds will provide rebates for residents and small businesses installing solar hot water systems in La Plata and Archuleta Counties.

“LPEA and 4CORE participated in the GEO’s pilot effort in late 2008 to encourage installation of domestic solar thermal systems,” said Sue Maxwell, LPEA project specialist. “LPEA has recently awarded its first rebate check to La Plata County residents Andy and Betsy Janeczek, who worked with David Brown of King Sun Solar to install a two-panel RADCO 32,000 BTU system with electric back-up.”

According to Maxwell, more than 20 solar domestic hot water rebate applications have been submitted to LPEA and 4CORE. In addition to LPEA’s rebates, 4CORE is expected to award four rebates by the end of the year.

“The additional 2009 funding will add to the effort,” said Maxwell.

The state’s Solar Rebate Program was initiated by the GEO in response to the increasing demand for renewable energy incentives in the state. Both LPEA and 4CORE are considered Program Partners and must match the state funds, effectively doubling the available dollars to $180,000. The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) is administering the program for the GEO.

Rebates are $1,500 or $3,000 depending on the size of the solar thermal system installed, and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Systems generally range in price between $7,000 and $12,000. Federal tax credits up to $2,000 are also available to help mitigate the cost.

“With a combination of the GEO rebates and tax credits, Colorado home and business owners can save 50-55 percent on solar hot water installations,” said Aileen Tracy, 4CORE executive director. “In addition, these systems can save an estimated $250-$500 per year in energy costs. The GEO program also assists Colorado achieve its Climate and Energy Action Plan carbon reduction goals, and increase Colorado’s energy independence.”

Specifically, the local grants pledged are:

• LPEA – $25,000 matching grant for solar thermal hot water system rebates for residents who heat their home’s water with electricity;
  
• 4CORE – $15,000 matching grant for solar thermal hot water system rebates for residents who heat their home’s water with natural gas/propane;
  
• 4CORE – $25,000 matching grant for small business solar hot water rebates, for small businesses that heat their water with electricity or natural gas/propane;
  
• 4CORE – $25,000 matching grant for “orphan” solar hot water rebates, designed to assist homeowners who wish to reactive, upgrade or restore an older solar hot water system.

Equipment for the solar hot water system must be Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) approved, and installed by a solar installer certified by COSEIA. To receive the rebate, all proper permits and inspections must be provided to LPEA or 4CORE. LPEA or 4CORE will also inspect the solar hot water system before issuing the rebate.

“With this rebate plus the federal tax incentive, the cost of installing our solar hot water system is cut in half,” said Andy Janeczek of the solar thermal program, noting that heating water for a household typically represents approximately 25 percent of the total annual energy usage and cost. “We are reducing our environmental impact by harvesting this energy from the sun. Solar hot water is something we appreciate and we now have an added comfort in knowing that it is coming from a renewable resource.”

To download applications for both the LPEA and 4CORE rebates, visit http://fourcore.org/rebate_programs.html or call 259.1916. Completed forms should be mailed to Solar Thermal Rebate Program, 10 Town Plaza, #190, Durango CO 91301.

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, and to review the full Solar Domestic Hot Water Rebate policy, visit www.lpea.coop, or contact LPEA at 970.247.5786.

The goal of Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency is to make a difference in our community by promoting resource conservation, energy efficiency and the use of clean, renewable sources of energy to decrease the emission of pollutants, protect public health, and strengthen the economy.  For further information, visit www.fourcore.org.

 

 

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