Application deadline for solar domestic hot water rebates extended

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DURANGO, Colo. – The deadline for La Plata and Archuleta county residents to apply for the “Solar Domestic Hot Water Rebate” program through the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) has been extended until June 30, 2009.  The deadline for those planning to install solar domestic hot water systems on their primary homes had originally been Dec. 31, 2008.

“When we first received the funds in August, it became evident fairly quickly that the original deadline was too ambitious,” said Aileen Tracy, 4CORE executive director. “We’re very glad the Governor’s Energy Office is allowing the funding to be available well into next year, which will allow many more homeowners to make arrangements to have systems installed.”

As part of Colorado’s New Energy Economy, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) and 4CORE were awarded twin $25,000 matching grants from the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO). With the match, $100,000 worth of funding is available locally to help residents off-set the cost to install solar systems to heat water for domestic use. LPEA’s funding supports electric water heating, with 4CORE overseeing homes with natural gas or propane.

Rebates are $1,500 to $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. The federal tax credits had been scheduled to end this year, but have now been extended through 2016.

Equipment for the solar hot water system must be Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) approved, and LPEA or 4CORE will inspect the system prior to issuing the rebate.

To train potential solar installers, LPEA and 4CORE have organized instructional workshops, presented by CoSEIA (the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association). Solar installers are asked to become “Partner Installers” for purposes of the rebates and contact information for those interested in participating is listed on both the 4CORE and LPEA web sites, and below. Solar installation companies not yet certified as “Partner Installers” are encouraged to contact LPEA Project Specialist Sue Maxwell, 382.7170, to learn about future training events.

“The solar thermal systems need to be installed by a professional installer,” said Tracy, noting that the final rebate request form must be completed by both the homeowner and the Partner Installer. “There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to these installations, and every home is unique. We encourage those who wish to apply for the rebate to set an appointment with a trained installer as soon as possible.”

   

To download a rebate application, visit http://fourcore.org/rebate_programs.html or call 259.1916. Completed forms should be mailed to 4CORE 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 further information, visit www.lpea.coop.

The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency promotes resource conservation, energy efficiency and the use of clean, renewable sources of energy to reduce energy consumption, decrease the emission of pollutants, lower utility costs and strengthen the economy. For further information, visit www.fourcore.org.

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