Maine
Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency
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Last DSIRE Review: 07/01/2009
| Incentive Type: |
State Rebate Program |
| State: |
Maine |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Solar Water Heat,
Solar Space Heat,
Photovoltaics,
Wind
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| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial,
Industrial,
Residential,
Nonprofit,
Schools,
Local Government,
State Government,
Fed. Government,
Agricultural,
Institutional
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| Incentive Amount: | Varies by system type and size |
| Maximum Incentive: | PV systems: $2,000
Solar-thermal systems: 25% or $1,000 whichever is less
Wind-energy systems: Residential $2,000, Commercial $4,000 |
| Eligible System Size: | PV systems: 100 kW maximum, Wind: 100 kW maximum |
| Installation Requirements: | PV installers must be a Master Electrician's and be NABCEP certified or working with someone who is NABCEP certified. Solar thermal water systems installers must be certified by the PUC and must hold a state license as a Master Plumber, a Master Oil Burner Technician, or a Propane and Natural Gas Technician, or who is U.S. EPA-approved as a Type II, Type III or Universal HVAC Technician. Solar-thermal systems that heat potable water must be installed under the auspices of a Master Plumber. Wind energy systems must be grid-tied and installed by a factory trained and approved dealer for the system and working under the supervision of a Master Electrician. |
| Program Budget: | State Funded: $500,000 per year/
ARRA Funded: $500,000 per fiscal year between 2009-2011 |
| Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: | Remains with customer/producer |
| Funding Source: | State: Assessment on utilities of up to 0.005 cents/kWh
ARRA Funded: Years 2009-10 and 2010-11 |
| Expiration Date | 12/31/2015 |
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Web Site: |
http://www.efficiencymaine.com/
renewable_programs_solar.htm
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Authority 1:
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35-A M.R.S. § 3211-C
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| Date Effective: | 7/1/2005 |
| Expiration Date: | 12/31/2010 |
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Authority 2:
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Maine PUC Ch. 930
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Authority 3:
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LD 220
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| Date Enacted: | 05/08/2009 |
| Date Effective: | 05/08/2009 |
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Summary:
In June 2005, Maine enacted legislation (L.D. 1586) creating a rebate program for photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar-thermal systems installed at homes or businesses. Legislation enacted in April 2008 (L.D. 2283) extended the program to grid-tied wind-energy systems installed after January 1, 2009. The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has developed rules to implement the program. Legislation enacted in May 2009 (L.D. 220)* requires the PUC to amend the rules in order to create performance standards for solar and wind energy systems and to require applicants to calculate a simple payback period as part of the application process.
An owner or tenant who purchases a PV system qualifies for a rebate of $2 per watt (AC), but with a maximum incentive of $2,000. PV systems must be installed by a Master Electrician who is NABCEP-certified or by a Master Electrician working with a NABCEP-certified installer and certified by the PUC. An energy audit is required in order to qualify for a rebate for a PV system.
All Maine incentives are on a pre-application and first come, first served basis. Applicants must reserve their rebate before installation occurs. Applications are available at www.efficiencymaine.com/renewable_programs_solar.htm.
An owner or tenant who purchases a solar-thermal system (for heating water or space) qualifies for a rebate that varies by the application and efficiency of a building:- Residential systems: lesser of 25% of project cost or $1,000;
- Residential systems for new Energy Star homes and “Maine Home Performance” homes: lesser of 25% of project cost or $1,500;
- Commercial systems: lesser of 25% of project cost or $1,000
Solar water-heating systems installers must be certified by the PUC and must hold a state license as a master plumber, a master oil burner technician, or a propane and natural gas technician, or who is U.S. EPA-approved as a Type II, Type III or universal HVAC technician. Solar-thermal systems that heat potable water must be installed by a master plumber or a person working in conjunction with a master plumber. Applications for rebates for solar-thermal systems must include copy of the certificate of competency issued by the PUC to the installer, and, if the system heats potable water, the application must include a copy of the master plumber's license or license number.
For residential wind-energy systems, the rebate is $500 per 500 watts (W) up to 2,000 W, but not to exceed $2,000. For non-residential wind-energy systems, the rebate amount is $500 per 500 W up to 4,000 W, but not to exceed $4,000. To qualify, wind-energy systems must be installed by a master electrician or by a factory-trained and approved dealer for the system working under the supervision of a master electrician.
The rebate program is funded by an assessment on the state's transmission and distribution utilities. A total of $500,000 in funding will be available for rebates annually. Of this sum, the PUC has allocated 60% to rebates for solar-thermal systems, 20% to rebates for PV systems, and 20% to rebates for wind-energy systems. The program is set to expire December 31, 2015. During fiscal years 2009-10 and 2010-11, this rebate program is increased by $500,000 per year with money allocated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
* Rebates for PV and solar-thermal installations were unavailable for 2009. However, the governor signed legislation (L.D. 220) in early May 2009 directing the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to utilize funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to increase this rebate program by $500,000 per fiscal years 2009-10 and 2010-11.
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