Vermont

Vermont's Small Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program, initiated in June 2003, provides funding for new solar water heating, solar electric (photovoltaic), wind, and micro-hydro energy system installations. Currently in its seventh round of funding (almost $4.1 million dollars), the program is available to single- and multi-family residences, commercial and industrial businesses, farms, schools, builders/developers, and local & state governments. Vermont also allows third-party owned and leasing systems installed on residential property and less than 10 kW are considered residential leased systems; all other leased systems are considered commercial systems. In 2012, Vermont added an efficiency adder to encourage Vermonters to complete an audit or participate in specific efficiency programs (such as Energy Star Homes). Only systems installed by pre-approved installers will be eligible for funding. Funding must be reserved and applications approved before expenditures are made. Once solar (PV or Water Heating) or wind reservations are granted, applicants have six months to complete their projects and submit the final application. Current incentives are as follows:

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

For systems that generate at least 1,000 kWh/year per kW of rated DC capacity installed:

• Residential PV: $0.45/Watt (W) generating capacity (DC) up to 10 kilowatts (kW).  Total maximum incentive is $4,500. An additional efficiency adder may be available: $0.15/W (cap: $350).
• Commercial PV: $0.40/W DC up to 10 kW, maximum incentive of $4,000. Efficiency adder: $0.15/W (cap: $450). 
• Special Category (low-income housing non-profits, municipalities, public schools) PV: $1.50/W DC up to 10 kW, up to $15,000 or 50% of total installed cost. Efficiency adder: $0.15/W (cap: $450).

Systems that generate less than 1,000 kWh/year per kW of rated DC capacity may be eligible for a lower, pro-rated incentive payment.

Solar Hot Water

• Residential Solar Hot Water: $1.50/100 British thermal unit/day (Btu/d) up to 200 kBtu/d, up to $3,000. efficiency adder of $0.50/100Btu/day ($350 cap).
• Commercial Solar Hot Water: $1.50/100 Btu/d up to 200 kBtu/d, up to $16,500. Efficiency adder of $0.55/100Btu/day ($450 cap).
• Special Category Solar Hot Water: $3.00/100 Btu/d up to 1,500 kBtu/d, up to $45,000 or 50% of total installed cost. efficiency adder of $0.55/100Btu/day ($450 cap). Solar Hot Water incentives are available for public swimming pools for Special Category customers only.

Wind

In 2012, the wind incentive reverted to a hybrid (capacity-based + performance-based) incentive originally proposed in 2010. For systems 5 kW or less, the incentive is paid 100% up front. For systems greater than 5 kW up to 10 kW, the first part of the incentive is paid upon successful installation and the second part is paid after one year and is calculated using the turbine's actual production data. This incentive program design aims to support well-sited wind turbines. Incentive rates are as follows:

• Systems up to 5 kW: Rated capacity*1.5*$1.20/kWh. Base payment only; $9,000 maximum.
• Systems > 5 kW up to 10 kW: Rated capacity*1.5*$1.20/kWh. 60% of the incentive us paid upfront (base payment); 40% of the incentive is paid after one year, based on actual production and is not guaranteed to be the amount calculated pre-installation. Base payment and the production payment may not exceed $18,000.

Micro hydro

• Residential and Commercial: $1.75/3ft-gal/min up to $8,750.
• Special Category: $3.00/3ft-gal/min up to $17,500 or 50% of total installed costs.

 
Systems greater than 10 kW may be eligible for the incentive but must first submit a Certificate of Public Good application as submitted to the Public Service Board. For more information on the program, eligible installers, remaining funds, and installations to date, visit the official program web site.