News from DSIRE: 6/22/12
COLORADO – Xcel Solar*Rewards Program Restructured
Xcel Energy is no longer providing up-front incentives for PV. Qualifying customer-owned systems up to 10 kW now will receive payments of $0.15/kWh. Qualifying systems larger than 10 kW and up to 500 kW — and all 3rd-party-owned systems — will receive payments of $0.10/kWh. The program is designed to support 30 MW of PV annually in 2012 and 2013.
COLORADO – Guidance Established for Wind Energy Development
Colorado recently enacted legislation establishing basic parameters for wind energy developers and landowners to enter into easements, leases and other agreements.
CONNECTICUT – Commercial PACE Program Hatched
Connecticut has created the Commercial Sustainable Energy Program, a form of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing that is specific to commercial and industrial property owners. The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority will develop this statewide program, which will provide financing for renewables and efficiency improvements. Financing will be secured via “benefit assessments” and considered a senior lien, with the consent of existing mortgage holders.
NEW YORK – PSC Removes Utility Restrictions on Net-Metered Residential PV
The New York Public Service Commission has directed Rochester Gas and Electric (RGE) and New York State Gas and Electric (NYSEG) to modify their tariffs to remove a restriction limiting net metering of residential PV systems to “primary, legal” residences. The ruling stems from a petition from Hudson Valley Clean Energy disputing the legality of such a requirement under New York’s net metering law. The revised tariffs are scheduled to take effect July 1.
NORTH CAROLINA – Progress Energy Commercial PV Incentives on Ice
The Progress Energy SunSense Commercial PV Program is fully subscribed and is no longer accepting 2012 incentive applications. The program is expected to open for 2013 applications in early December 2012.
OHIO – RPS, EERS Eligibility Broadened Significantly
Ohio has enacted legislation (SB 315) that allows CHP and waste energy to qualify for the “renewable energy resources” portion of the state’s Alternative Energy Resource Standard or the state’s Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard. In addition, the new law allows any new, retrofitted, refueled or repowered generating facility to count toward the “advanced energy” portion of the AERS, regardless of the fuel source.
SOUTH CAROLINA – Progress Energy Commercial PV Incentives on Ice
The Progress Energy SunSense Commercial PV Program is fully subscribed and is no longer accepting 2012 incentive applications. The program is expected to open for 2013 applications in early December 2012.
SOUTH CAROLINA – Performance Incentives for Small Renewables
Customers with solar, wind, hydro or biomass generators up to 6 kW may now receive of a premium payment of $0.10/kWh through the Palmetto Clean Energy (PaCE) program. This premium is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
TEXAS – Austin Energy PV Rebate Level Drops
Austin Energy has lowered its rebate for residential PV from $2.50/W to $2/W.
VERMONT- Expedited PV Permitting Expanded
Vermont has raised the maximum capacity from 5 kW to 10 kW for net-metered PV systems eligible to follow the expedited permitting process in order to obtain a Certificate of Public Good. The registration form has been updated to reflect this change.
VERMONT – PV Property Tax Policy Standardized
Vermont has instituted a statewide uniform property tax policy for PV systems that is based on capacity. The rate is $4/kW. PV systems up to 10 kW are exempt from state property taxes.
