Rebates for Solar Hot Water and Solar Hot Air Installations

If your concerned about reducing your carbon footprint, the biggest bang for your buck comes from conservation and efficiency. [Want to know more? Don't miss the Free Energy Efficiency Workshop, May 25th at Central High School] But let's say you've gone to the February Neighborhood Energy Workshop, you're already practicing those energy saving measures recommended, you've caulked your air leaks, upgraded your insulation, and installed high efficiency appliances. Then you may want to consider solar hot air and hot water. These are the most affordable and cost effective renewable energy technologies out there AND rebates on both are still available from the MN State Energy Office! More info is in the newsletter below (abbreviated for the blog).

-Lise

Solar News

Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program update The Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate for residences and small businesses has been fully reserved; waiting-list applications with a postmarked date of no later than May 28, 2010 will be accepted. Up to $2.5 million in ARRA-funded rebates is available for solar electric installations with rated capacities of 0.5 to 5 kilowatts. To access application materials, visit our Rebates & Credits section. Solar electric installations reach record highs in 2009 A record number of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were installed in Minnesota in 2009, according to the Minnesota Utility Solar Integration Rankings compiled by the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Office of Energy Security. The rankings found a record 72 new solar electric systems with a combined record capacity of 784 kilowatts (kW) were installed in 2009. The previous high was reached in 2007, with 56 installations at 286 kW. Read more in our recent news release. Underwriters Laboratories offers new PV training program A new program to train and certify installers of PV products and systems will be offered beginning in July 2010 through Underwriters Laboratories University. Learn more at the UL University website. Minnesota Solar Hot Water and Solar Air Heat Rebates Up to $500,000 in rebates is available for businesses and residences. Solar hot water rebates are available for residences and small businesses. Solar air heat rebates are available for residences and will be available soon for businesses. To access application materials, visit our Rebates & Credits section. Training Opportunities: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) maintains a list of registered training providers, which includes learning institutions in Minnesota. Beginner training opportunities are listed in the Entry Level section of the NABCEP website. Recertification training opportunities are listed in the Certification section of the NABCEP website. The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) offers classes and workshops in solar hot water and PV design and installation. Courses are open to both members and non-members. View details in the Classes and Workshops section on the MRES website. The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) provides solar energy training courses held throughout the region for consumers, businesses, and installers. Courses are open to all on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Course Workshops section of the MREA website to learn more and register for courses. If you have questions or need more information, contact us at 800-657-3710 or energy.info@state.mn.us

Solar Hot Water at Wellstone Apartments
This 49-unit apartment complex installed a solar hot water system with help from the state solar rebate. Read more here

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MN Department of Commerce

Database of Incentives

U.S. Department of Energy

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

FREE ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKSHOP

The Neighborhood Energy Connection (NEC) is offering a FREE workshop on saving energy and money in your home.

Tuesday, May 25 at 7 - 8:30 p.m.*
Central High School auditorium
275 Lexington Pkwy N, St. Paul


Workshop attendees can sign-up for a home visit from the Home Energy Squad with up to $400 dollars worth of goods and services for only a for only a $30 co-pay. The Home Energy Squad will visit your home and recommend several energy-saving measures. You choose which improvements to make, and the Squad will install them--on the spot! Choose among exterior door weather stripping, programmable thermostats, compact fluorescent lighting, water-saving shower heads and faucet aerators, insulating water heater blankets, and more.

Make sure you ask for a blower-door test to determine how weather-tight your home is and to find out where your biggest air leaks are (this test is included in the $30 co-pay, but you have to ask for it).

Most of our feedback about the program has been very positive, but we missed a lot of neighbors in Hamline-Midway so another workshop has been arranged. Most participants are expected to save over $100 a year on energy just based on the materials we’re installing.

How Do I Sign Up?
Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are appreciated, call:
Carl Samuelson
The Green Institute
612-278-7123
csamuelson@greeninstitute.org
*If you need childcare, please RSVP your children at least a week in advance or childcare will not be provided. Call Carl @ 612-278-7123.

Please bring your checkbook (or $30 cash), calendar, and a utility bill (if available) to the workshop to complete your registration.

Program Partners
The Neighborhood Energy Connection (NEC) and the Metro Clean Energy Resource
Team (CERT) are teaming up with other non-profits, businesses and government to pro-
vide this program in Saint Paul. Partners include The Center for Energy and Environ-
ment, Xcel Energy and the Saint Paul District Councils. Funding is provided by the Min-
nesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. This program is only available to Saint Paul Residents.