Saturday, May 22, 2010

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

Posted by Minnehaha Mama at 9:15 PM
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