Kansas is no hotbed for renewable power, despite its good wind and solar resources. However, a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) passed in May of 2009 requires most utilities in the state to harvest at least 20% of their power from renewable resources by 2020. That could change everything in Kansas. If the very short list of available residential solar rebates below seems strange in comparison to other states with mandated RPSs, bear in mind that the Kansas Corporation Commission is ironing out the details to administrate the law.
Under that RPS, Kansas investor-owned utilities and certain designated electric cooperatives must harness 10% renewable energy by 2015, 15% by 2019 and 20% at 2020 and beyond. This could jump-start state incentives for home solar power systems, which are lacking. It should be noted, however, that Kansas does have incentives in place for solar manufacturers and large-scale solar power installations. But more to the point, here is what's available so far for homeowners looking to go solar:
Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
This tax incentive exempts 100% of the value of solar electric equipment from property tax assessments. Note that in order to qualify, a system must "actually and regularly [be] used to produce and generate electricity." So, solar water heaters and other solar thermal projects don't count.
Efficiency Kansas Revolving Loan Program
The state of Kansas is using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to offer residents loans for renewable energy projects. But only photovoltaics qualifies among solar technologies. Maximum loan amount and terms are $20,000 and 15 years, respectively, for residential projects. The program stipulates that interest rates are not to exceed 4%, and monthly loan repayment amounts may not exceed monthly energy savings. Certain utilities will administer the program for the state.
Loan applicants must have a home energy audit performed by an auditor listed as qualified by the revolving loan program. The homeowner must pay for the energy audit, but the first 1,000 participants are eligible for a $350 rebate to cover those costs. For more information, visit EfficiencyKansas.com.
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