Washington D.C.'s Rebates and Incentives for Solar Energy Systems
Washington D.C., the permanent
and autonomous home our our federal government, has ironically average
renewable energy standards. Symbolic of the fact that U.S. states are
far outpacing the feds in the green energy race, D.C. is taking small
steps to incorporating solar and other renewable resources into energy
needs. In 2005 the District implemented its own Renewable Portfolio
Standard (RPS) which requires that by 2022 at least 11% of electricity
come from clean energy sources. This is a fairly average standard, but
at least it is a standard. Uniquely, part of D.C.'s RPS dictates that
nearly 37% of that electricity be derived from solar power--good news
for solar enthusiasts!
Around that same time, District
lawmakers developed The Reliable Energy
Trust Fund to promote
the used of renewable technologies in all sectors. It is this fund that
supports Washington D.C.'s sole residential incentive program:
The Renewable Energy Demonstration
Project (REDP)
- This grant program
offers funds to homeowners interested in installing a solar photovoltaic
(PV) electric system. Other solar technologies, such as solar space
and water heating, are noticeably absent.
- Awards for residential
applications peak at $3.00/watt up to a 3kW system, with an incentive
maximum of $9,000.
- However, funds
are limited. For the current round of funding (deadline August 15,
2008) there is only $150,000 available. This funding covers all sectors,
including commercial and industrial. Because of the lack of funding
current applicants are being placed on a waiting list for funds to be
appropriated in what will be round five of the grant project.
- For more information
and an application, see the REDP website.
District of Columbia - Net
Metering
- D.C.'s net metering law addresses solar thermal and PV
electric systems. The law encourages the use of smart meters, or meters
that record electrical flow in both directions. Utility companies (of
which D.C. has but one--Pepco) may install a second meter but must cover
the cost.
- Net excess generation
(NEG) must be credited, at the full-retail rate, to the customer's bill
at the end of each month.
- Utilities must offer
customers a standard interconnection agreement formulated by the D.C. Public Services
Commission.
Other Useful Links:
DSIRE - Washington
D.C.
Solar
Power Rocks - Washington D.C.
District Department
of the Environment
