Colorado electric coop offers rebates for solar panels
Generally speaking electric cooperatives don’t typically offer solar rebates. Although San Miguel Power Association, Inc. (SMPA) which serves more than 12,500 meters in Colorado counties of San Miguel, Montrose, Ouray, Dolores, Mesa, San Juan and Hinsdale has recently launched a solar rebate program. Solar electric systems that are installed after after Feb. 2, 2009 will be eligible for a rebate, The New Community Coalition, the administrator of the rebate program is waiting for homes and businesses to apply and lock in their rebates today, the program is in full force. Customers who apply for the rebate reservation have 90 days to get their solar electric system up and running.
What makes the program different from other solar rebate programs around the nation is that homeowners who want free money for installing solar panels must conduct a home energy audit to become more energy efficient before they can apply for the solar rebate program. That’s an interesting idea to encourage people to “reduce consumption before producing clean energy”, which is the most cost effective method to lower your energy expenses.
If you’re a member of SMPA your solar electric system must be installed and operational by June 19, 2009 for you to secure your solar electric rebate, once the installation is complete and your documents are submitted SMPA will send you a check. It’s unclear how much SMPA is going to give you per watt of solar power you install, does any have details on this the SMPA solar rebate program in Colorado, please share!
