Green+ Solar Photovoltaics
The Residential Solar PV Rebate Program is now open for the Fiscal Year 2011.
The BTU fiscal year runs from Oct 1, thru Sept 30.
Please read through the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Rebate Program Guidelines Document at this link to
about learn new changes to the BTU Solar Rebate program!
BTU has allotted additional funding for the 2011 Solar PV Rebate Program and we will begin accepting applications immediately. Please be aware that the rebate has changed to $2.00 per A/C watt installed with a 3kW maximum.
Another important program change is that each customer may be issued only one solar PV rebate regardless of the size of the installed system. This is a change from the recurring rebates each fiscal year for larger (>3kW) systems. Therefore, multiple rebates per customer will no longer be processed for the solar program.
All applications must be submitted on the new form to be considered for the rebate. All other rules and guidelines of the BTU Solar PV Rebate Program apply and can be found here on our website, www.btutilities.com
When completed applications and required documentation are submitted, customers are given four months to complete their solar installation. Applications and documentation are time and date stamped when we receive them.
If projects are not completed within the four month period, those reserved funds are again available for the next complete project submitted.
Projects are approved based on the paperwork submitted. It is reviewed for accuracy and that it is complete.
The program works on a “First Come, First Serve Basis”.
Please check back on the BTU website www.btutilities.com for an updated status report on the program.
For more information please contact Allen Wood at: awood@btutilities.com or call 979-821-5753
Use the Sun’s Energy to produce Electricity through Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
BTU is excited to announce the Green Plus PV rebate. We strive to be environmentally responsible and have decided to help customers implement solar photovoltaic technology in their homes and businesses. The rebates will be great enough to offset a significant portion of the cost for installing a solar photovoltaic electric system. This program is open to any BTU customer.
The rebate we are offering is highly competitive with other offerings nationwide. The rebate amount of $2.00 per watt will easily cover between 30% and 60% of the cost to install a system. In addition to a Distributed Generation contract this can substantially improve the Return on Investment in the majority of cases.
For a typical residence, the cost of installing a one kilowatt (1,000 watts) solar photovoltaic system—the smallest considered practical—is between $5,000 and $8,000. BTU will rebate up to $2,000 ($2.00 x 1,000 watts) ** of that amount. Installation costs can vary and only a BTU authorized installer will be able to perform the work in order to receive the rebate.
The current max rebate amount for PV is 3000 Watts @ $2.00 per AC watts installed rebate will not cover more than 80% of the installation costs.
** Rebates are based on system Efficiency
Credit for Excess Solar Power
BTU customers with solar energy systems continue to receive electricity as needed from the BTU electric grid.
BTU will provide "net billing" for customers on solar energy systems. Should a solar energy system produce more power at any given moment than the property consumes, the extra power will flow into the BTU electric grid.
If in any month a solar energy system sends more power into the BTU grid than the homes takes from the grid, the difference or net will result in a credit on the customer's electric bill. The credit will be determined by multiplying the net kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity fed into the grid by their current electric rate.
Maintenance & Warranties for Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems are easy to maintain because they have no moving parts. Solar panels can also be added to an existing system to increase its power capacity.
Solar energy system modules typically carry 20-30 year warranties. Your system inverter typically carries a 5-year warranty. The BTU Solar Rebate program requires that all solar systems installed carry a 5-year warranty in addition to a 10-year manufacturer warranty on inverters in residential applications without battery back-up.
I. Introduction
This Informational packet is intended to discuss and clarify Solar PV System installation guidelines you will need to know. It is our hope that through the exchange of information and ideas, along with an efficient means of communication involving you the customer, the contractor, and BTU, we can work together with you to help promote an environmentally friendly alternative to energy production through the use of renewable energy sources here in the Brazos Valley.
II. Making contact with BTU and a Contractor
Beginning a project such as installing a Solar PV system is a long and complex process. The first order of business in obtaining a Solar PV Rebate is to have a preliminary site survey of your property. We will be able to determine from this preliminary site assessment whether or not a solar PV system would be effective at your location. Also the site survey will locate where on your property such a system would receive the maximum amount of sunlight, adhering to the rebate guidelines of at least 80% unobstructed sunlight to the proposed area during peak hours.
BTU Initial Site Survey:
A Solar inspector conducts a preliminary site survey of the structure using aerial photography and a number of different tools such as a Solar Pathfinder.
This can be done by BTU or a contractor.
Eligibility requirements include:
Deed restrictions must not prohibit the installation of solar photovoltaics on the property.
Solar PV array azimuth must be within acceptable limits as put forth in Solar PV Rebate Table.
Solar PV array tilt must be within acceptable limits as put forth is Solar PV Rebate Table.
Sun selector plot must show shading to be within acceptable limits.
If structure qualifies for the solar program:
Customer is informed and a List of Registered Solar Contractors, Rebate Application, REC Agreement, Solar Program Guidelines, FAQ’s, Helpful Websites.
Inspector communicates to customer preliminary recommendations.
If the structure does not qualify:
Inspector verifies that no trees shown in aerial photos have been removed.
Inspector verifies that the home has not been modified in a manner that will increase solar window.
Customer is informed that should the condition of their site change and the solar window is made available they will be able to participate in the rebate program.
If the Aerial assessment is inconclusive an on-site survey will be performed.
BTU uses the Solar Pathfinder tool to locate the area of maximum efficiency and will continue to improve our methods of obtaining valuable data.
This is the best time to discuss any questions or concerns you may have, and when the program itself can be reviewed.
The solar altitude determines what angle the sun will rise and fall throughout the year. The Solar Pathfinder shows what areas of the site are obstructed by trees or other things that would prevent the full amount of sunlight from reaching the panels throughout the year as the sun changes its path.
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| The solar altitude determines what angle the sun will rise and fall throughout the year. |
The Solar Pathfinder shows what areas of the site are obstructed by trees or other things that would prevent the full amount of sunlight from reaching the panels throughout the year as the sun changes its path. |
After the initial site assessment has been performed, and we have concluded that a Solar PV system would be viable, we will inform you and give you a packet of all of the pertinent information. This will be the best time to begin contacting contractors to obtain pricing and system information. It is a good idea to get multiple quotes from a variety of vendors in order to determine what you will be able to afford and what will work on your home the best.
III. Discussing the requirements and rebate guidelines with your Contractor
The following is a set of guidelines for installation, warranties, the rebate funding and other requirements that should be discussed with your contractor once your site has been evaluated and determined to be a viable location for a solar PV system. The contractor should have a copy of these guidelines as well so that they can go through the information with you at the appropriate time.
Installation and Warranties
All work must be performed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local, manufacturer’s codes and standards as well as BTU Interconnection Guidelines.
Rebate applicants must use a BTU registered installer. A list of registered installers will be found on BTU’s website. Installers must be certified by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) within two years of becoming registered with BTU.
Only eligible PV modules qualify for rebates under the BTU program. A list of eligible PV modules and eligible list of inverters is found on the CEC website: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/equipment/
*NOTE: BTU is not a manufacturer, supplier or guarantor of the PV system or installers, and BTU, whether by making available a list of registered installers and equipment sources or otherwise, has not made and makes no representations or warranties of any nature, directly or indirectly, express or implied, as to performance of the installer or reliability, performance, durability, condition or quality of the PV system selected and purchased.
All PV systems installed must carry a 5-year warranty from the installer in addition to a 10-year manufacturer warrantee on inverters in residential applications without battery back-up.
Licensed electrical contractors must obtain appropriate permits and perform all electrical interconnections.
All inverters and solar modules must be new.
PV system installations on flat roof residential structures must also obtain appropriate City of Bryan building permits.
All PV systems must be interconnected, at customer’s expense, to BTU’s electrical grid. The PV system will comply with current BTU guidelines governing interconnection with BTU electric system, and any subsequent revisions to these guidelines.
If re-roofing is required, PV system removal and reinstallation is at customer expense.
Rebate Funding
Rebate funding is offered on a “first-come, first-served basis”.
Participation in the Solar Rebate Program does not affect customer participation in other BTU conservation programs.
BTU must perform a pre-inspection of the site; results of the pre-inspection will determine rebate eligibility. Solar Pathfinder plot must demonstrate minimal shading by trees, buildings and other structures. BTU retains the right to deny rebates based on excessive shading and or poor orientation of the solar array.
The requested rebate amount will be calculated as:
[Number of PV Modules] x [STC Rating per Module (Watts)] x [Inverter Efficiency] x [$2.00/W]
The standard rebate level for qualifying equipment is $2.00 per Watt. IRS designated Non-Profits are also eligible for the $2.00 per watt rebate level.
The final rebate level will be determined following verification of the installed system by BTU solar field inspector.
The maximum rebate per customer is capped at 80% of invoice cost or $6,000 “per fiscal year” (October – September) for each customer site.
New construction rebate checks cannot be issued before the Certificate of Occupancy is released.
Individual condominium owners applying must obtain Condo Association permission.
Additional Requirements
Deed restrictions must not prohibit the installation of solar photovoltaics on the property.
The customer must transfer to BTU; all renewable energy credits (RECs) and other environmental attributes from power generated by PV systems receiving rebates from BTU. RECs may be retained if the proper documents are submitted proving that the RECs are required to achieve LEED certification. (See BTU Renewable Energy Credit Agreement).
Customer must have an active BTU electric account number.
Customers currently participating in the self-read meter program must provide BTU access to the new solar and revenue meters.
PV system cannot be removed from BTU service territory.
Customer must sign the rebate refund agreement on the Solar Rebate Application form.
BTU guidelines and rebate levels are subject to change without notice, and BTU reserves the right to refuse any application/request for incentive payment that does not meet BTU’s requirements.
Refund Agreement
A refund shall become due and payable to BTU if the customer fails to ensure BTU that the rebated equipment is properly maintained and operated at a BTU metered address.
The refund will be calculated by reducing the rebate paid by 20% per year for each of the five years following final inspection and approval (first 20% reduction to occur on the anniversary date of rebate payment).
It is your responsibility as a contractor to discuss these points fully with the customer so that they know what is expected of both them as well as you in order to successfully obtain the Solar Rebate.
IV. Before the installation begins: Initial wiring diagram and design specifications
If you decide that you would like to purchase and install a solar PV system, BTU will require a copy of the wiring diagram as well as a document detailing the basic system design including its major components and layout on the property before any of the actual installation process begins. This allows us to properly prepare for any conflicts which may arise, gives us the details necessary to ensure a system is installed which meets all of the design requirements to be eligible for the rebate, and will speed up the certification process at the completion of the installation. These technical specifications will likely be obtained from your contractor, and by familiarizing yourself with the technical aspects of the system, you will become more aware and informed of the process of converting sunlight to electricity and of the PV system itself.
You can refer to the document Titled "Bryan Texas Utilities’ Technical Requirements for Distributed Generation Interconnection for Facilities Under 100 kW" (Appendix A) located in this packet to become familiar with all of the technical and electrical specifications needed for these solar PV systems to be eligible for the rebate incentives. An Example of a generic, completed Wiring diagram is included as well. (Appendix B) Any questions regarding these specifications can be directed to the Solar PV Rebate Program at BTU.
V. Installation and Inspection before approval of rebate
The following information will give you a general idea on the order of processes which will likely occur during the installation process. It is important to make sure these steps are followed to ensure the quickest turnaround time possible, minimizing hassle for you, the contractor performing the installation, and BTU.
Installation
Contractor must submit all diagrams and wiring specs per to any work being done.
Contractor pulls required permit(s).
Contractor installs PV system and receives approved City inspection(s).
Addresses of all PV installations will be flagged on BTU’s GIS.
Contractor contacts BTU field inspector to schedule final inspection.
Final Inspection
Field inspector verifies:
Panel and inverter model numbers.
Orientation and tilt of panels.
DC side connections.
Performs acceptance test per Inspection Guidelines.
Electrical permit is reviewed.
Checks to insure system trips off when power to building is lost.
Field inspector collects:
Paid customer invoice.
Five-year warranty statement
Final Inspection Processing – Please have the following forms ready for BTU by the day that we arrive to complete the final installation.
Field Inspector will review and insure account folder contains:
Rebate Application – completed and Signed
PV module and inverter specification sheets
Interconnection Agreement – Signed
REC Agreement – Signed by appropriate parties
Ten-year warranty
Installation invoice
Check Request Form - Signed
VI. Procedures after the Final Inspection is completed
If all of the aforementioned requirements are met on the day BTU completes the Final Inspection, the rebate process will enter into processing. This is the point that the Field Inspector prepares and signs final inspection form and submits account folder for rebate processing. The rebate check will be written and sent as soon as it is processed.
We hope that this packet contains all of the information you may need if you do make the decision to implement a solar PV system at your home. The initial cost of these systems is large, but with the growing volatility of the energy market as well as knowing the stability of solar power and its free fuel cost, the benefits of implementing a system can be even larger. A conscious awareness of the power you are producing and consuming at any given time, and reduction in your “carbon footprint” are the truly worthwhile benefits of incorporating renewable energy and energy efficiency into your home and lifestyle.