Massachusetts (USA) map from Crestock Photos
Massachusetts’ Chicopee Electric Light has a solar rebate program for residential customers who install solar photovoltaic systems in their homes. Those with PV systems can get a rebate of $2.50 per watt for a maximum of $5000 per solar power installation. This is good news for Chicopee residents who want to install a PV system in their homes but are turned off by the large initial investment.
Customers of Chicopee Electric Light should hurry if they are interested in the solar rebate program because it is limited to the first 15,000 watts each year. The utility is offering the rebate to convince customers to support the use of renewable energy.
To qualify for the rebate, customers must install an automatic transfer switch that disconnects the system from the power grid to prevent accidental electrocution. Additionally, a certified PV contractor must install the solar power system. For a list of approved photovoltaic contractors, click here. Customers can download a photovoltaic rebate application here.
Interested parties should complete the application form and submit it to Chicopee Electric Light along with the applicable technical worksheets; production estimates; site plan showing the location and orientation of the critical components; one-line electrical diagram that shows the major components; cost and budget estimates; manufacturer’s specification sheets for major components; and a copy of the contract or proposal between the customer and the installer. Once submitted, CEL will decide whether or not to approve the application.
The Renewable Energy Credits will remain with the customer, who has the option to sell it to Chicopee Electric Light at a rate of $0.03 per kWh. RECs are sold to customers who want to support renewable energy sources.
Chicopee Electric Light Solar Rebate Program has an annual budget of $37,500 and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program took effect in 2008.
For more information about Chicopee Electric Light Solar Rebate Program, you can contact:
Jeffrey R. Cady
Chicopee Electric Light
725 Front St.
PO Box 405
Chicopee, MA 01013
Phone: (413) 594-2400
Fax: (413) 594-5507
E-Mail: jcady@celd.com
Web Site: http://www.celd.com/
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a source of official legal or financial advice. While we attempt to represent all data as accurately as possible, we advise you to refer to official government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
I live in Singapore where we have sunlight throughout the year. Can you believe we have not even started on any programmes to encourage the use of solar energy yet? Here we are, living in an area where sunlight is plenty and yet we do nothing to take advantage of this.
The large initial investment is the main hindrance for the solar panel system to be fully accepted by many consumers. This rebate is one good step. Hope there will be more of this in the future.
If I may also add , another negative impression on this new technology is the extra care you have to put on maintenance & that they more prone to breakage since the panels are composed mainly of fragile materials. Engineers must find a way around this.