A.
Review Process
Applications for solar and wind energy system rebates
pursuant to this Chapter shall include the information and documentation
specified in this section. The Commission shall review applications and notify
applicants whether the solar or wind energy system qualifies for a rebate and
whether funds are available for the rebate. Applications for solar or wind
energy rebates must be filed prior to the installation of the system.
Information and documentation that is not practical to provide prior to the
installation of the system must be submitted after installation. Applicants who
have received approval prior to installation of the system pursuant to the
Commission's application process must demonstrate that the system was installed
consistent with the application before a rebate is provided. The Commission may
establish a date by which applicants who have received approval prior to
installation must install the system to remain eligible for a rebate. To the
extent funds are currently available in the solar and wind energy rebate
program fund, the Commission shall set aside funds to ensure that funds remain
available for applications that have received approval prior to system
installation. To the extent that funds are not currently available in the solar
and wind energy rebate program fund, the Commission will set aside funds as
they become available. The Commission will inform the applicant that the rebate
will be provided when funds become available and the time frame in which
available funds are expected.
B.
Requirements
1.
Applicant.Applications shall
include the address of the applicant's legal residence as demonstration of
Maine residency and shall indicate whether the applicant is an owner or tenant
of the premises in which the system has been installed. If system is located or
will be located on premises different from the legal place of residence, the
location of the system must be clearly stated. Applications shall include an
affirmation by the applicant that the system location is connected to the
electrical grid.
2.
System
Type. Applications shall indicate whether the system is solar
photovoltaic, solar thermal-water, solar thermal-air or wind.
3.
Solar Energy System
Description. Applications for solar energy system rebates shall provide
data on system components including manufacturer and model number for
collectors and all peripheral equipment. Nameplate in capacity (watts) shall be
provided for solar electrical systems and estimated annual energy production
based on Maine specific weather data shall be provided for both solar electric
and solar thermal systems. Applications shall include estimates that detail
total system installed costs, as provided by vendors and/or installers.
a. For applications for solar thermal energy
systems that are designed to heat potable water, applicants must show that such
systems have been installed, or subject to review and final approval, by a
licensed plumber.
4.
Wind Energy System Description. Applications for wind energy
system rebates shall also be required to provide additional data regarding the
description of the system and components of the wind energy system to be
installed. This information shall be specified in the wind energy rebate
application and terms and conditions and shall include, but not be limited to,
the following:
a. The make, model,
manufacturer of the tower, turbine, inverter, batteries and other components of
the wind energy system proposed to be installed;
b. The name and license number of the "Wind
Energy System Installer" who is to install the electrical components of the
wind energy system proposed to be installed;
c. The estimated rated power, output voltage
and peak electrical power (in kW/hrs) of the turbine and the continuous AC
rating of the inverter(s) to be installed;
d. Verification that the height of the tower
proposed to be installed meets the minimum requirements as required by the
Commission in its application process; and,
e. Verification that the proposed turbine and
tower are covered by manufacturer warranties for a minimum period of five (5)
years from the date that such products are installed which shall cover any
defects in design, material and workmanship of these products when used under
the normal use for which they are intended; and,
f. Estimates that detail anticipated costs,
including materials and labor, of the proposed wind energy system as provided
by vendors and/or installers.
5.
Compliance With Eligibility
Requirements. Applications for wind energy system rebates shall also
include information that shows that a proposed wind energy system will comply
with the eligibility requirements under Section 3(B)(2)(a) of these
rules.
6.
Failure to Meet
System Eligibility and Application Requirements. If, at any time, it is
found that an applicant has failed to provide any of the information required
by the Commission in the application process or has failed to meet eligibility
requirements under Section 3 of these rules for wind or solar energy rebates,
the Commission staff may reject the subject application or refuse to provide
the applicant with the requested rebate.
7.
Site Evaluations. The
Commission's staff, or the Commission's contractor may conduct in-person
evaluations of the site proposed for wind energy systems in order to verify
that such sites are suitable for a wind energy system and in order to ensure
that the applicant is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the
application as well as these rules.
8.
Installer Qualifications.
Applications for solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal water systems and
wind energy systems shall include proof of installer qualifications as set
forth below.
a. Applications for solar
photovoltaic systems that are installed after January 1, 2007 shall include a
copy of the installer's master electricians license or license number along
with a copy of a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
certificate issued to the installer or a person working in conjunction with the
installer.
b. Applications for
solar thermal water systems that are installed after July 1, 2005 must include
a copy of the installer's plumbing license or license number, and a copy of a
certificate of competency issued by the Commission to the installer or a person
working in conjunction with the installer. For the purpose of this requirement,
individuals who have completed and have maintained their solar thermal
certifications as required by the Commission will be considered certified by
for purposes of this Chapter.
c.
Applications for solar thermal water systems that are installed after July 1,
2005, and which are designed to heat potable water, must include a copy of a
certificate of competency issued by the commission to the installer and that
any system that incorporates the heating of potable water must also be
accompanied by a copy of the mater plumber's license or license
number.
d. Applications for wind
energy systems, which are to be installed in accordance with this subsection
after January 1, 2009, must be installed by a master electrician or by a
factory trained and approved dealer for the qualified wind energy system
working under the supervision of a master electrician.
9.
Installation Date.
Applications shall include the date on which the system will be or was
installed and documentation supporting the installation date.
10.
Rebate. Applications shall
provide a clear statement of the rebate requested and a calculation of the
rebate.
11.
Energy
Audit. Applications for a solar photovoltaic system rebate shall include
a copy of the energy audit report conducted in compliance with section 7 of
this Chapter signed by the energy auditor and the customer, a copy of the
energy auditor's valid certification or association card, and a copy of the
audit invoice.
12.
Other. Applications shall include other information or
documentation that the Commission deems necessary or useful in determining
whether a solar energy system qualifies for a rebate pursuant to this
Chapter.
