For anyone in NYS...

Terry O

Just came across this press release from NYSERDA:





From: NYSERDA Press Office

Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 10:58 AM

To: Dayle E. Zatlin

Subject: NYSERDA Launches New York State’s First Solar Thermal Incentive Program





 

<span style="color:#000000">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2011</span><span style="color:#000000">Contact:</span><span style="color:#000000">

Dayle Zatlin

(518) 862-1090, ext. 3359

</span><span style="color:#000000">dez@nyserda.org</span><span style="color:#000000"> </span>



<span style="color:#000000">

</span>

<span style="color:#000000"> </span>

<span style="color:#000000">NYSERDA Launches New York State’s First Solar Thermal Incentive Program to Spur </span><span style="color:#000000">

Replacement of Electric Hot Water Systems with Solar Hot Water Systems </span>

<span style="color:#000000">5-Year, $25 Million Program to Help State Move Toward Renewable Energy Goals </span><span style="color:#000000"> </span>

<span style="color:#000000">To

help New York State increase its use of renewable energy, the New York

State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has launched

the state’s first incentive program for solar thermal systems, which

produce hot water from solar power.</span>

<span style="color:#000000"> </span>



<span style="color:#000000">The

5-year, $25 million program provides incentives of up to $4,000 per

site for eligible single- and multi-family residences and up to $25,000

per site for eligible commercial and nonprofit customers who currently

use electricity to produce hot water.</span><span style="color:#000000"> </span>

<span style="color:#000000">In

addition to the NYSERDA incentives, homeowners, commercial entities and

nonprofit organizations can apply for federal tax incentives, which

cover 30 percent of the cost of an installed solar thermal system, and

New York State tax incentives, which cover 25 percent of the installed

system up to $5,000. </span>

<span style="color:#000000">Electric

hot water generally makes up 17 to 20 percent of a homeowner’s monthly

electric bill and less than 10 percent of the monthly bill for the

average commercial building. Solar thermal systems can provide approximately 50 to 80 percent of a homeowner’s hot water needs and generally have a very attractive payback period. </span>

<span style="color:#000000">“New

York’s first solar thermal incentive program will help homeowners and

businesses reduce the use of electricity and cut energy costs,” said

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA</span><span style="color:#1F497D">.</span><span style="color:#000000">

“Through this program, NYSERDA is working to develop our clean energy

economy, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and increase our energy

security.”</span>

<span style="color:#000000">Program specifics include:</span>

<span style="color:#000000">·</span><span style="color:#000000">         </span><span style="color:#000000">Incentives are calculated based on the estimated amount of electricity saved by installing solar thermal equipment. </span>

<span style="color:#000000">·</span><span style="color:#000000">         </span><span style="color:#000000">On

average, incentives for a typical residential or commercial system are

expected to cover approximately 15 to 20 percent of the installed cost

of a solar thermal system. The incentives are  paid directly to the

eligible installer and must be passed on, in full, to customers. </span>

<span style="color:#000000">·</span><span style="color:#000000">         </span><span style="color:#000000">To

qualify for incentives, equipment and systems must be certified by the

Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. Incentives will be

available only on approved solar thermal systems installed by

NYSERDA-approved solar thermal installers. Solar thermal installer

applications will be accepted through Dec. 31, 2015.</span>

<span style="color:#000000">·</span><span style="color:#000000">         </span><span style="color:#000000">Incentives

will be granted first-come, first served, and applications will be

accepted through December 31, 2015 or until the funds are fully

committed, whichever comes first. </span>

<span style="color:#000000">As

part of New York’s renewable energy goals, the state’s solar thermal

target is to displace the equivalent of 45.54 megawatts of electrical

use  by the end of 2015. </span>

<span style="color:#000000">Funding

for this incentive program has been allocated by the New York State

Public Service Commission through the Renewable Portfolio Standard

(RPS) Program. Incentives are available to electricity distribution

customers of Central Hudson Gas a& Electric Corporation,

Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc., New York State Electric

& Gas Corporation, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, Orange and

Rockland Utilities Inc. and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation who

contribute to the RPS/Systems Benefits Charge (sometimes referred to as

RPS/SBC on utility electric bills). </span><span style="color:#000000">The

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority offers

objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical

expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency,

save money, use renewable energy and reduce their reliance on fossil

fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create

clean-energy jobs. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been

developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New

York since 1975.</span>

Robert O'Brien

Fly in the ointment

You have to currently use electricity for DHW