Are you on delivered fuels and looking for a way to supplement your winter heating needs? Or perhaps you’re just ready to transition to renewable energy? Solar thermal may be a good fit… and better yet there are rebates to help buy down the cost for those systems. Read on for details!
What’s the rebate? Solar thermal energy is a technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy (heat). A Made-In-Minnesota Rebate Program is available in Alliant Energy, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company, and Xcel Energy territory for people who install solar thermal systems made by certified solar thermal system manufacturers and installed by a factory authorized solar thermal installer. For the purposes of the Made in Minnesota program, a “Solar Thermal System” means a flat plate or evacuated tube with a fixed orientation that collects the sun’s radiant energy and transfers it to a storage medium for distribution as energy to heat or cool air or water. A solar thermal system is “Made in Minnesota” if components of the system are manufactured in Minnesota and the solar thermal system is certified by the solar rating and certification corporation. The solar thermal systems may be installed in residential and commercial facilities for, among other purposes, water heating, space heating, and pool heating purposes.
Who’s eligible? Rebates are available to commercial, multifamily and residential property owners who install solar thermal systems using collectors certified as Made in Minnesota. Property owners must be in Alliant Energy, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company, or Xcel Energy service territory. The rebate is equal to 25 percent of the system installed cost up to a maximum of $2,500 for residential, $5,000 for multi-family, and $25,000 for commercial systems.
Apply: Applications for the Made in Minnesota Solar Thermal Rebate Program reopened on March 17 and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until 2014 funds are fully reserved. Applications can be found at http://mncommerce.powerclerk.com.
Assistance: The Minnesota Department of Commerce has set up Guidance for Completing the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Application. Here is a reference guide for applicants.
Recent story: Minnesota Public Radio featured solar thermal in a story this week by Elizabeth Dunbar, highlighting the benefits of the technology in the face of high propane costs and recent shortages.
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