Hundreds Could Save with New Solar Rebate Program

04.27.2010 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) Utahns interested in tapping into one of the state’s most abundant resources, its sunshine, can take advantage of a new solar power rebate offered through the Utah State Energy Program. The program’s incentives coordinator, Chris Tallackson, says it’s an excellent opportunity to offset the upfront cost of installing renewable energy technology. He adds that solar power isn’t as cost-prohibitive as it once was.

“Within the past two or three years, a cost of $10 a watt has been the norm. We’re seeing installed prices coming down 30 to 40 percent into the $7 and $6-a-watt range,” Tallackson says. “And this is before the incentives programs.”

The two-dollar-per-watt rebate is funded by federal stimulus money, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The State Energy Program has already received 50 applications, and Tallackson expects between 250 and 300 homeowners and businesses to receive the rebate. It’s also open to wind power generation projects.

Federal stimulus dollars will also help Salt Lake County complete a large-scale solar installation. Environmental Coordinator Kimi Barnett says incentives from the state and federal government have made a variety of funding sources available to the county.

“The financing is very unique,” Barnett says, “and really this project will not be costing the county anything, because we’re utilizing all these different financing packages.”

Barnett says the county will begin accepting bids next month from private solar companies who will own and operate the solar panels, and lease the roof space from the county. This public-private funding model was made possible under a new law the Legislature passed earlier this year.

Click here to learn more about the new rebate program.