NEWSFLASH .:.
Beginning in January, the new programs - Commonwealth Solar II and Commonwealth Solar Stimulus - will begin accepting rebate applications for residential and commercial projects to help finance the installation of these solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The application process, award requirements and forms are underdevelopment and will be ready in late January 2010. The proposed rebate levels for each program are set and are shown below.
Contact SunWind LLC to book your free estimate now.
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Funding Available for Wind Energy Projects
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, an 800-acre four-season resort located in Hancock, has installed a 1.5-megawatt wind turbine which provides electricity for the facility. The turbine saved at least $500,000 in electricity costs in its first full year of operation. The wind resource on mountain peaks makes this an economical application of wind power and it may also provide opportunities for replication at other ski resorts.
The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust is pleased to announce that it is now seeking applications for the Commonwealth Wind: Community Scale Wind Initiative Feasibility Study and Design & Construction Grants.
Applications will be accepted for the development of eligible wind energy projects with nameplate capacity of 100 kilowatts or greater that are located at commercial, industrial, institutional, and public facilities where 50% or more of the energy produced by the wind system will be consumed or assigned behind the meter. Public projects are also eligible for site assessment services. The applicant and project site must either be a customer of a Massachusetts investor-owned electric distribution utility or be a customer of a Municipal Light Plant Department that pays into the Renewable Energy Trust.
Applications are due November 17, 2009 by 4pm.
If you are interested in participating, please respond to commwind@masstech.org.
Please use this link to access the solicitation, application, and other associated documents.
If you have any questions about the solicitation, please submit them in writing. Answers to all questions will be periodically posted on the CommWind web site.
Thank you for your continued interest in the activities of the
Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust.
Posted October 8, 2009
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New DPU Regulations Promote Adoption Of Renewable Energy In Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has adopted new rules designed to encourage Massachusetts' consumers to invest in renewable resources such as solar and wind power.
The new DPU rules govern the financial relationship between the commonwealth's electric utility companies and customers who install renewable energy systems with net metering. The order establishes a model tariff enabling electric customers who install wind and solar power to be compensated at retail rates for selling excess electricity they generate back to their electric companies.
Prior to the Green Communities Act of 2008, customers who opted for net metering could only be compensated at the lower wholesale rate for their excess power.
Through net metering, customers who generate electricity for their own consumption can earn credits from their electric distribution company if they generate more power than they use. Credits may be banked or allocated to other customers, allowing those without facilities to take advantage of net metering benefits as well.
In June, the DPU adopted net metering regulations reflecting Green Communities Act changes that lifted a previous restriction limiting net metering to on-site generation with a capacity of 60 kW or less. Now, customers who own larger wind turbines or solar power installations - up to 2 MW - can offset their electric bills with credits for the extra power they do not use, and at the higher retail price.
The regulations also provide for neighborhood net metering, allowing credits for renewable power generation to be shared among households in a neighborhood.
SOURCE: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Contact SunWind for additional Information.
Posted August 25, 2009 |
