Solar Hot Water Rebates Now Being Paid

Thousands of homeowners who installed solar hot water can expect to finally receive their rebates by the middle of March.

About 8000 Australians have been waiting beyond the accepted eight-week timeframe for their rebates, worth between $1000 and $1600 each.

The federal government blamed a computer software problem for the backlog, but has reportedly rushed in a team of extra workers to help clear the list.


The energy efficiency department's Alex Rankin told a Senate estimates hearing on Monday that people could expect to get their money by the middle of next month.

Ms Rankin could not say how long homeowners had been waiting, amid reports some rebates have been stalled by up to 19 weeks.

"It's hard to tell at the moment because (it's) part of the transition from the old IT system," she said.

The troublesome software transfer also meant the department was slowly uncovering new claims, previously unseen.

"So we're currently going through a forensic exercise to try and identify each one of those and their current status," Ms Rankin said.

Deputy secretary Martin Bowles earlier faced scrutiny over the government's botched home insulation program, under which 1.2 million homes were insulated.

There is about $700 million left in funding, even though the program itself was scrapped last year.

Mr Bowles denied some of the leftover money will go towards compensation.

"Yes, there are a number of claims on the department," he told the hearing.

"But that does not mean that we accept any of those, and we have not paid any of those.

"We don't necessarily agree that there is a legal claim against the commonwealth."

The axed stimulus scheme was linked to four deaths and house fires.

SOURCE: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/solar-rebates-to-be-paid-by-march-govt-20110221-1b2dp.html

Good News for Solar Hot Water System Rebates

Good news for New Hampshire residents mulling over the idea of buying solar powered hot water systems: a new mix of federal and state rebates and tax credits.

The state's Public Utilities Commission has expanded its maximum rebate to $2,900.

Broken down, that's a maximum $2,000 from federal stimulus money (which was raised from $750) plus a maximum $900 available from New Hampshire's renewable energy program. And another piece of good news: folks getting the maximum $2,900 rebate can also get a 30 percent federal tax credit.

Not everybody gets the maximum, though.

The amount of your rebate depends on the power potential of your solar system.

Kate Epsen of the PUC explained that if you purchase a $10,000 system that produces 6 to 19.9 MBTU (million British Thermal Units), the mixed state and federal incentive, plus the IRS federal tax credit, can be as much as $5,000.

For systems that are 20 to 29.9 MMBTU, the number goes to $5,150 available and for systems of 30 MMBTU or higher, the incentive climbs to $5,300, assuming the same purchase price. Larger systems however cost more money upfront, she said, which increases the federal tax credit in turn.

Companies like Revision Energy have set out to explain to potential customers what the rebates can mean for them. In one scenario, the company says a typical residential project involving 2 flat plate collectors that produce around 18.25MMBTU and cost $10,500 can mean an incentive package that adds up to $5,750.

There is, however, a flip side to New Hampshire's move to increase the amount of the individual rebate: it lowered the number of slots to about 248, meaning that folks wanting to take advantage should hurry in order to get the $2,000 federal chunk. The state portion of the rebate will likely continue even when the federal money runs out.

Epsen says that the PUC's new rebate structure has increased interest. The commission has processed 133 applications out of which 112 qualified for the $2,000 federal rebate.

In order to receive the requisite $2000 federal rebate, Epsen said, applications must be processed and invoices issued before February of 2012.

More on federal credit

The 30 percent federal tax credit — established by Congress in 2005 and labeled the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit — was capped at $2,000 for sun-powered energy systems. But that cap has been removed. So, when calculating the costs at tax time, you can include the not only your new system's equipment costs but also labor. And you can carry the credit forward into other tax years too.

Jim Gamble, owner of GreenSource Energy Solutions Solar Store in Concord, argues that customers should hurry because the funding history of the Renewable Energy Fund is inconsistent largely because it depends on utility payments under New Hampshire's Renewable Portfolio standard.

"We saw how quickly the funds dried up for the residential solar electric rebate last year," said Gamble.

Sarah Brown, president of Green Alliance, an organization that promotes environmentally responsible businesses, agrees.

"Everyone is very concerned about what the new Republican state leadership will do in terms of axing state incentives," she said. "They have made it clear that they are looking to do that."

Brown said several New Hampshire and Maine solar companies are beginning to offer unique financing options to spread initial costs of getting a solar system up and running.

Her group works with Dover-based Seacoast Energy Alternatives (SEA) Revolution Energy, as well as Concord-based Green Source Energy Solutions, companies she said are working to take the "initial financial pain out of what is a long-term cost saver."

She said that some area companies, for example, are teaming with mortgage and loan companies to make it so that a new solar system is seen as a home equity investment by a lender.

"The major hurdle for most businesses or residences considering solar is the initial up-front cost," said Brown. "So of course rebates help reduce this risk and the financing is like the icing on the cake.

"Combining rebates, tax credits and financing is the magic triangle that is really going to put solar on the map for the entire Northeast."

SOURCE: http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110131/BIZ/101310306/-1/NEWSMAP

Massachusetts Starts Solar Rebate Program

Massachusetts is unveiling a rebate program designed to help residents pay for solar hot water projects.

Starting in February, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center will begin accepting applications for a pilot version of the program which officials hope will encourage more homeowners to adopt solar thermal water heating technology.

Rebates for Massachusetts residents who qualify will be awarded through a non-competitive application process.

Solar hot water systems generate heat from sunlight to make hot water.

The roof-mounted solar collectors for hot water systems look similar to solar photovoltaic panels, which generate electricity rather than hot water.

A solar hot water system can provide up to 75 percent of total household hot water demand.

SOURCE

Velux Installs 60 Solar Water Heaters

On average, water heating is the second largest energy expenditure behind heating and cooling, according to information on the Energy Star website. Folks spend anywhere from $400-$600 per year on water heating, so it's a good area to scrutinize when trying to save energy at home. In South Carolina, thanks to a grant from the state energy office, 60 homes received shiny, new Velux solar water heating systems to showcase the benefits of this technology.

Southern Energy Management, a certified B corporation (SEM), partnered with Velux to install the systems at a rate of one per day. One system recipient, Ken Newell, said, "anything that can save money is a real godsend. I'm going to be very interested to see my power bill," according to a press release.

His power bill will certainly fall. The average water-heating bill drops about 50-80% upon the installation of a solar water heater, according to the Department of Energy.

Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (CEPCI) will monitor 25 installations for a year to track how much solar hot water is produced and how much electricity is saved. CEPCI will then use that information to help local customers understand the potential energy savings that can be captured with solar water heating.

In support of the economic proposition, there is a 30% federal tax credit for the purchase and installation of qualifying solar water heating systems placed in service through the end of 2016. On top of that, there may be state and local incentives that make these systems even more financially attractive.

SOURCE

Solar Water Heater Facility Opens

A R40million solar water heater manufacturer – with strong Taiwanese links – was recently launched at the East London Industrial Development Zone (Elidz).

Matla Solar Water Heating (SWH) is the first renewable energy sector investor to locate in the IDZ, and the first fully integrated mass production manufacturing plant for both domestic and industrial solar water heaters in South Africa.

“The opening of Matla is a major milestone for the Eastern Cape province’s vision to position itself as a prime location for renewable energy sector investment,” IDZ spokesperson Ayanda Ramncwana said yesterday.

The facility is set to provide between 80 and 110 jobs within a year. The project is funded partly by Matla Thermal Holdings – a Taiwanese investment consortium led by Funland Industrial Co – and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).

The ECDC holds 15 percent equity in the firm, Matla Thermal Holding holds 53 percent and Funland Industrial Co 32percent.

The Funland Industrial consortium includes Funland Industrial Co, Tz-Jeng Energy Technology, and Ming Yang Solar Energy. They have been producing high pressure solar water heaters in Taiwan over the past 25 years, and will be sharing their expertise and knowledge in the industry at the IDZ facility.

“Our market research noted that there are a number of small scale manufacturers in South Africa.

“With the technology and expertise we have based on our current partnerships, we will be able to produce on a large scale locally which will lower the costs for customers,” said Matla SWH general manager Andy Bin-Chi Lu.

“The main target market for us initially is industrial users such as mining sector change rooms, student residences, apartment buildings and hospitals.”

The industrial/commercial solar water heater market is estimated by Matla SWH to be worth around R4billion, representing a maximum of 1000MW of peak electrical demand to be reduced.

IDZ business development executive manager Tembela Zweni said the attraction of Matla SWH in the zone was part of the zone’s renewable sector strategy.

“We are striving to operate a world-class industrial park without costing the earth; and the launch of Matla Solar is a giant step towards achieving the goal of operating a green IDZ,” said Zweni.

Solar Thermal Systems Gain Popularity

Solar hot water is getting a new day in the sun.

While most of the recent publicity has focused on its higher-tech sister, photovoltaic production of electricity, the solar thermal business is also growing.

"Solar thermal" means liquid is heated by the sun's rays and then used in homes, businesses or institutions. Most commonly, it produces what engineers call "domestic hot water," or what comes out of the hot water faucet.

But it can also be used in some cases for heating the air in a building, primarily through radiant floor systems. Another approach is solar walls, which involve using the sun to heat exterior surfaces and capturing the warmed air to supplement the heating systems.

The basic technology is an old one and fairly simple, said Ron Kamen, who is head of sales and senior vice president for EarthKind Solar in Lake Katrine and who also serves as president of the industry group the New York Solar Energy Industries Association.

The hot water approach is easily adaptable to home use and not nearly as expensive as the photovoltaic approach, Kamen said, though he advocates and handles both.

"There's 10 times as much solar hot water installed as solar electric," he said. "Everyone else in the world pretty much does it. It's a very simple technology, very straightforward. It's the most cost-effective method."

"There's a tremendous need for residential. Hot water is about one-third of the average family fuel bill," Kamen said.

Among the convinced are Robin and Rashmi Sen, both architects with a practice in New York. They have designed and are building a house and studio in Salt Point where solar hot water is used to supplement both domestic hot water and space heating.

They got into green design in some Brooklyn projects, Robin Sen explained, and then brought the approach home.

"We wanted to put in as much as we could in terms of using the least amount of fossil fuels," he said. The house burns no fuels on site, but uses electricity. It has a hybrid heating system that consists of a geothermal heating-cooling system and a solar hot water array ground-mounted near the house.

The house has a ceramic floor that becomes a heater when the solar-heated water is run through it. Sen said that the solar water panels can heat the house adequately when outside temperature drops to as low as 50 degrees. Lower than that, and the geothermal kicks in to help.

Interest is spreading. Contractor Joseph Malcarne has expanded his business into the installation of these units and put some atop his house in Staatsburg.

The solar association list of members is growing, as contractors from various trades get interested in offering such work.

Alteris Renewables has opened a two-person office with hopes of growth at TechCity, the same Lake Katrine facility that houses EarthKind and a growing number of solar-related businesses.

A major solar hot water system was dedicated Monday at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, for which EarthKind was the source.

It was part of a $428,000 federally funded solar technology and energy efficiency project at the Kingston, Benedictine and Margaretville campuses of the Health Care Alliance. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, instrumental in obtaining the funds, said it was aimed at energy efficiency and cutting carbon emissions.

The Solar Energy Consortium and engineering students at the State University of New York New Paltz assisted.

Environmental consciousness is one stimulus for the solar movement, as is federal and state aid. But the economy hasn't been one.

Elaine Lacy, marketing director for EarthKind , said the slow economy has been felt.

"I think more people are hesitant," she said. "But people are still interested, still calling."

The savings in energy costs are a key selling point. The recession put soaring fuel costs on a holiday, but in the long term, the economics favor alternative sources, Kamen said.

He said fuel prices would rise, and cited the need for energy independence. And as for oil, "It eventually is going to run out. It's just a question of time."

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to jump is the capital cost of the systems. A two-panel solar hot water rig and its associated gear can cost a homeowner about $8,000 to $10,000 and would save about half to two-thirds of the operating costs of getting domestic hot water.

But that upfront cost can soon be offset not only by the savings, but by the hefty federal and state tax credits that can be claimed on the next tax return.

A credit is a dollar-for-dollar savings off one's tax liability. The federal credit is 30 percent. So, for example, a $10,000 system cost brings a $3,000 credit. The state offers a 25 percent credit, which would be good for $2,500. Combined, the credits are $5,500, cutting the homeowner's final cost to $4,500 in this example.

The cost recovery through savings is fastest for people who heat their water with electricity, Kamen said. The second-fastest is oil and the longest recovery is with natural gas.

The final cost recovery may come when the house is sold and fetches a higher price because its energy efficiency is a selling point.

Kamen said solar hot water for heating air is an emerging field. It's being done, as Sen's case shows, but mostly in new construction. Solar hot water does not get up to the range needed for baseboard heaters, for example. But engineers are finding ways to integrate solar hot water with other techniques in combination systems that use solar as a pre-heater and some other gear to handle the rest of the temperature rise.

An obvious shortcoming is that solar is weakest when you need it most, in the winter, and strongest when you need it least, in the summer. A system sized to perform well in winter will produce waste heat all summer. Kamen said some installations use that heat for swimming pools and hot tubs.

Research is aimed at finding ways to turn the excess heat into energy that can then run cooling systems. It's been done, but not yet in a cost-effective way, Kamen said. These sun-driven coolers will most likely be used in commercial buildings first.

Straight solar air is getting used, too. At the Army's Fort Drum in upstate New York there is what's claimed to be the nation's largest installation of solar walls.

There, 50 SolarWall skins have been installed on 27 buildings to collect hot air that is then pumped inside to handle part of the heating. The company says tests on one system saved about $1,000 a month in natural gas costs.

The New York Solar Thermal Consortium, a group of institutions and businesses, has begun drawing up a "Solar Thermal Road Map for New York State" with the aim of growing from about 500 systems now to about 20,000 in a few years and half a million by 2020. That would create 20,000 jobs, too, Kamen said.

SOURCE

Unity College Bestows a Solar Gift

A world leader in solar energy came to Unity College Thursday to accept one of President Jimmy Carter's solar panels as a donation to his Solar Science and Technology Museum in China's Shandong Province.

A world leader in solar energy came to Unity College Thursday to accept one of President Jimmy Carter's solar panels as a donation to his Solar Science and Technology Museum in China's Shandong Province.

Huang Ming, center, chairman of Himin Solar Energy Group of China, acknowledges applause after accepting a solar panel donated to his Solar Science and Technology Museum from Unity College during a presentation on Thursday in Unity. At left is Dana Connors, president of the Maine Chamber of Commerce, and Unity College President Mitchell Thomashow.

Huang Ming, chairman and founder of Himin Solar Energy Group, said in exchange for the panel he'd like to offer the White House a state-of-the-art solar water heating system made by his company.

The gift of the solar panel, Ming said, marked the beginning of a relationship between his company and the college -- and progressive cooperation between China and the U.S.

Flying into New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, he said he only spotted a couple of rooftops with solar heating systems. That's something he'd like to help change.

"Change is necessary. It's possible. It's easy," he said. "Change our behavior, change our activities, change our minds, and we will change the world."

Unity officially handed off the solar panel to Ming around noon Thursday in the college's Centre for Performing Arts. The event was the culmination of a months-long conversation among Unity officials, Ming and his friend Julian Chen, a physics professor at Columbia University.

Chen was researching solar energy online and learned that Unity College had acquired the solar panels that Carter had had installed on the White House in 1979. He knew that Ming would want one.

In fact, when Chen told Ming about the panels, Ming said he'd pay anything to get one for his museum. Much to the men's surprise, the college offered to give him one for free, Chen said.

After the solar panels were removed from the White House during the Reagan administration, Unity installed them in its cafeteria, where they heated water for 12 years. The college recently donated one of them to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Last month, a documentary about the panels, called "A Road Not Taken," was screened at the Maine International Film Festival in Waterville.

At the event Thursday, Ming talked about his company's efforts to promote the use of solar energy.

Himin Solar, the world's largest manufacturer of solar water heaters, produces 3 million water heaters annually and was a driving force behind the creation of China's Solar Valley, a massive development in the city of Dezhou in Shandong Province that maximizes the use of solar energy.

Solar Valley is home to Himin's headquarters, called the Sun-Moon Mansion, as well as the Solar Science and Technology Museum.

Ming said the Carter solar panel, which he'll show with pictures displaying its historical significance, will be his second favorite artifact in the museum. His favorite still will be a 3,000-year-old mirror that used the sun to start fires.

Unity College President Mitchell Thomashow said Thursday that Ming's visit was "the highest possible compliment."

The honor came on the heels of another significant achievement, Thomashow said. On Monday, The Princeton Review named Unity to its Green Rating Honor Roll -- a list of the 18 most environmentally-friendly higher-learning institutions, which also includes Harvard College, Yale University and College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor.

Mick Womersley, a professor and director of sustainability at the college, agreed it was significant to have someone of Ming's stature visit the school.

"It's a bit of recognition for the hard work we've done," he said.

Huang Ming, center, chairman of Himin Solar Energy Group of China, acknowledges applause after accepting a solar panel donated to his Solar Science and Technology Museum from Unity College during a presentation on Thursday in Unity. At left is Dana Connors, president of the Maine Chamber of Commerce, and Unity College President Mitchell Thomashow.

Huang Ming, chairman and founder of Himin Solar Energy Group, said in exchange for the panel he'd like to offer the White House a state-of-the-art solar water heating system made by his company.

The gift of the solar panel, Ming said, marked the beginning of a relationship between his company and the college -- and progressive cooperation between China and the U.S.

Flying into New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, he said he only spotted a couple of rooftops with solar heating systems. That's something he'd like to help change.

"Change is necessary. It's possible. It's easy," he said. "Change our behavior, change our activities, change our minds, and we will change the world."

Unity officially handed off the solar panel to Ming around noon Thursday in the college's Centre for Performing Arts. The event was the culmination of a months-long conversation among Unity officials, Ming and his friend Julian Chen, a physics professor at Columbia University.

Chen was researching solar energy online and learned that Unity College had acquired the solar panels that Carter had had installed on the White House in 1979. He knew that Ming would want one.

In fact, when Chen told Ming about the panels, Ming said he'd pay anything to get one for his museum. Much to the men's surprise, the college offered to give him one for free, Chen said.

After the solar panels were removed from the White House during the Reagan administration, Unity installed them in its cafeteria, where they heated water for 12 years. The college recently donated one of them to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Last month, a documentary about the panels, called "A Road Not Taken," was screened at the Maine International Film Festival in Waterville.

At the event Thursday, Ming talked about his company's efforts to promote the use of solar energy.

Himin Solar, the world's largest manufacturer of solar water heaters, produces 3 million water heaters annually and was a driving force behind the creation of China's Solar Valley, a massive development in the city of Dezhou in Shandong Province that maximizes the use of solar energy.

Solar Valley is home to Himin's headquarters, called the Sun-Moon Mansion, as well as the Solar Science and Technology Museum.

Ming said the Carter solar panel, which he'll show with pictures displaying its historical significance, will be his second favorite artifact in the museum. His favorite still will be a 3,000-year-old mirror that used the sun to start fires.

Unity College President Mitchell Thomashow said Thursday that Ming's visit was "the highest possible compliment."

The honor came on the heels of another significant achievement, Thomashow said. On Monday, The Princeton Review named Unity to its Green Rating Honor Roll -- a list of the 18 most environmentally-friendly higher-learning institutions, which also includes Harvard College, Yale University and College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor.

Mick Womersley, a professor and director of sustainability at the college, agreed it was significant to have someone of Ming's stature visit the school.

"It's a bit of recognition for the hard work we've done," he said.

SOURCE