Did Someone Say Rebates? Minnesota Stimulus Roundup!

Below are recent stimulus developments from the Minnesota Office of Energy Security.

Energy Saver Rebate Program

As of March 19, 2010 funds for the Energy Saver Rebate Program were fully reserved and the MHFA has temporarily suspended new applications. The Office of Energy Security and MHFA are currently working to provide additional funds for this program. Details will be published on our website and through our stimulus e-mail updates as they become available.

Business Solar Electric Rebates Now Available

Rebates are now available for Minnesota businesses that install solar electric systems. Reservations are available on a first-come, first served basis. Eligible businesses are those with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (FTE). Systems must be installed by a licensed contractor that meets program participation criteria. Application materials are available in the Rebates & Credits section of our website. For more information, contact us at energy.info@state.mn.us or 800-657-3710.

Residential Solar Electric Rebate Amounts

Rebate amounts for this program will change soon. For eligible applications submitted by March 31, 2010 and claims submitted by September 30, 2010 the rebate amounts are as follows: For installations performed by a licensed electrical contractor: $1.75 per watt (up to a maximum of $8,750). See application for additional details. For installations performed by a NABCEP certified installer: $2.00 per watt (up to a maximum of $10,000). See application for additional details. Eligible applications received on or after April 1, 2010 will be rebated at a lower amount. Details on rebate amounts for this program are available in the Rebates & Credits section of our website.

Residential Solar Air Heat Rebates

Residential solar air heat rebates are now available. Rebates of up to $2,000 are available for single family homes or up to $4,000 for multi-family 2-3 units. Additional details and application forms are available in the Rebates & Credits section of our website.

Residential Solar Hot Water Rebates

Rebate reservations are still being accepted for this program. Rebates of up to $2,000 are available for single family homes, up to $4,000 for multi-family 2-3 units, and up to $10,000 for multi-family 4+ units. Additional details and application forms are available in the Rebates & Credits section of our website.

Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate Application

The application for Minnesota’s new Residential Ground Source Heat Pump Rebates is available in the Rebates & Credits section of www.energy.mn.gov. Rebates are available until all funds are expended.

• Terms and Conditions include: Rebates for 35% of eligible system and installation costs, up to $10,000, are available for qualifying ground source heat pump installations at an applicant’s primary residence. Systems beginning construction after February 16, 2010 must submit an application to reserve rebate funding. All information in the Rebate Reservation Application Documentation section must be submitted. Installations completed on or after July 1, 2009 may be eligible for a rebate if all program requirements are met. All information in the checklist must be submitted.

• Note on System Capacity Limit: It is stated in the application materials that the system capacity limit is 5.5 tons. An application can be submitted for a conditional rebate reservation for a larger system. We may be able to rebate such a system, pending a U.S. Department of Energy decision. We will announce the outcome of that decision to applicants.

• New Resources Section: A list of links is now available in the Ground Source Heat Pump section of our website. Includes information on types of systems and how to find an installer.

Stimulus Programs Tracking

A new Tracking section is available on our website to show the status of stimulus-funded rebates and RFPs. The information will be updated on a regular basis.