AEP Texas Central Company - Smart Source PV Rebate Program (Texas)

Last modified on June 10, 2010.

Financial Incentive Program

Incentive Contact

Note: As of May 28, 2010 non-residential applications are no longer being accepted though the residential portion remains open. Prospective applicants should check the program web site for status updates to verify that this remains the case.

American Electric Power Texas Central Company (AEP-TCC) offers rebates to customers that install photovoltaic (PV) systems on homes or other buildings. Customers of all rate classes (e.g., residential, commercial, etc.) are eligible to participate in the program. The term "customer" means "the entity with financial responsibility for paying the electric bill for the meter behind which the distributed solar energy equipment is to be installed." Rebates may be assigned to the customer, a service provider, or a third party. The program is scheduled to operate through 2010 with separate 2009 and 2010 program years.

Rebates for new construction projects are permitted, but could involve complications that conflict with program guidelines. Special considerations and rules also apply to apartments, rentals, condominiums, leased properties, large companies, and government agencies. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the program manager prior to submitting an application.

Rebates are offered at a flat rate of $2.50 per watt (DC) for all customers. The maximum per project and per customer rebate for residential systems is $25,000 and the maximum rebate for non-residential customers is $180,000. Individual system size is limited by the Texas interconnection and net metering limits for distributed renewable generation (currently 2 MW). In addition, systems may not be sized to produce energy in excess of that required to meet annual on-site energy consumption. Each customer and point of service is eligible to participate in the program multiple times, subject to other program limitations (e.g., maximum per customer and per project incentive limits).

Systems must be new, connected to the grid on the customer side of the meter, meet minimum estimated performance requirements (80% of optimum), and meet all applicable code and utility interconnection requirements. In addition, all equipment (i.e., modules, inverters and meters) must be listed as eligible under the California Solar Initiative (CSI) and meet several other quality assurance requirements. All installations must be performed service providers who meet program eligibility requirements. Service providers are also subject to ongoing quality assurance standards and are required to attend technical training sessions. Installations may be subject to a variety of inspection and performance monitoring requirements in the short- and long-term. System owners retain title to renewable energy certificates (RECs) produced by their system.

The total program budget is listed in the program guidelines as $720,000 ($360,000 each year in 2009 and 2010). The program status web site lists a current budget of $527,050 split roughly evenly between the residential and non-residential programs (the program guidelines state that 50% of the budget each year is reserved for residential systems). Program administrators will enforce the budget allocations described above through August 31, 2010. Thereafter, any remaining unreserved funds will be pooled together to fund additional applications of any type on a first-come, first-served basis. Residential incentive reservations expire six calendar months after the date of acceptance and other incentive reservations expire 12 calendar months after the date of acceptance.

Contact program personnel for additional information on applications, incentive eligibility, installer qualifications and other program details.

References

1. ↑ DSIRE Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency accessed 2010-06-10

Rebates Grants Solar Photovoltaic Incentives

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Reference

1. ↑ DSIRE