The dynamics are: solar panel prices have dropped since the original formula was released, DC Council and DDOE have raided the trust fund that provides these rebates - lowering the funding available, and there is a great demand for solar in DC - so DC is looking to fund more projects at a lower rate. If you are sitting on the sidelines thinking about solar, GET YOUR NAME ON THE WAITING LIST. It is unclear whether rebates will be offered after the REIP sunsets in 2012.
Text of DDOE Proposal...
DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Request for Public Comment on
Revised Rebate Amounts for the Renewable Energy Incentive Program
Revised Rebate Amounts for the Renewable Energy Incentive Program
The District Department of the Environment (“DDOE”) hereby requests public input and comment on a proposal to revise the financial incentive structure for the Renewable Energy Incentive Program (“REIP”) that provides financial incentives to District residents and businesses installing qualified solar photovoltaic systems. Section 3(d) of B18-932, the Sustainable Energy Utility Amendment Act of 2010 (projected effective date April 1, 2011, pending Congressional review) amended L17-250, the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008, to allow the Mayor to issue guidelines that adjust the REIP rebate incentive amounts to reflect market conditions and the prevailing prices of renewable energy systems.
DDOE seeks public comment on the following proposed incentive guidelines for the REIP. Under the proposed guidance, the REIP would provide funding in the following amounts, effective October 1, 2011:
1) The amount of $1.50 for each of the first 3,000 installed watts or watt-equivalents of capacity;
2) The amount of $1.00 for each of the next 7,000 installed watts or watt-equivalents of capacity; and
3) The amount of $0.50 for each of the next 10,000 installed watts or watt-equivalents of capacity.
No additional funding would be provided for installed capacity above 20,000 watts.
DDOE welcomes input and comments on these proposed revised incentive amounts, and will host a public meeting on March 16, 2011 from 2pm – 4pm at 1200 First Street, NE, 5th Floor, Washington DC 20002 to discuss the proposal and hear comments. All persons and entities wishing to receive subsequent notices or additional information concerning the proposal indicated above should contact Olayinka Kolawole at (202) 671-4096 or
Additional information and background documentation related to this proposal may be obtained from www.greenenergy.dc.gov or by contacting Mr. Kolawole.
I don't know the details of the situation enough to have a certain judgement, but this cut may well be reasonable *if* the renewable portfolio standard is strengthened to bolster the sagging SREC market.
ReplyDeleteWhile I favor spreading the subsidy around to more potential installations, I look at this as reneging on a contract. DC offered an incentive of $3 watt installed, and that was part of my calculation when installing my 3.1Kw system - now paid for out of pocket. I think whoever was preapproved for $3 and installed a system should get what they were offered. Simple contract ethics.
ReplyDelete