READY to Go Solar?
Been thinking about it for a while? Know someone who should really do it?
The prices are really low!
This may be the last year of a grant of the DC Government
Neighbors are getting together buying in bulk!
We are helping each other through the process. Selecting an installer and helping each other make each decision along the way. Talk to people who have been through the process already. Make an impact! Do something real! Become more self sufficient!

This is easy....

Go through the process now, you will never regret it. There is nothing like that first Pepco bill after going solar!

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Upcoming Meetings

May: Ward 4 Meeting (Petworth)
Monday, May 20th
7:30 to 8:30 PM
Petworth Library (Large Meeting Room)
4200 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011.


June: Ward 1 Meeting (Mt. Pleasant & Columbia Heights)

Saturday, June 1st 
2:00 PM
Mt. Pleasant Library
3160 16th St NW  
Washington, DC 20010

Meeting Info and Sign UP 

Last Chance To Get a Solar Rebate in Washington DC?

In the last week, I had four different friends ask me what they needed to do to go solar.  I thought it was a good time to send out an update on the DC Rebate Program and the economics of solar.  Here are the basics.

Getting a Solar Rebate in Washington DC

• The District of Columbia's original 4-year Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) came to an end in 2012.  Those that were able to get in on this program got a very sizable rebate at the beginning of the program, and those at the end received a good rebate, but at about half the amount originally offered.

• DC has decided to continue with a rebate program in 2013 (which also includes solar thermal), but again, the rebate amounts have been cut substantially.

• Recent drops in solar panel prices have somewhat offset the drop in the DC rebate amount.

• The market for solar renewable energy credits (sRECS) remains strong in DC, meaning that the combination of sRECs, the available 30% Federal tax credit and the DC rebate continues to make solar an attractive investment. 

• All signs seem to point to the gradual phase-out of rebates as panel prices fall and solar comes much closer to grid parity (when solar generation costs are equal to other non-renewable sources).

• Even if you have not completely decided to go solar, you should put your name on the waiting list for the DC Rebate program.  You can decline later if you decide not to move ahead.  When applying for the rebate, if you have not yet selected a contractor, you can indicate on the application that you are with the DC Solar United Neighborhood (DC SUN) cooperative.  See www.dcsun.org for more about going solar, finding a contractor and applying for a DC Rebate.

Costs

• Most homeowners are putting on systems that are in the range of 3-6kW.  Installed systems can be found below $4 per watt.

• A very simplified cost scenario for a 4kW system goes as follows -- $16,000 system cost - which would receive a $2,000 DC Rebate, a $4,800 Federal Tax credit, and more than $4,200 in sRECs.  Considering rebates and subsidies, out of pocket expenses fall to $5,000.  Your electricity bill would be reduced by more than $600 per year.  Under this scenario, your break even point would be about 8 years.  Finding a contractor a bit cheaper than $4 per watt, and selling your sRECs on a quarterly basis (rather than an up front lump sum) might shave that break even point down to about 5 years.

• Some companies will offer leases if you are not able to pay for or finance your system. 

More About the DC Rebate

Looking back out the DC Rebate program, it was a bumpy road in regard many aspects of the program.  Solar advocates in DC had to keep fighting each year to ensure that dedicated funds were not raided for other purposes.  However, in the end, more than 700 projects were funded by the DC Department of Environment (a small amount of additional rebates, not included in the table below, were issued by the DC Sustainable Energy Utility). 

DC Renewable Energy Incentive Program 2009 -2012:

Fiscal Year Funded

System Type

# of Incentives

Capacity (MW)

Incentive Amount

2009

Photovoltaic

61

0.2

$542,890.00

2010

Photovoltaic

216

0.9

$2,364,965.00

2011

Photovoltaic

144

0.9

$1,932,349.00

2012

Photovoltaic

278

1.4

$1,747,788.00

Thermal

15

-

$71,214.00

It looks like 2013 might turn out to be the highest year in regard to systems receiving rebates.  There are currently, 386 people on the waiting list for photovoltaic systems (link).  DC indicated that rebate offers would begin going out in February 2013, so some people on the waiting list may be getting approval letters.  The funding levels are as follows: 

For calendar year 2013, DDOE will offer  the following solar incentives:

·         $0.50/watt for photovoltaic systems, with a cap of  $10,000 (equivalent to a 20kW)

·         20% of total system cost up to $2,000 for residential thermal and,

·         20% of total system cost up to $6,000 for non-residential thermal systems

The REIP was given $1 million in the Sustainable DC Act of 2012, so assuming an average rebate of $2,500 per system, there will be 400 rebates available.  Assuming there is no other funding available, now would be a good time to get on the Waiting List.

Lastly, if you live in MD, you may be able to get a state rebate.  sREC prices in MD are much lower than in DC.  If you are in VA, solar incentives are very poor, but you can ask the governor to fix that using this petition.  

Mike Barrette

DC SUN

Is Now the Time for a New Solar Hot Water System?

The number of solar electricity-producing homeowners in the District of Columbia now reach close to one thousand.  The main reason DC residents have flocked to solar electric was the rebate program that has been available through the DC Department of the Environment.  While solar electric installations have become commonplace and widely discussed, you don't hear too much about solar hot water - until now.  Earlier this year, DC changed the rules of its solar rebate program to include a solar hot water rebate equal to 20% of the system's cost.  Because there are no guarantees this rebate will last beyond 2012, many homeowners are taking a crash course in the basics of solar hot water -- trying to decide whether to get in on the rebate before it disappears.  On June 25th, several Capitol Hill neighbors along with two solar hot water installers put on a city-wide public meeting about solar hot water technology, installation costs and available subsidies.  The meeting marked the first effort by DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DCSUN) to negotiate price discounts for solar hot water installations.  Materials from the meeting are now available at www.dcsun.org.  Below are some highlights, but much more information is available on the website.

To kick off the meeting, I provided some photos of the new solar hot water system that I had installed in May 2012.  Like most solar enthusiasts in the District, I started out with solar electric.  However, I made sure that my contractor left enough room for later installation of solar hot water panels.  I was able to save some money on the solar hot water installation because the mounting supports for my solar electric were pre-designed to also support the solar hot water panels.  I can now check my new (very large) solar hot water tank to see how well the sun is doing -- it has been reading at about 120-140 degrees depending on the time of day.  Goodbye cold showers!  My family loves the new system because I'm not bugging them about saving enough hot water for everyone to shower.  My old (and small) gas powered water tank is still intact as a back-up, but especially in the summer, we won't need to fire that up at all.

Resident Capitol Hill solar guru, Andy Kerr, also had a solar hot water system installed earlier this year.  He has developed a nice presentation explaining the initial cost of his system, the rebates that he was eligible for (the DC rebate, a 30% Federal tax credit and the sale of solar renewable energy credits), and the return on investment that he expects from his system.  Because solar hot water systems need to be sized to the hot water needs you may have, Andy has also developed a spreadsheet allowing you to punch in your own numbers to calculate the economics of solar hot water.  In his case, he paid about $8,500, but with the three rebates, his cost dropped to about $3,000 -- which works out to an 8 year simple payback, and a 7.7% return on investment over 20 years.

Andy's calculations will now get slightly better because DC SUN has developed a partnership with two vendors, Solar Energy Services and Clean Currents.  Both companies are offering additional discounts of between $100 and $400 for homeowners affiliated with DC SUN or local co-op chapters.  For each contract signed with DC SUN members, both companies have generously offered to donate to DC SUN's EmPowerment Fund that helps provide solar grants to low-income families.

Please take a look at the materials on the website and decide for yourself whether solar hot water will be in your future.  As we advised with solar electric installations, it is always good to get multiple bids before jumping into a purchase.  If you are on the fence and need more time, we recommend you put your name on the list for a DC rebate while you are making your decision.  Lastly, please join our listserve from the DC SUN webpage, where you can post questions and help us start a new dialogue on solar thermal.

Mike Barrette

DC SUN Holding Forum on Solar Hot Water

DC residents have really embraced solar photovoltaic systems - more than 500 systems have gone up throughout the District.  There is much less information out there about solar hot water - although by most accounts, solar hot water may be an even better investment than solar PV.  Several homeowners that have recently installed solar hot water will be coming together to discuss their experiences, and put interested residents in touch with solar hot water installers.  The meeting is Tuesday, June 26th at 7pm at Headquarters DC, 528 F Street Terrace SE, Washington, DC 20003 - which is just a few blocks away from the Eastern Market Metro.  I hope you will be able to join other members of DC SUN and the Capitol Hill Energy Coop -- the two organizations sponsoring this forum.  Please note that the DC government has just opened a limited window for getting solar thermal rebates, so if you are thinking about it, now is the time to educate yourself.  More information and a map are at this link... https://sites.google.com/site/dcsolarunitedneighborhoods/project-updates/solarwaterheatingeducationforum 

On the agenda is a discussion by Joanna Kendig and Gene Imhoff about the solar hot water system they have had for several years.  Andy Kerr will then discuss the economics and payback for solar hot water.  Matt Carlson of Sunnovations will discuss the technology of solar hot water, then two installers, Solar Energy Services and Clean Currents will discuss their capabilities and discounts that will be available to co-op members.  This meeting is open to the public and no pre-registration is required.  I hope to see you there.

Mike Barrette
Vice President - DC Solar United Neighborhoods

Solar Thermal Rebates added to the Mix for DC residents

The District of Columbia has announced a rebate for solar thermal - something that has been in the works for quite some time.  With the new 20% DC rebate, the available 30% Federal tax credit, and the solar renewable energy credits (srecs) that you can sell -- the three subsidies will pay for a large chunk of your system.  Your energy savings from reduced hot water or space heating will quickly allow you to quickly recoup your investment.

Because of the previous DC rebate structure, many residents opted to go for solar photovoltaic panels first (or instead of solar thermal).  For those that have available room left on your roof, now is the chance to move out solar thermal.  It is unclear how long the window will be open for DC rebates.  What I've been told by the Department of the Environment is that approximately $150,000 of the $2 million available for solar rebates in 2012 will be carved out for solar thermal.  This might fund about 75 residential projects (less if funding goes to larger commercial projects).  Hopefully, this is the start of more rebates to come in future years.

According to DDOE officials, if you have recently installed a solar thermal system, you might still be eligible for a rebate - so do put your name on the waiting list.  DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN) and the Capitol Hill Energy Coop are working on some solar thermal pilot projects now, and more information will be available about those installations soon.  To learn more, below is the information sent by DDOE, along with a link to the program website where you can put your name on the waiting list.  Before moving forward, you will want to look over the new solar thermal program guide.  Also, be sure to review the list of registered, approved installers (getting multiple bids is always a good idea).   If you have questions, experiences to share on solar thermal installations, comments, or ideas on how DC SUN can leverage bulk purchases for solar thermal, please do join our discussion forum. 

Mike Barrette
www.dcsun.org



 ----------------------
DDOE email communication regarding solar thermal rebates

The District of Columbia‚s Renewable Energy Incentive Program Solar Thermal Incentive For 2012

Effective, Wednesday, April 11, 2012, and in accordance with the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008, the District Department of the Environment Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) will provide financial incentives to eligible applicants in the District to help install Solar Thermal systems.

Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, the installation of systems on single and multi-family dwellings as well as commercial buildings and institutional organizations.

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and/or biomass can help to reduce dependence on a shrinking supply of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.     

We encourage you to apply to the program. Please visit http://ddoe.dc.gov/service/renewable-energy-incentive-program-reip-residents for more information.

Expanding Access to Solar in DC

As many of you know the central mission of DC SUN is to make Solar affordable and accessible to all residents of DC. We are working on a lot of different things and we always have room for more volunteers and leaders of more projects and initiatives. ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY they must go together.

To give a sense of a few highlights.

1. Community Solar Legislation: This is our big push right now. In partnership with the Sierra Club and with technical assistance from Vote Solar and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) we are working to make it possible to develop solar gardens. It will let people who live in apartments or rent participate in community solar gardens and "virtually" net meter their solar production to their energy bill. For more info see DC SUN website http://sites.google.com/site/dcsolarunitedneighborhoods/key-issues-and-committees/community-renewable-energy-act-of-2012 . Stay tuned for more updates soon!

2. Community emPOWERment Fund: This fund is made up of 'referral fees' from many of the installers that have a close working relationship with our members. The money goes to help non-profits, churches, schools and independent businesses go solar. It has the potential of helping reduce costs for organizations that our essential to our local communities. We are working with a number of non-profits based in Ward 8 that provide basic services such as food, childcare and medical services.

3. Non Profit Bulk Purchase: We are Developing a bulk purchase program for non-profits that want to go solar. By working together we will lower costs for all of the participants. We have been focusing mostly on organizations in Wards 7 and 8 but the project is open to non-profits city wide.

4. REBATE Program Phase II: We have proposed to the DDOE and the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) to develop a second phase solar rebate program for FY 13. We feel that we need to take care of the hundreds of people on the waiting list, AND we have proposed that 50% of the new rebate program be a higher level of reimbursement and be reserved exclusively with low income families. Combined with the Community Solar legislation-- this has the potential to expand solar much more broadly in DC

5. Proposals to the DC SEU: The DC SEU is supposed to develop programs specifically aimed at low income solar. We have been pushing them to engage with us in developing those programs. DC SUN met with the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and began discussions on ways to collaborate directly. We will be participating in their outreach fair this Spring and we are discussing the exciting possibility of adding solar to their low income roof replacement program. We have proposed to the SEU that they partner with DHCD to make this project a reality. It is a perfect match as DHCD has all of the administrative programs in place for low income roof replacement and the DC SEU has u- allocated funding for low income solar. DHCD is very enthusiastic about this idea. So far we have not gotten a response back from the SEU or DDOE which approves SEU programs.

6. Outreach in Ward 7: Ward 7 has been our top priority for outreach this year. We have worked in partnership with a number of local organizers including Irv Sheffy and Dennis Chestnut. We have recruited a dynamic new leader of the Ward 7 Solar Coop and we have been conducting outreach meetings in the Ward. We are actively looking for more Ward 7 participants to join and strengthen the Ward 7 Coop. The culmination of this effort will be the June 16th Solar Fair at HD Woodson HS. Stay tuned for exciting news alerts on this initiative over the next few weeks. Voliunteers needed for this effort.

In the works:
Innovative Financing for Low Income Housing and Community Solar...
Other bulk purchase programs?

Grab Your $6,000 Solar Rebate While You Still Can!

Now is the time to get in line for a DC Solar Rebate - before the funding is gone!  Prices of solar panels are at an all-time low, making the decision to go solar a great long-term investment.  A recent comparison of solar costs in the District indicates that the return on investment from installing solar panels varies from 6-10%.  The existing 30% Federal tax credit, along with renewable energy credits that accrue with your solar project, make the economics of solar very favorable. 

Strengthening the economic case for solar even more is the District government’s rebate program.  These DC rebates are designed to encourage renewable energy and foster a new homegrown industry (jobs in DC!!).  If you are able to get in on the DC solar rebate, your rate of return rises into the double digits, and your initial investment can be paid back in 6-7 years.  For many DC homeowners on the fence about going solar, the DC rebate is the incentive that motivates them to move forward.  Below, I examine your chances of getting a DC solar rebate – and it looks like time is running out!

As background, realize that the DC rebate program is a four-year program, which is now in its last year. DC is authorized to release $2 million dollars this year for rebates.  Rebates for a typically-sized system are about $6,000.  Rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis from a waiting list that you can join on the DDOE Website.

Last week, I asked the DC Department of the Environment for an update on their progress for releasing those funds now that we are one quarter of the way through the fiscal year.  It is important that these projects continue to be funded at a rapid pace, otherwise the program will expire before funding is released to those on the waiting list.  DDOE reports as follows:

•  $25,000 has been paid out (5 requestors have received checks) 
• $598,000 are in the final approval stages (86 requestors will receive checks soon)
• 383 additional projects are on the waiting list.
• DDOE reports that usually about 40% of those that submit the initial application actually decide drop out of the process.

Projections

• Assuming that 230 of the 383 people on the waiting list are funded at an average of $6,000, then the full $2 million will be expended and new entrants to the waiting list will not be funded.
• If the average rebate award and/or the acceptance rates are higher, some at the bottom of the existing waiting list may not receive funding from the $2 million pot.
• If the average rebate or acceptance rate is lower, new entrants to the waiting list may get funding (so act fast and get your name on the list). 

What If You Miss Out???

• It is possible that the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) will add funding for additional solar rebates – they added a small amount last year.   
• Community activists with DC SUN are calling upon the DC Council, Mayor, Department of Environment, and the SEU to work together to renew the DC solar rebate program for another four years.   
• DC SUN’s proposal is discussed in this blog post.

To help demonstrate the effectiveness and interest in this program, DC SUN urges residents to put their names on the DC Renewable Energy Incentive Program Waiting List (Click Here for a step-by-step guide on how to reserve your place the list).  This will help in our effort to get this great job creating program back on track for those residents that were not able to participate in the first four years of the program.  Because the solar rebate program is funded by electricity surcharges that are NOT scheduled to go away, DC SUN thinks that the extension of the program is an important way to promote a sustainable future for DC -- a future that involves renewable power coming from the people of the City.

Mike Barrette
Vice President - DC SUN

Neighborhood Groups Call on DC to Renew Solar Rebates and Quadruple Solar Installations

Rebates for residential solar installations in Washington DC have spurred job creation and have literally energized almost 1,000 homeowners across the City.  The highly successful four-year rebate program will end in 2012 – casting uncertainty over the prospects for solar energy in the District.  DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN - www.dcsun.org), a grassroots coalition of residents that promote solar energy in the District, are urging the City Council and Mayor to extend this effective program for four more years – allowing 4,000 new projects to be completed.  DC SUN believes that in four years, falling prices for solar panels will make the economics of solar so good, that rebates can be completely phased out.

To reach specific goals in four years, DC SUN is proposing rebate reductions, which will essentially double the number of installations supported each year until the program is phased out. In addition, DC SUN proposes that half of the solar rebates be dedicated specifically to go to low income homes.  DC SUN proposes that DC offer fixed rebates of - $4,000 per project in 2013, $3,000 in 2014, $2,000 in 2015, and $1,000 in 2016.  These rebates, in conjunction with available Federal tax credits and solar Renewable Energy Credits, will make solar an unbeatable investment that allows the City to shift to renewable, locally-produced energy.  The rebate program has created jobs in DC, and will create more jobs if renewed.  Atta Kiarash, Vice President of DC-based installer Solar Solution LLC, remarked that the rebate program has been essential to creating demand for solar projects -- indicating that it would be foolish for DC to discontinue a program with such broad support and a record of success.  He stated, "taking away this grant not only hurts DC homeowners, but also local businesses that provide services to residents."

While solar is still a good investment without DC rebates, our analysis shows that DC residents that are considering solar are looking for a 6-year payback period. Current solar prices offer about a 10-year payback period – and DC rebate program will tip the scales for many consumers (see www.dcsun.org “One Roof” solar price evaluation).  This investment will not require the City to raise new funding because the energy surcharge that exists on your bill is already being used to fund solar rebates.  Under DC SUN’s proposal, this existing funding stream would continue to be used to fund solar rebates.  

The existing program has created jobs in DC!  Atta Kiarash of DC-based installer Solar Solution, LLC has directly attributed the rebate program to job growth for his business, indicating that failure to renew the rebate program with such strong support base .  Atta Kiarash, Vice President of Solar Solution, LLC

DC SUN is urging the Mayor, Department of the Environment, and the Sustainable Energy Utility to implement this proposal plan as part of the Sustainable DC initiative.  DC SUN thinks the plan can be announced and implemented quickly with funding that is already coming into the City.  You can register your support for solar rebates as part of the Sustainable DC voting process.  As November 22nd, the continuation of solar rebates has received the second highest number of votes of all submitted ideas.

“One-Roof Solar Evaluation” Documents Dropping Solar Costs in DC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/16/11

“One-Roof Solar Evaluation” Documents Dropping Solar Costs in DC

DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN), a consortium of cooperatives, has completed a cost comparison by inviting vendors to bid on the same job.  Four vendors participated in the bidding (Lighthouse Solar, SolarCity, Solar Solution and Astrum Solar), while several other vendors completed an online survey.  The DC SUN website documents the findings in more detail, provides bid information and provides an online evaluation tool for your solar project (click here for One Roof Evaluation information).

Key Findings  

• Now is the time to invest in a rooftop solar electric system in Washington, DC. Panel prices are a record-lows, installer competition is high, and Solar Renewable Energy Credits, along with a 30% federal income tax credit and the monthly savings in your electric bill all combine to allow you to do well while doing good.

• Return on investment can be far better than one can receive for most other investments. Compared to the current rates for savings accounts, certificates of deposits or stocks and bonds, investing is a rooftop solar electric system has great financial returns. The returns from solar electricity are tax-free in that money you don't have to spend on your electric bill is money you don't have to earn and pay taxes on.

• Even if you don't have cash upfront to purchase a photovoltaic system at this time, a leasing option can still reduce your monthly electricity bill. You'll pay PEPCO less and generate renewable energy on your own roof.

The Details

• Gross system cost (before any incentives) for purchasing a system averaged $25,061, ranging from $19,382 to $34,320.  Since 2009, the costs to install have dropped more than 20%.
• Net system cost (after tax and other incentives) for purchasing a system averaged $12,854, ranging from $9,922 to $16,784.   The reduced net costs factor in Federal tax credits and solar Renewable Energy Credits (sRECs) that vendors will help you leverage.
• For the lease options, the Initial System Cost averaged $3,639, ranging from $0 $7,278. Two of the lease options had annual payments, averaging $44/month, ranging from $516 to $816 per year.
• Simple Payback for purchase averaged 13 years, ranging from 12 to 15 years. For leasing, the average was ~11 years, excluding the $0 down option.
• Internal Rate of Return for purchase averaged 5.8%, ranging from 4.6% to 7.5%. For leasing, the average was 10.0%, excluding the $0 down option.
• Energy savings ranged from 29% to more than 100% - your vendor can help you with this calculation, which depends on system size, energy consumption patterns and weatherization.
• DC SUN suggests that weatherization be done prior to, or in conjunction with solar installations.  DC SUN also recommends that systems not be sized greater than 100% because current DC laws do not allow you to take advantage of “overproduction” that occurs over a year’s time frame.

Analysis

Solar is a great long-term investment and DC SUN believes now is the time to go solar!  DC SUN, in previous surveys and member polls, has determined that despite the favorable return on investment, that many homeowners are motivated by the need to re-coup their investment on a shorter time horizon than currently achievable – closer to 6-8 years.  Because the District of Columbia’s solar rebate program sunsets this year and has a full waiting list, explosive growth in residential solar will likely require a re-commitment to providing small rebates over the next 4 years to bring the payback down to the 6-8 year time horizon.  Within four years, the price of panels is projected to continue dropping – which will drive solar installations without additional rebates from the District.  If you want to urge DC to establish a new solar rebate program, click here and register your vote for new solar incentives.

The detailed results of each bid, and additional worksheets allowing consumers to calculate their own rate of return are now posted on www.dcsun.org.  DC SUN strongly suggests getting multiple bids before going forward.

DC SUN sets up fund for solar!

Well, in a way, we have grown tired of waiting for rebates that come and go, so we decided to set up our own program. Our target is to expand the solar market-- especially by funding high profile projects in organizations that are important to our communities. What do I mean?? Well-- churches, schools, non-profits, small local businesses. Many of these organizations can go solar now, but they don't know it. DC SUN can help.

What is it? DC SUN has now launched the NEW Community emPOWERment Fund. Many local installers will now provide a donation to DC SUN’s emPOWERment Fund if their customer is a member of DC SUN. Money in the fund goes to support solar projects for non-profits, churches, and other community organizations. So, when you talk to an installer, tell ‘em DC SUN or your local solar coop sent you!

· The six charter installers contributing to the Fund are:

• Kenergy Solar
• Lighthouse Solar
• Skyline Innovations
• SolarCity
• Solar Solutions
• Volt Energy

·

Click here to learn more

There are lots of ways to get engaged. We will start on-line fundraising for specific project. You can volunteer with DC Sun and get trained to be a solar ambassador to help worthy organizations go solar.. Or you can nominate you favorite local community organization to receive a grant toward a new solar system. Fill out our online form to nominate an organization YOU think should receive a Community emPOWERment Fund grant.

The market and prices are there to go solar now! It is just going to take a bit of effort to get the word out to ALL parts of the city. JOIN US!

--Anya

Film Screening Hosted by DCSUN -- The 4th Revolution

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13 Screening of THE 4TH REVOLUTION Directed by Carl A. Fechner

DC Solar United Neighborhoods and the WASHINGTON FILM INSTITUTE’s Green Screen Series invite you to a screening of Carl Fechner’s The 4th Revolution — Energy Autonomy, courtesy of the Goethe Institut, at 700 Eye Street, NW on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 6:30 PM. Scott Sklar, of The Stella Group, will introduce the film and moderate a panel discussion — “A global context for US renewable advocacy” — immediately after the film. If Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth begged the central question of climate change “What is to be done?” Fechner’s lushly photographed film provides a substantive answer that is well worth the wait. The late Dr. Hermann Scheer, German Bundestag member and Chair of the World Council for Renewable Energy presents proofs that renewables can replace fossil and nuclear fuels, while offering a way out of the environmental rock and the economic hard place in which oil dependence has trapped developed and developing countries alike. The film goes directly to Mali, the Amazon Rainforest, China, Bangladesh and Europe — to show how renewables are doing just that. A reception will be held afterward, provided by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, DC. Seating is limited so please RSVP now to reserve a space.  Click Below for More Info and Online Registration....

The 4th Revolution

15 Solar Projects to be Funded by the Sustainable Energy Utility

In my previous blog post, I discussed the need for the new Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) to step up to the plate in helping promote residential solar installations. It appears that the SEU is listening as they have launched a solar area on their website and have made some money available for those on the solar rebate waiting list.  See http://dcseu.com/programs/Solar.aspx for program details.

While funding 15 projects is not going to put the City on the fast track for continued growth in solar installations, it is a positive start.  We will continue to reach out to the SEU in hopes: a) that additional rebate funding can be made available in 2012 -- possibly allowing the wait list to re-open; b) that the SEU and DDOE can devise a replacement program for the existing Renewable Energy Incentive Program starting in 2013; and c) that solar becomes a key part of the Mayor's sustainability push.  More details are below regarding the status of the rebates and wait list.... 
 ------------------------------------

1. 414 homeowners are in the queue for a DC solar rebate.  Waiting list is now closed.
2. 2011 funding for REIP from DDOE is gone, so the 414 will be considered for 2012 fiscal year rebates (at half the original level).
3. The SEU will fund about 15 projects at the top of the list of 414 in the next few weeks (at full rebate).
If you are in the top 15 of the waiting list, please monitor your email closely for information from the SEU.   At the old rebate levels, you will be getting a great deal that has almost an immediate payback.  You will have 6 months to complete the install.  If you want to know your place on the
waiting list, see http://rrc.dc.gov/green/lib/green/pdfs/REIP_Waitlist_Feb_8_2011.pdf

Questions regarding the 15 SEU funded projects should go to Damon at 202-479-2222, ext. 1022 or toll-free 855-MY-DCSEU (855-693-2738), ext.1022. 

DC Government Inaction Stifles the Explosive Growth of Solar in DC

Thanks in part to a generous solar rebate program offered by the District of Columbia, more than 450 families have installed solar panels since 2009.  This is exactly why the DC Council originally passed the legislation creating the program.  As an organizer of one of many solar neighborhood cooperatives, I had been receiving questions about going solar from neighbors and residents from across the City on a daily basis. Last year, installation crews from local businesses were seen all over DC -- with new projects being completed every day.  Looking at the numbers from across DC, 68 projects were completed in 2009, then 218 projects in 2010.  Projections were that solar installs would double each year – rising to 500 in 2011 and more than 5,000 per year by 2015.  Solar energy became a frequent conversation topic on the street, in the workplace, and on social networking sites – with solar enthusiasts like myself boasting about receiving a “credit balance” on our pepco bills.  Apparently, the solar revolution had finally hit DC, but this year has been much different. 

As businesses ramped up their hiring and more people began doing the research needed to go solar, all of a sudden, a significant slowdown occurred in the solar industry here in DC.  Why did this happen, and what are the prospects for those that missed out on the first wave, but are still interested?  In a nutshell, a series of missteps and planning problems within DC government is primarily responsible for the slowdown in solar growth and job loss within the industry.   The lack of decision-making and planning has created significant uncertainty, which is holding residents back from signing contracts to install solar.  Let’s examine first how the solar slowdown happened, and then go through some ideas on how to restart our solar momentum in DC.

For those of you new to solar, the economics of financing your project rests on what I will call a four-legged stool.  The legs are:

1)      a 30% Federal Tax Credit on the full amount of the system cost;

2)      local DC rebates (which during the boom averaged $11,000 per project);

3)      carbon credit sales (known as solar Renewable Energy Credits or sRECs) that allow you to “sell” the green attributes of your solar system for cash, and

4)      future costs savings that accrue as solar panels produce electricity – essentially net metering that reduces your pepco bill typically in half.

The first wave of solar installs in DC received an almost too good to be true deal in which the subsidies above would pay for 70% – 100% of the average system cost.  The DC Rebate was an essential component drawn from a $2 million per year trust fund which is financed by a small surcharge on your pepco bill.  It is not difficult to imagine why the DC Rebate program became quickly over-subscribed. The combination of high demand for rebates, and the raiding of the energy trust fund by the Mayor and DC Council (essentially cutting the $2 million yearly total in half) caused the Department of the Environment to close the waiting list to new projects, and propose a reduction in the rebate amounts for those that were on the waiting list before it closed.  The proposed rebate reduction, which has not officially been finalized, would allow more projects to receive rebates at a smaller amount.  The rebate program sunsets in 2012 (though the pepco energy surcharge does not), meaning that those not on the list now have no current option for applying for funding, but that ratepayers will still be funding a program that will not exist after 2012.

What does this mean for those of you stuck on the existing DC rebate waiting list, or those of you that want to now want to apply for a rebate?  First the good news:

1)      solar prices are dropping fast – a system that would have cost $35,000 in 2009 will now cost only about $22,000;

2)      the Federal Tax Credit is still available;

3)      the value of sRECS, which had dipped recently, will gradually stabilize when the DC Council passes the Distributed Energy Generation Bill (19-10) next week.

So, assuming $22,000 for an average system, minus $6,600 in Federal tax credits leaves an upfront system cost of $15,400.  Assuming $2,000 per year in energy credit payments to you and savings on your utility bill, then a simple payback will be reached in about 8 years.  Feedback from residents interested in solar indicates that the “tipping point” for deciding to go solar is a 4-5 year payback -- which is where the DC rebate program comes in.  Many of you waiting in the wings do not want to move forward with an installation with an 8-year return on investment, knowing that you might miss out on rebate money.  So, you are patiently waiting to hear what DC is doing with the rebates.  “Patiently” is the operative word as there has been no information shared on the program’s direction.  For argument’s sake, let’s assume that DC were to provide you a $4,000 rebate.  Your return on investment would then inch closer to that magical 5-year payback, and perhaps the solar revolution would enter a second phase.  While those on the existing waiting list will probably get some rebate money in 2012, re-opening the DC Solar Rebate program to new applicants will spur homeowners to spend a significant amount of money on projects that will employ DC workers and bring tax money back into the city.

Our city-wide cooperative organization, DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN), has met with government officials to question what the future plans are for solar rebates.  After all, we are still paying the energy bill surcharge to fund investment in solar – so why aren’t the benefits being dispersed through a renewed solar rebate program?  In a public meeting on January 19th with DC Department of the Environment head Christophe Tulou, we were told that little or no long-term planning for DC solar rebates was being done because DDOE was awaiting approval of a contract with the new “Sustainable Energy Utility” – an organization that was being created to chart the path forward on sustainability in DC.  We were told that the SEU would fully engage on solar once they were formed.   Earlier this Spring, the contract for the SEU was awarded to Vermont Eneregy Investment Corporation.  We were very excited to sit down with the new Director, Scott Johnstone, and engage on a long-term vision for solar in DC.

Despite Mr. Johnstone’s firm grasp of renewable energy issues, we were disappointed to find out from him that; a) DC Department of the Environment was still in fact calling the shots on the long-term prospects for solar in DC; and that b) the SEU would be focus its 2012 spending to exclusively promote weatherization rather than carving out some funding for solar.  Our clear message to Mr. Johnstone was that the SEU needed to get out of the box fast on solar, and could jump-start the industry again about targeting some funds into the depleted solar rebate program.  Unfortunately, we were told that any such decision to replenish funds in the solar program would need to go through DC Department of the Environment.  So, back we went to DDOE asking about their plans to replenish funding in the rebate program from money that exists now and could be immediately available to those sitting on the waiting list.

This is where the bureaucratic maze really becomes difficult to navigate, as it appears that DDOE and the Mayor’s office are working on several very large “vision-setting” documents, of which solar is a small part.  Rather than trying to get some short-term wins by funding popular and highly effective carbon cutting solar projects, progress forward appears completely stalled as the “grander scheme” is developed on a myriad of sustainability projects.  What this means is the funding available for the SEU to spend on sustainability projects (like solar) may revert back to the general fund because no one will make the decision to fund the solar waiting list.  Funding the solar waiting list with 2011 SEU money would mean that solar projects could start right way, and the $2 million that will become available next year under the original rebate program could be used for new applicants to the waiting list.  Instead, it looks like inaction by the Mayor, DDOE, and SEU will allow the SEU funds to lapse back to the general fund – essentially heading off the possibility of getting more rebates to more people.

DC SUN continues to fight for solar incentives, but until there is a real commitment by our elected leaders, the program will continue to operate under a cloud of uncertainty.  This is unfortunate given that there is a clear path forward that will bring green jobs, carbon reductions, and locally-produced energy to meet peak summer demand.  What is lacking is a decision-maker willing to make this happen.  On July 11^th, the SEU has announced a public meeting at 3pm at 1325 G St NW, Suite 500.  We think it is great that the SEU is reaching out the public, but it is about time that DDOE and SEU were in the same room offering a vision for the program rather than pointing back at each other when flaws in the existing program are pointed out.

If you want to go solar, please consider attending and using some of our key messages:

1)      DDOE needs to immediately announce what the planned rebate level is for next year, and re-open the waiting list for rebates.

2)      that DC needs measurable goals for attaining solar milestones (residential, schools, businesses, gov’t),

3)      that existing 2011 SEU funding should be used to fund the waiting list now to re-energize the program,

4)      that 2012 rebate funding should be supplemented by SEU funding to provide more rebates (smaller rebates can fund more projects)

5)      that a new 4-year plan (2013-2016) must be developed now to provide certainty for homeowners and industry and ensure that pepco surcharges are used for intended purposes, and

6)      that more creative ways to fund projects for low income residents must be developed to supplement existing rebate programs.

We are not quite at the point that explosive growth in installations will occur without a DC rebate program; however, with dropping prices and technology innovations, after another 4-year rebate program, it is likely that solar prices will drop to the point where rebate incentives may no longer be needed.  When the rebate program was up and running, it was extremely successful, so why not continue it as a way to move the city toward a renewable energy future. Solar is the gateway for DC residents from every ward in the city to dramatically reduce their carbon, and for people to take control of their energy costs to become more prosperous and self sufficient.  Solar has the potential to bring great green jobs to this city, instead of exporting our energy dollars out of our economy.  It is time for bold, clear and decisive action, not more delay and finger pointing.  City officials need to re-open and properly fund DC’s Solar Rebate Program!

Mike Barrette

Capitol Hill Energy Cooperative Solar Project Director

Founding Member of DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN)

Join our listserve at www.dcsun.org to learn more about going solar

Follow our blog and post comments at http://solardc.blogspot.com/

Let the following DC officials know that you want the DC Solar Rebate to re-open!

            Christophe.tulou@dc.gov

            sjohnstone@dcseu.com

            Vincent.gray@dc.gov