Code of Maine Rules › 95 - INDEPENDENT AGENCIES › 648 - EFFICIENCY MAINE TRUST › Chapter 930 - SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM › Section 648-930-6 - APPLICATION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Review Process
Applications for solar and wind energy system rebates
				  pursuant to this Chapter shall include the information and documentation
				  specified in this section. The Commission shall review applications and notify
				  applicants whether the solar or wind energy system qualifies for a rebate and
				  whether funds are available for the rebate. Applications for solar or wind
				  energy rebates must be filed prior to the installation of the system.
				  Information and documentation that is not practical to provide prior to the
				  installation of the system must be submitted after installation. Applicants who
				  have received approval prior to installation of the system pursuant to the
				  Commission's application process must demonstrate that the system was installed
				  consistent with the application before a rebate is provided. The Commission may
				  establish a date by which applicants who have received approval prior to
				  installation must install the system to remain eligible for a rebate. To the
				  extent funds are currently available in the solar and wind energy rebate
				  program fund, the Commission shall set aside funds to ensure that funds remain
				  available for applications that have received approval prior to system
				  installation. To the extent that funds are not currently available in the solar
				  and wind energy rebate program fund, the Commission will set aside funds as
				  they become available. The Commission will inform the applicant that the rebate
				  will be provided when funds become available and the time frame in which
				  available funds are expected.
B.
Requirements
1.
Applicant
.Applications shall
				include the address of the applicant's legal residence as demonstration of
				Maine residency and shall indicate whether the applicant is an owner or tenant
				of the premises in which the system has been installed. If system is located or
				will be located on premises different from the legal place of residence, the
				location of the system must be clearly stated. Applications shall include an
				affirmation by the applicant that the system location is connected to the
				electrical grid.
2.
System
				Type
. Applications shall indicate whether the system is solar
				photovoltaic, solar thermal-water, solar thermal-air or wind.
3.
Solar Energy
System
				Description
. Applications for solar energy system rebates shall provide
				data on system components including manufacturer and model number for
				collectors and all peripheral equipment. Nameplate in capacity (watts) shall be
				provided for solar electrical systems and estimated annual energy production
				based on Maine specific weather data shall be provided for both solar electric
				and solar thermal systems. Applications shall include estimates that detail
				total system installed costs, as provided by vendors and/or installers.
a. For applications for solar thermal energy
				systems that are designed to heat potable water, applicants must show that such
				systems have been installed, or subject to review and final approval, by a
				licensed plumber.
4.
Wind Energy System Description.
Applications for wind energy
				system rebates shall also be required to provide additional data regarding the
				description of the system and components of the wind energy system to be
				installed. This information shall be specified in the wind energy rebate
				application and terms and conditions and shall include, but not be limited to,
				the following:
a. The make, model,
				manufacturer of the tower, turbine, inverter, batteries and other components of
				the wind energy system proposed to be installed;
b. The name and license number of the "Wind
				Energy System Installer" who is to install the electrical components of the
				wind energy system proposed to be installed;
c. The estimated rated power, output voltage
				and peak electrical power (in kW/hrs) of the turbine and the continuous AC
				rating of the inverter(s) to be installed;
d. Verification that the height of the tower
				proposed to be installed meets the minimum requirements as required by the
				Commission in its application process; and,
e. Verification that the proposed turbine and
				tower are covered by manufacturer warranties for a minimum period of five (5)
				years from the date that such products are installed which shall cover any
				defects in design, material and workmanship of these products when used under
				the normal use for which they are intended; and,
f. Estimates that detail anticipated costs,
				including materials and labor, of the proposed wind energy system as provided
				by vendors and/or installers.
5.
Compliance With Eligibility
				Requirements.
Applications for wind energy system rebates shall also
				include information that shows that a proposed wind energy system will comply
				with the eligibility requirements under Section 3(B)(2)(a) of these
				rules.
6.
Failure to Meet
				System Eligibility and Application Requirements.
If, at any time, it is
				found that an applicant has failed to provide any of the information required
				by the Commission in the application process or has failed to meet eligibility
				requirements under Section 3 of these rules for wind or solar energy rebates,
				the Commission staff may reject the subject application or refuse to provide
				the applicant with the requested rebate.
7.
Site Evaluations.
The
				Commission's staff, or the Commission's contractor may conduct in-person
				evaluations of the site proposed for wind energy systems in order to verify
				that such sites are suitable for a wind energy system and in order to ensure
				that the applicant is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the
				application as well as these rules.
8.
Installer Qualifications.
Applications for solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal water systems and
				wind energy systems shall include proof of installer qualifications as set
				forth below.
a. Applications for solar
				photovoltaic systems that are installed after January 1, 2007 shall include a
				copy of the installer's master electricians license or license number along
				with a copy of a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
				certificate issued to the installer or a person working in conjunction with the
				installer.
b. Applications for
				solar thermal water systems that are installed after July 1, 2005 must include
				a copy of the installer's plumbing license or license number, and a copy of a
				certificate of competency issued by the Commission to the installer or a person
				working in conjunction with the installer. For the purpose of this requirement,
				individuals who have completed and have maintained their solar thermal
				certifications as required by the Commission will be considered certified by
				for purposes of this Chapter.
c.
				Applications for solar thermal water systems that are installed after July 1,
				2005, and which are designed to heat potable water, must include a copy of a
				certificate of competency issued by the commission to the installer and that
				any system that incorporates the heating of potable water must also be
				accompanied by a copy of the mater plumber's license or license
				number.
d. Applications for wind
				energy systems, which are to be installed in accordance with this subsection
				after January 1, 2009, must be installed by a master electrician or by a
				factory trained and approved dealer for the qualified wind energy system
				working under the supervision of a master electrician.
9.
Installation Date
.
				Applications shall include the date on which the system will be or was
				installed and documentation supporting the installation date.
10.
Rebate
. Applications shall
				provide a clear statement of the rebate requested and a calculation of the
				rebate.
11.
Energy
				Audit
. Applications for a solar photovoltaic system rebate shall include
				a copy of the energy audit report conducted in compliance with section 7 of
				this Chapter signed by the energy auditor and the customer, a copy of the
				energy auditor's valid certification or association card, and a copy of the
				audit invoice.
12.
Other.
Applications shall include other information or
				documentation that the Commission deems necessary or useful in determining
				whether a solar energy system qualifies for a rebate pursuant to this
				Chapter.