Maine Public Utilities Commission

NEWS RELEASE

Maine Public Utilities Commission
242 State Street
Augusta, Maine 04333-0018
Website: www.maine.gov/mpuc
CONTACT: Nicole Clegg, 207-287-8519, 207-310-0123 (cell) Nicole.Clegg@maine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2006

$500,000 Available for Solar Hot Water Equipment

Mainers encouraged to apply for funding from the PUC’s Maine Solar Energy Rebate Program

AUGUSTA, Maine – Today, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced the availability of $500,000 for Mainers interested in installing solar hot water or air systems in their homes. As a part of Governor Baldacci’s Solar Initiative, passed in 2005, the PUC’s Solar Energy Rebate Program provides rebates for solar hot water and solar air systems. The rebate covers either 25% of the total costs for installation of the system or $1,250, whichever is less.

“Solar power offers a clean source of energy for Mainers concerned about air pollution and global warming,” remarked Kurt Adams, Chairman of the PUC. “Our investment in solar energy provides an affordable option to those interested in pursuing clean energy alternatives to oil or natural gas as most solar thermal systems pay for themselves in two or three years. It’s a good investment for both Maine citizens and the environment.”

In the program’s first year of operation, forty-seven units were installed throughout the state, saving 4,020 gallons of fuel oil, 3,141 gallons of propane and 33.2 MWh, averting the release of 87.7 tons of CO2 – the equivalent of taking 17 cars off the road for a year. On average, 15% of the total cost for the system was paid by the rebate.

Solar hot water systems cost between $6,000 and $8,000. Air systems tend to be cost significantly less. Generally, two solar panels will provide enough energy to cover 70% of hot water costs for a home. In addition to the rebate program, federal tax incentives are also available for solar thermal units. The program sponsored training programs in Augusta, Portland and Brewer for those interested in becoming a qualified solar thermal installer. To date, more than sixty-five certified installers are located in Maine.

Applications and related materials including a list of certified installers are available at www.maine.gov/msep. For more information, please contact Richard Fortier at Richard.Fortier@maine.gov. The Maine Solar Energy Rebate Program, a part of the Maine State Energy Program administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, is a statewide effort to promote the use of solar energy.

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The Public Utilities Commission is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to safe and reliable service for public utilities and that the rates for these utilities are just and reasonable. PUC programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, Dig Safe, and Efficiency Maine.

To arrange an interview with Chairman Adams or Commissioner Reishus, please contact Nicole Clegg at 207.287.8519 or by e-mail at nicole.clegg@maine.gov.