Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative: Renewable Energy Rebates

2012 Update: Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative will review the program during first quarter of 2012 and make program adjustments during the second quarter. Be sure to check the program web site for the most up to date information.

The Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) offers rebates to its member customers for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water heaters, solar water wells, and wind electric systems within its service territory. In order to be eligible under the current program, systems must be installed after January 1, 2011. Rebate amounts and limitations vary by technology as follows:

• PV: $2.50/watt up to $10,000, maximum system size of 20 kW
• Solar Water Heaters: $1,000/unit
• Solar Water Wells: $750/unit
• Wind-electric: $1.00/watt up to $6,000, maximum system size of 20 kW

In order to qualify for a rebate, systems must be new and meet a variety of equipment, warranty, and installation requirements that vary by technology (e.g., PV systems must be listed by the California Energy Commission). Solar water heaters must pre-heat water for a permanently installed electric water heater. All units must be installed by a program approved contractor according to the manufacturer's specified procedures and codes.

Grid-connected renewable electricity systems must meet the standards of the National Electric Code (NEC) as well as the GVEC's own interconnection rules, code, and by-laws. Interconnection will take place at the GVEC's dual-register meter and electricity produced by the system will be purchased by the GVEC at the utility's renewable energy rate. This is not a net metering arrangement. The utility reserves to the right to inspect rebated systems in order to verify that they comply with program guidelines.