SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 ISSUE
Blue Ridge Electric Offers Solar Water Heating Rebate Program
Water heating in your home uses a large portion of electricity and is preceded in energy consumption only by air heating and cooling systems. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a solar water heating system in conjunction with a backup electric heater can cut costs by 50 percent. Though it may take several years to recoup the initial outlay at the time of purchase, recovery of this cost can be facilitated by taking advantage of a $500 rebate from Blue Ridge Electric, along with progressive tax credits from the federal and state government.
“This is a fairly complicated program and it is not for everyone,” explained Brian Crutchfield, director of economic development at Blue Ridge Electric.
However, the pluses of switching to solar heating may outweigh any complexities: modern solar water heating systems require almost no maintenance making them easy to own and inexpensive to operate, and they are reliable, adaptable and pollution-free because they use renewable energy from the sun. Aesthetically appealing, many systems include sleek, attractive, low relief collectors that are often mistaken for skylights.
Crutchfield lists a number of advantages people can enjoy after installing a solar water heating system, including reduced monthly electric bills and a gentler impact on the environment. Blue Ridge Electric benefits from use of the system by reducing its peak demand and reliance on power production from fossil fuels.
So what are the eligibility requirements for the Solar Water Heater Rebate Program? First of all, the solar water heating unit must be installed in an owner-occupied, single-family home—one that is the member’s primary residence. Participants must also be Blue Ridge members with good credit. The solar water heating system has to be saving or displacing electricity—solar water heating systems saving or displacing other fuels are not eligible for the rebate. A minimum requirement is that the system must be designed for a family of four. Other eligibility factors, such as terms and conditions are as follows: location of the system, as it must be installed on the property of a Blue Ridge Electric member and located in the service area of the cooperative; shading, as the solar collectors have to be situated in an 80 percent shade-free area; no ineligible systems such as spas or rebuilt equipment are eligible for a rebate; members must sign an agreement allowing Blue Ridge Electric the rights to any renewable energy credits; members must complete and submit an application form, agreeing to the terms and conditions listed in the form; installation and placement of service must fall into certain time frames; the solar water heating rebate cannot exceed $500 for single family homes; solar energy systems have to be designed and installed to meet the system requirements as described in the application; members must select an approved contractor/installer as referenced in the list of authorized installers that is maintained and updated by Blue Ridge Electric; the authorized installer has to provide the system owner with an owner’s manual, plus instructions and maintenance education; members receiving a rebate should be aware that they may be subject to tax liability; Blue Ridge Electric agrees not to share personal information with third parties for solicitation purposes; and, acceptance of the rebate does not constitute the approval, acceptance, warranty, guarantee or endorsement of Blue Ridge Electric.
Blue Ridge Electric reserves the right to adhere to the following additional terms: inspection of, or monitoring of the system; withholding the rebate until any identified problems with the solar system are resolved; alteration of the program at any time without notice; changing the parameters of the program for alignment with requirements of other state and/or federal solar heating rebates or tax credits; and render the system ineligible for the rebate for failure to follow listed system requirements.
For more information call 828-758-2383, extension 3279, or click to www.blueridgeemc.com.
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