Renewable Energy Update

05.26.10

Here is a brief synopsis of what is going on with our solar needs and solar support from TEP.

I will make the assumption that everyone is aware that Tucson Electric Power is regulated by Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). ACC requires TEP to maintain 25% of their portfolio for Renewable Energy Resource. In order for TEP to fulfill these requirements by the ACC, ACC established the Renewable Energy Standard Tariff (REST) which is a fee we all pay through our TEP bill.

Good news is that TEP offers generous financial incentives to customers who install renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water heaters, and wind turbines in their homes or businesses because of the REST. And because of these generous financial incentives for customers, TEP has seen a dramatic increase in solar energy products being installed in residential homes.

Bad news is since there is an influx of new installations it is depleting the funds at a rate that was not anticipated and funds for solar energy products could be comprised (this year anyway) by a lesser incentive or no incentive or until they can find away to come up with the funds. TEP can change their incentives anytime without warning. Because of this new situation, Sonora Solar Solutions has to modify their policy for funding any solar projects when utilizing the incentive as partial payment to us.

In order for our customers to sign the incentive over to us under TEP’s agreement as part of the cost of purchasing the system, we (the customer and us) must receive a reservation letter back from TEP to insure that your system will be eligible for TEP funds. Currently, TEP’s incentive is at $3.00 watt up to a 20kW system.

We encourage those who are interested installing a system to submit their applications soon. We will help you with the paperwork and the process so give us a call at 520-628-2967 and ask for Gwen or Casey.