An Act To Encourage the Use of Solar Energy
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3211-C, sub-§2, ¶B, as reallocated by RR 2005, c. 1, §17, is amended to read:
B. A solar thermal system designed to heat water qualifies for a rebate of 25% of the cost of the system, including installation, or $1,250, whichever is less, if the system is installed by a licensed plumber who has been certified by the commission to install such systems or by a licensed plumber working in conjunction with a person who has been certified by the commission to install such systems. The commission shall set rebate levels for solar thermal systems designed to heat water. In setting the rebate levels under this paragraph, the commission may consider market demand for those products and program implementation experience.
Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §3211-C, sub-§2, ¶C, as reallocated by RR 2005, c. 1, §17, is amended to read:
C. A solar thermal system designed to heat air qualifies for a rebate of 25% of the cost of the system, including installation, or $1,250, whichever is less. The commission shall set rebate levels for solar thermal systems designed to heat air. In setting the rebate levels under this paragraph, the commission may consider market demand for those products and program implementation experience.
summary
Current law provides for a rebate of 25% of the cost of a solar thermal system or $1,250, whichever is less. This bill gives the Public Utilities Commission discretion to set rebate levels for solar thermal systems.