An Act Regarding the Solar Energy Rebate Program
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3211-C, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2007, c. 29, §1, is further amended to read:
2. Solar energy rebate program. To the extent that funds are available in the fund established in subsection 3 and the requirements of subsection 2-A are satisfied, an owner or tenant of residential or commercial property located in the State is entitled to a rebate for a qualified solar energy system that is installed in accordance with this subsection after July 1, 2005 that will be connected to the electrical grid. The commission shall set rebate levels for qualified solar energy systems. In setting rebate levels, the commission may consider market demand for qualified solar energy systems, program implementation experience and other factors relevant to the solar energy rebate program.A.
To qualify for a rebate, a solar photovoltaic system must meet the following installation requirements:
(1) For a system installed after July 1, 2005 but before January 1, 2007, the system must be installed by a master electrician who has completed a training course to prepare for certification by a North American board of certified energy practitioners or by a master electrician working in conjunction with either a person who has been certified by a North American board of certified energy practitioners or a person who has completed a training course to prepare for certification by a North American board of certified energy practitioners; or
(2) For a system installed on or after January 1, 2007, the system must be installed by a master electrician who has been certified by a North American board of certified energy practitioners or by a master electrician working in conjunction with a person who has been certified by a North American board of certified energy practitioners.
B. To qualify for a rebate, a solar thermal system designed to heat water must be 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.
In the case of a newly constructed residence, the rebate must be available to the original owner or occupant.
Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §3211-C, sub-§2-A is enacted to read:
2-A. Energy audit requirement; solar photovoltaic system. To qualify for a rebate for a solar photovoltaic system under this section, an owner or tenant of residential or commercial property located in the State must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that an energy audit, as defined by the commission by rule, has been completed.
Sec. 3. 35-A MRSA §3211-C, sub-§4, as reallocated by RR 2005, c. 1, §17, is amended to read:
4. Rules. The commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including procedures and standards for demonstrating qualification for a rebate under this section and a definition of "energy audit" for the purposes of subsection 2-A. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 4. 35-A MRSA §3211-C, sub-§6, as reallocated by RR 2005, c. 1, §17, is amended to read:
6. Limitation to residents of State; repeal. Participation in the solar energy rebate program and fund established in this section is limited to residents of the State. This section is repealed December 31, 2008 2010.
Sec. 5. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Solar Rebate Program Fund Z012
Initiative: Provide funds to extend the solar energy rebate program until December 31, 2010 to help consumers buy solar energy systems.
| OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
|
All Other
|
$0 |
$250,000 |
|
 |
|
| OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS TOTAL |
$0 |
$250,000 |
Effective September 20, 2007