In the last few months many of you have called and asked about potential rebates for changing to alternative energy sources. Maine residents and businesses interested in renewable energy sources can get some help from the Public Utilities Commission's Efficiency Maine program for both solar thermal systems and wind energy systems.

Efficiency Maine has reinstated the rebate program for solar thermal systems. Applications for solar system rebates must be postmarked Jan. 2 and no later than Jan. 16. If after the first quarter requests exceed the funding available, successful applications will be drawn at random.

Maine's Solar Energy Rebate Program

Governor Baldacci's Solar Initiative was signed into law on June 29, 2005. The Solar Energy Rebate Program applies to solar electric and thermal energy systems purchased after July 1, 2005. The Maine Public Utilities Commission Rule Chapter 930 governs implementation of the Act.

For Solar Thermal Systems

* Solar thermal systems designed to heat water and air qualifies for a basic rebate of 25 percent of the cost of the system or $1,000 whichever is less. Solar incentives for ENERGY STAR and Maine Home Performance Homes are 25 percent of the cost of the system or $1,500 whichever is less. The commercial incentives are now 25 percent of the system costs or $1,000 whichever is less;

* Solar hot water systems must be installed by licensed plumbers who have been qualified to install such systems by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, or by licensed plumbers working with someone who has been qualified to install such systems by the Maine Public Utilities Commission;

* List of Certified Solar Thermal Installers; and,

* To become a certified solar thermal installer, an individual must take the two-day workshop offered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission and pass the take-home exam. To see if a workshop is coming up, please visit the MSEP's calendar of events.

For Solar Electric Systems

* Solar PV systems qualify for rebates of $2/watt for the first 1,000 watts, capped at $2,000;

* Effective on Jan. 1, 2008 all PV applications must include a copy of a home energy audit signed by the auditor;

* Up to 25 percent of the designated solar fund can be spent on solar electric system rebates;

* Solar electric systems must be installed on homes or businesses connected to the utility grid;

* For solar electric systems installed after Jan. 1, 2007, the system must be installed by a master electrician who is North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certified , or by a master electrician working with someone who is NABCEP certified; and, List of NABCEP Certified Solar Electric Installers.

Maine's Wind Energy Rebate Program

Efficiency Maine has also reinstated the rebate program to install small wind energy systems. Rebates up to $2,000 will be available for qualified resident wind systems that meet the program requirements, under the rules adopted by the Maine Public Utilities Commission in accordance with the recent statutory changes. Qualified applications for the new wind incentive program will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. If after the first quarter demand appears to be on track to exceed available funding. Then a random selection system will be instituted.

So if you are interested in this rebate, NOW is the time to apply! For more information, go the efficiency Maine Web site at http://www.efficencymaine.com/renewal_programssolar. htm or call 1-866-376-2463 and ask for Richard Fortier. This should provide you the guidance you need. If you have any question on this, please feel free to call me at 645-3420 or e-mail me at drtom16@hotmail.com.

Tom Saviello of Wilton represents House District 90: the towns of Avon, New Vineyard, Phillips, Strong, Temple and Wilton, plus the unorganized territories of East Central Franklin and Perkins and Washington townships.