Sep 10, 2019
Mason PUD 3 Commissioners Considering 2020 Budget
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Solar Rebates & Incentives
Solar Rebates & Incentives
Want to get paid to generate your own electricity?
We find that our happiest solar customers are the ones that choose to go solar for environmental or value-driven reasons. The ones that want to “cut the cord” on the utility are often disappointed. Going into your solar investment fully educated, with clear expectations will leave you satisfied long after the sun goes down.
One of the benefits of solar power here in Washington is the favorable production incentives.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
This is an important note about the Washington State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program, or “Solar Production Incentive”. The program administrator, WSU Energy, posted the following notice to people who are considering a solar power system for their home or business.
Due to the high level of interest in the Renewable Energy System Incentive Program and the funding limitations prescribed in the governing legislation, WSU Energy Program has established the following requirements, which will govern the incentive program’s closure.
Residential & Commercial-scale projects must abide by the following deadlines:
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Renewable energy systems must have an approved final inspection date no later than January 31, 2019 AND have certification applications submitted to WSU Energy by 5:00 pm on February 14, 2019.
-
Certification Applications received after February 14, 2019, or that have a final approved electrical inspection after January 31, 2019, will be placed on a waitlist and will be processed only if funds are available. WSU Energy Program will be the administrator of this waitlist. Mason PUD 3 will not have any information or communication about this waitlist and will not be able to provide updates.
Take a look at our solar guide to learn more.
|
PROGRAM |
DESCRIPTION |
VALUE |
|
NET METERING |
PUD 3 offers a net metering program (spin your meter backwards) and provides a billing credit if your system generates more electricity than you use.
|
We “purchase” your excess power at your current PUD 3 rate. |
|
WASHINGTON STATE PRODUCTION INCENTIVES |
PUD 3 participates in the Washington State Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program that pays a production incentive on all of the energy your solar power system generates. See note above.
|
Washington state production incentives earn you money for every kWh your system generates. See chart below.
|
|
FEDERAL TAX CREDITS |
Federal income tax credits may also be available.
|
Consult your tax professional. |
Expand All
System Certification (one-time application)
The types of renewable energy generation that qualify include solar PV systems, wind generators, and anaerobic digesters. Your renewable energy generation system must be certified by the Washington State University Energy Program. It is a one-time certification. It will require detailed information such as system operation data (e.q. tilt, azimuth, and shading) and supporting documentation, such as an executed interconnection agreement with PUD 3 and documentation of system cost. If you purchase property with a renewable energy generating facility, you must reapply for certification as the new owner.
Washington State Production Credits (annual application)
Depending on the fiscal year a renewable energy system was certified with WSU Energy and the source of the equipment, incentives can range between $0.02 and $0.21 per kilowatt-hour (up to $5,000/year and up to 50% of the total system cost) and are paid by Washington State. Incentives are available for an eight-year period following the year the system is certified. In order to maximize production incentives, PUD 3 encourages customers to select solar modules that were manufactured in Washington State and qualify for the highest incentive payment rate.
System Certification
|
Base Rate ≤12kW |
Base Rate
|
Made-in-Washington
|
|
2018 |
$0.16 |
$0.06 |
$0.05 |
|
2019 |
$0.14 |
$0.04 |
$0.04 |
|
2020 |
$0.12 |
$0.02 |
$0.03 |
|
2021 |
$0.10 |
$0.02 |
$0.02 |
How do I read this chart?
Example: You install a 10kW solar PV system on your home and get it certified in October of 2019. The panels are made in Washington.
Your base incentive is $0.14/kWh + a Made-in-Washington bonus of $0.04/kWh for a total of $0.18/kWh.
Starting in July 2020, you’ll apply to WSU Energy for a Washington State production incentive of $0.18kWh on all of the energy your system generate
Annual Application
To apply for Washington State Production Credits, an application must be submitted to the Washington State University Energy Program by August 1 of each year that shows the energy produced by the renewable generation system from July 1 – June 30 of the previous fiscal year. This measurement comes from the production meter installed after the inverter, not PUD 3’s net-meter. PUD 3 must be given access to read the production meter to verify the reported energy generation.
PUD 3 will receive a notification from WSU Energy letting us know who to send a check to, and how much it should be for. PUD 3 will distribute the incentive on WSU’s behalf, and take an equal amount as a deduction on its Washington State Public Utility Tax.
It is the responsibility of the customer to download, fill out, and submit the form to the WSU Energy Program.
Be aware that some contractors say they will take care of this for their customer. It is ultimately the responsibility of the customer to ensure the application is submitted completely and on time. It is not the utility’s responsibility to remind customers of the deadline or to fill out the form.
Federal Tax Credits
Federal tax credits may be available for the purchase and installation of a renewable generation system and/or production credits for the output of that system. Discuss these opportunities with your solar contractor or a tax professional.
The Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2015, includes provisions for individuals to claim up to 30% in federal income tax credit for the cost of solar technology installations. Credit applies to the basis remaining after any utility or state incentives have been taken. This tax credit has a gradual step down rate beginning in 2020. See www.ENERGYSTAR.gov/taxcredits for more details. Contact the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or a tax professional for further information.
See a tax professional for further information.
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