TMLP Solar Rebate Available in Taunton, Raynham, and Berkley
Brightstar Solar
The Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP) has introduced a very generous rebate for photovoltaic solar installations within its service area in Massachusetts. I now understand that the TMLP service area includes Raynham andBerkley in addition to Taunton. TMLP was founded in 1897 as a municipal electric utility within Taunton, Massachusetts. Presently, TMLPprovides a wide range of services, including electricity and internet,to the greater Taunton area.
Because TMLP is a municipal utility, they are not necessarily included in Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) and the state rebate programs. TMLP had a choice to opt-in to the state’s Commonwealth Solar II rebate program for a fee of $360,000 to finance green energy projects aroundthe state. TMLP decided instead to direct $350,000 to its own solar rebate program.
“Once we joined the MTC, we couldn’t have controlled how the moneywas spent,” said TMLP commissioner Mark Blackwell. “I know some circlesof the TMLP were criticized for not joining the MTC. But the MTC wasn’tgoing to have a direct effect on our rate payers.” Mr. Blackwellexplained that the more solar electric systems that are put into service, the greater demand it will offset during the summer peak load. This is beneficial for all TMLP consumers because it will decrease the energy that the company is contractually obligated to generate.
The TMLP Solar Rebate program is a first-come, first served program. With only $350,000 in funding,this means that only about 35 projects will receive the full funding ofthe rebate. After the pool of money is exhausted, there is no guarantee that TMLP consumers will see a similar rebate in the future. As ofnow, there is one installation that has been completed and five or sixin the queue for the solar rebate. The money will go fast so I urge residents and businesses to act quickly if they want a piece of the action.
We are now working with a TMLP customer to commission a solar photovoltaic installation and have a little more insight on the process. As opposed to the Massachusetts Commonwealth Solar II rebate, the TMLP solar rebate program is extremely straightforward and a much less time-consuming process. For residents and solar installers, this means that you can get a solar system installed rather quickly and pain-free.
Below I included some FAQ’s from TMLP’s website:
Who can apply for a rebate?
- Must be a TMLP residential customer with active service.
- Must be the owner of record of the property where the installation will occur.
- Must be a residential customer for 6 months or more with no overdue arrears.
Are there any restrictions?
- Only one rebate per customer per year.
- Customer must be the future owner of the PV project and consumer of the electricity generated by the PV installation.
Who does the work?
- A licensed, professional contractor and a licensed electrician must perform the work involved.
- Customer and/or contractors are required to obtain all necessary permitting from the authorities having jurisdiction.
- Customer will work with the solar contractor to submit an accurate Solar Rebate Application.
How do I submit an application?
- If the application is deemed complete and eligible, theapplicant will be sent a TMLP Net Metering and Interconnection Agreement document and Net Metering Application via US mail or email. Customerwill be notified if application is incomplete or ineligible.
How much is the rebate?
- The rebate calculation is based on the size of the totalPV installation per building, regardless of the number of meters used.The rebate is calculated as total installation wattage times $4.00 perwatt, up to $ 10,000 maximum.
- For example, a 2.5 KW system equals 2,500 watts times$4.00 equals a $ 10,000 rebate. Rebates will be sent as a check. Pleaseallow 4-6 weeks for processing.
Are there any tax burdens when receiving a rebate?
- Rebates may be subject to Federal and/or state income taxreporting. The applicant is responsible for contacting a qualified taxadvisor to determine tax liability. TMLP is not responsible for any taxconsequences of the solar rebate program.
How can I apply for a rebate?
- You can work with your solar installer to complete the solar Rebate Application to obtain project approval. AllProject Completion paperwork, including contractor sign off and allinvoices, must be submitted and approved by TMLP for rebate processing.
Source
Brightstar Solar is a New England-based company that markets, designs, and installs phtotovoltaic systems which provide measurable and meaningful benefits to our customers, our country, and our environment. We enable our residential, commercial, and non-profit customers to create their own clean electricity safely, dependably, and with an attractive return on investment. Our blog covers the latest topics in the solar electric (PV) industry - technology, legislation, incentives, etc. Bloggers include husband and wife team and co-founders of Brightstar Solar, Jon Reese and Mona Reese.