Grid-tied Roof Mounted Solar Power System
The Government of Saskatchewan has announced an extension to its popular rebate program for renewable energy in a recent news release. The funding is provided by the Go Green Fund of Saskatchewan and SaskPower and is administered by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC).
Grid-tied renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power systems, that are installed on new or existing homes and businesses qualify for the program. The rebate is for 35% of the capital costs of the system, up to a maximum of $35,000. Those costs include equipment costs, installation and permits, application and interconnection fees.
Grid-tied Wind Turbine
THE REBATE PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS
The rebate program gives Saskatchewan residents a great opportunity to have a solar, wind or combination power system installed on a home or business and receive a cheque of 35% of the costs after installation.
There are several applications and steps required for the rebate process. They are:
January 3, 2012 - deadline to submit your application for the rebate. If you do not meet this deadline you will not qualify for the rebate. You have to include supporting documents, such as an application to the electrical utility for a net metering agreement, with the rebate application.
March 30, 2012 – deadline to submit your Project Confirmation Form and proof of payment of at least 10% of the project costs.
August 31, 2012 – deadline for the Request for Rebate Form, accompanied by proof of payment for all eligible expenditures and the electrical inspection form.
These deadlines mean that you must have initiated your project by January 3 but you have until the end of August, 2012 to complete the installation.
Receiving a rebate also depends on the availability of funds. The Go Green Fund and SaskPower have committed only $2 million in funding for the 35% rebate program, so it is important to initiate your project as soon as possible to ensure that there will be funds available for your solar or wind installation.
Full details of the program are available on the SRC website.
HOW TO START YOUR RENEWABLE POWER PROJECT
Contact a Saskatchewan renewable energy company, such as Suncatcher Solar to discuss your solar or wind power project. They will provide you with a recommended system design and the cost and timeline for the project. They will take care of the design, supply and installation of the equipment, as well as all applications for the rebate and for the electrical utilities and permits.
