What Will Happen To The Solar Colorado Rebates in 09 [Video]

This is my 1st video interview with Maura Eurton Commercial Sale Manager of Standard Renewable Energy out of Boulder Colorado. This interview was taken at the SunFest event during the DNC.

SolarDave: What Will Happen To The Solar Colorado Rebates in 2009?

Maura Eurton: What we are really trying to do besides focusing our efforts on energy efficiency, is to really capitalize on the residential market right now.

Because the ITC (investment tax credit) has not been extended through 2009 right now, so we do not have that guarantee of that $2,000 federal tax credit right now or 30% of the system costs. So that is financial incentive that is unclear in the future will be. Looks like it is relatively dismal.

Then with Xcel and other utility providers in the area, we do not have a guarantee what the 2009 rebate structure will be. That means the $4.50 a watt the people are currently getting on residential systems – we don’t know what it will be again next year.

SolarDave: Does on Dec 31st 2008 so something start happening?

Maura Eurton: What happens is Xcel has these rebates in place because of the renewable portfolio standard. They have to get a certain amount of energy from renewable resources. So that is why the are paying people to put up these renewable systems up on the houses to help supplement their criteria. They have to meet this bill.

To do this each year they are getting closer and closer to portfolio standard so that means they have to offer less and less of an incentive for residences and businesses to help them out.

So what we have seen in other similar markets like California New Jersey that have had rebates in place. The first year is the highest year and then each year it starts to taper off.

While Xcel has not told us what the rebates will be next year they have told us they will give us a warning to the public, but they have not told us what those will be. So we have to operate on the assumption that they will go away which is highly unlikely or it is just going to lessen. So we are comfortable saying that the rebates will lessen.

They are at they peak so we really want to capitalize while the numbers are at their best. If you are getting $4 a watt wouldn’t you rather get $4.50? If you know you are ready do it while you get that extra 50 cents a watt instead of waiting a year.