ARIZONA DAILY STAR:  Mon., June 2, 2008

TEP expands devices on rebate program

 

The biggest savings in renewable energy come from your utility company, and Tucson Electric Power is about to extend its rebate program to a larger array of devices, under an agreement it reached with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Arizona's utilities have been ordered by the commissioners to generate 15% of their power from renewable sources by 2025.  Beginning June 1, rebates have become available for the first time for photovoltaic systems that aren't tied into TEP's electric grid, though the rebate is lower — $2 per watt of rated power rather than $3 for grid-tied.

Wind generation will now be covered, and solar water heating will be eligible for rebates for the first time.

Solar water heating has become a very good deal, said Kevin Koch of Technicians for Sustainability, with potential for offsetting 80% of the cost with rebates and tax credits.  Under the TEP rebate program, paid for with a half-cent a kilowatt charge on all rate-payers, a typical $5,500 water-heating system, which includes a rooftop heat collector, an electric water tank and all electrical and plumbing connections, would cost a homeowner $1,000 to $1,500 after rebates and tax credits, Koch said.

The typical family will save $20 to $30 a month on energy bills, Koch said.

— Tom Beal