Oncor extends solar PV incentive program

DALLAS, USA: Oncor announced an extension to its Solar Photovoltaic (PV) program, which offers incentives for the installation of qualifying Solar PV systems. The success of the program helped develop the Solar PV market in Oncor’s service area faster than expected.

Earlier this year, Oncor nearly doubled funding for the program and still the budget was fully subscribed in only two months.

Oncor is reallocating program budget funds from 2011 and 2012 to meet the demand of consumers in our service area who want to start installing Solar PVs this year. In light of these increased funds, Oncor expects to re-open the program to new applications within the next month.

“Oncor’s Solar PV program exceeded all of our expectations and gave Texans an affordable way to use more clean, renewable energy,” Oncor Director of Energy Efficiency Programs Michael Stockard said. “Oncor continues to encourage new technologies that will help save energy, protect the environment and reduce emissions.”

The program’s new incentive funds will have lower project incentive rates to ensure that the program will serve a larger number of program participation requests. Oncor will offer an incentive rate of $2.25 per DC Watt up to a maximum of $22,500 for approved residential projects and $1.75 per DC Watt up to a maximum of $175,000 for approved non-residential projects.

These new rates will apply for approved projects that have not previously reserved funds from the program. Funds will be reserved for approved projects on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to additional guidelines until the program’s 2010 budget is exhausted.

Consumers should work with a participating Service Provider in order to submit an application. To find a list of participating Service Providers and for the terms and conditions of the program, visit www.takealoadofftexas.com.

The new incentives will continue to be offered to all eligible Service Providers. Service Providers will be notified of all new program criteria and will be informed when the program is re-opened to accept new applications.

Oncor offers 30 energy efficiency programs for consumers throughout Oncor’s service area.