Solar energy projects in Georgia are receiving $4.5 million in rebate funds through the Clean Energy Property Rebate Program.  The program, which was launched earlier this year, is funding 14 solar energy projects as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and House Bill 473.  HB473 passed during the 2009 session of the Georgia General Assembly and the legislation was signed by Governor Perdue in April.

“The Clean Energy Property Rebate Program is providing incentives for investing in solar energy,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil.  “The use of solar energy is growing in Georgia and these incentives help to promote solar as a viable source of renewable energy in our state.”

HB473 created a commercial clean energy rebate program for solar, wind, energy efficiency and geothermal heat pump projects.  Funding was contingent on the availability of federal stimulus dollars from the ARRA.  In September, GEFA received $82.5 million in ARRA funds for the State Energy Program (SEP).  Of the total amount awarded to the SEP, GEFA obligated $4.5 million for the Clean Energy Property Rebate Program.

The Clean Energy Property Rebate Program offsets up to 35 percent of the cost of installing renewable energy property or implementing lighting retrofits or building efficiency upgrades, subject to a maximum cap that varies depending on the technology installed.  Applications for eligible projects were submitted electronically on October 19, 2009.  In compliance with HB473, the funding was awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The rebates are subject to ARRA requirements such as the Davis-Bacon Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review, historic preservation review and compliance, and reporting requirements as determined by U.S. Department of Energy.

The Clean Energy Property Rebate Program is the second program to award SEP ARRA funding.  In September, Governor Perdue announced the approval of 135 energy efficiency projects for state facilities totaling $63.1 million.

Governor Perdue has committed all state agencies to reduce energy consumption per square foot in state facilities 15 percent below FY2007 levels by 2020.  The Clean Energy Property Rebate Program will help the state meet the Governor’s Energy Challenge, which is a voluntary program encouraging businesses, individuals, not-for-profits, schools, and local governments to meet the state’s goal and to reduce their energy consumption 15 percent.  Meeting this goal will reduce Georgia’s dependence on traditional energy sources, support the economy, and improve the environment.

For more information regarding the energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities available through GEFA, please visit www.gefa.org.  The recipients of the Clean Energy Program Rebates are provided below.