Description

NorthWestern Energy electric distribution customers may qualify for a rebate of $4.00 per watt (peak DC) for the installation of a solar electric system, up to a maximum of $8,000 per customer. Under this solar electric rebate program, rebates are available for grid-tied photovoltaic systems only. This program is administered by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) using funds collected from NorthWestern Energy’s electric customers as part of the NorthWestern Energy’s Universal Systems Benefits (USB) program.

To be eligible for the rebate, the system components and installation must conform to NorthWestern Energy specifications and meet all current local and state electrical and safety code requirements. The system must be net metered by NorthWestern Energy.

Applications must be submitted to NCAT on or before April 23, 2004. NCAT will evaluate and qualify all complete applications.

Participants systems must be inspected by a state or city electrical inspector. All participants must provide a signed net metering agreement to NorthWestern Energy.

The photovoltaic rebate program is in its fifth year and, to date, has installed 65 systems on Montana homes.