Description

The Technology and Demonstration Program provides grants to projects that demonstrate the market potential for renewable technologies and accelerate the commercialization of these technologies in Delaware. These grants are funded by the Delaware public benefits program, the Green Energy Fund, which was established in 1999 and amended in 2003 to outline three renewable energy programs, including the Technology and Demonstration Program. Novel or unconventional energy efficiency technologies are also eligible for funding under this program, subject to certain limitations.

Individual grants awarded under Green Energy Fund’s Technology Demonstration Program generally shall not exceed 25% of the cost of the eligible equipment for a renewable energy technology project and may not exceed $200,000 per project. (Grant limits are different for passive solar projects and biodiesel manufacturing facilities). The total of all Technology Demonstration grants shall not exceed 25% of all revenue collected for the Green Energy Fund during the previous fiscal year or 25% of the fund balance whichever is greater. To be eligible for consideration, a project must demonstrate either a novel technology or a novel application of an available technology. Projects must include a public education component, such as integration into an educational program or location at a facility that allows public tours of the installed renewable energy technology.

All projects must meet code compliance and obtain relevant permits as outlined in Section 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 under the authority of 29 Delaware Code, Section 8051(d). Grid connected projects must adhere to the IEEE-929 recommended practices and applicable utility interconnection standards. All inverters must meet UL-1741 certification standards.

Project proposals will be accepted on a biannual basis. Applicants for the Technology Demonstration Program must submit six copies of the proposal and supporting documentation and receive approval prior to beginning the project. See the Regulations Governing the Green Energy Program (CDR § 7-100-104) for more information on the application process.