Resources:

MtPleasant Solar Coop—http://www.mtpleasantsolarcoop.org

DC Solar Blog -- http://solardc.blogspot.com (Joint project of MTP and Cap Hill Coops)

Georgetown Energy Coop- http://georgetownenergy.com/

DC Energy Office- http://green.dc.gov/green/cwp/view,a,1244,q,461562.asp Learn about the city’s generous solar rebates--, waiting list and Online pre-application.

Calculate Energy Production: PVWATTSv1-- http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy --DSIRE- http://www.dsireusa.org/

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECS): Learn how to sell your SRECs and great background info -- http://www.solsystemscompany.com or try http://www.astrumsolar.com/

The Process:

Complete the 2010 DC rebate pre-application online as soon as possible. http://green.dc.gov/green/cwp/view,a,1244,q,461667.asp . This will ensure you get on the waiting list for a DC solar rebate. It is a bit confusing but don’t worry. Write in the name of your Solar Coop as your installer. Fill out the size of the system as 4kw. You probably will not need that much solar power, but you can reduce it later. Answer all the questions, but don’t worry if the answer is no. It doesn’t matter.

Select an Installer: Get three estimates for your solar installation. You can talk to members and get their recommendations. Read MTPSolarCoop members page about the right installation for your roof. Some installers offer discounts for Coop members. Ask them about these savings.

Key Considerations for Choosing an Installer-Price, track record, experience. Have they worked in DC before? How long have they been in business? One of the key differences between installers is their approach to attaching the panels on your roof. You want to make sure that the system will not cause leaks in the roof. Your roof needs to be in good condition before you begin installation. The installer must be on DDOE’s list of approved in order for you to be eligible for a DC rebate.

Once You Select an installer and sign a contract. The installer will guide you through the full rebate application process, and the permit process. Make sure the installer is taking responsibility for communications with DDOE, DCRA, and Pepco as part of the contract.

Watch for MTP Solar-Survey coming soon!

DC Solar Basics

Key-Elements-That Make Solar Affordable for Everyone!1. Cost of System—prices have been dropping

2. DC Rebate--$3,000/kw (see DDOE website for details)

3. Federal Tax Credit—30% of total cost

4. Sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) –Not electricity but the green value of the power you produce. Sold through an aggregator or online exchange to Pepco to meet their requirements of having energy on the grid come from renewables.

5. Energy Savings-from Net Metering.-- The actual energy you produce reduces your Pepco bill on a 1:1 basis. You can roll over excess generation from month to month (like rollover minutes) but you do NOT get paid for excess generation (feed in tariff).

The

numbers presented in the table below are projections only and are intended to demonstrate the potential positive returns. They represent best estimates given current information. The values are subject to change, and in all likelihood will change. The values are not guaranteed.

Cost to install 3.0 kW system $18,000 LESS DC incentive grant ($3,000/kW) -$9,000

Total to be financed or paid in cash at installation $9,000

Savings and Credits One time Federal tax credit (30% of system cost) $5,940 Annual Energy savings – increases as energy costs increase $400-$1,000+ / year

Sale of Renewable Energy Credit $1,000 / year or $4800 up front payment

Lifetime 30-year energy savings, assuming ~7% annual increase $30,000+

Inspiring change for sustainable energy... PRICELESS

Why Form a Solar Coop?• Share information- Meeting Deadlines! Changing DDOE requirements, lost documents, DCRA costs

and paperwork, Pepco net metering rules, Experience with Pepco meters and billing, Experience with installers and equipment, New incentives, opportunities, Ensure no one in group is “dropped” from system or treated unfairly about installers, PRICE. Make it EASY to go solar for your members!!!

• Buying power with installers and other service providers- Group Discounts, Savings for Installers by only presenting serious customers, Possible bulk purchase on goods and services (light bulbs, energy audits, panels?, insulation?), Lower research costs, Identify inefficiencies to lower costs for everyone (DDOE process, DCRA, pre-inspections). Increased demand increases choice, lowers prices and increases bargaining power!!

• Political Support for Solar Programs- Lobby your Council Member, Work with Sister Coops, Protect solar budgets, work to pass new legislation: testimony, emails, petitions, monitor implementation. Inform members, and outreach to press and government on ways to make solar work for DC residents and how to promote green jobs here at home. Support Solar Gardens to expand solar to renters and homeowners with shade!

• Ensure new rules are solar friendly- The new Sustainable Energy Utility should have a robust plan for solar. DC new smart meters should be two way capable and pay fair prices for the solar energy we produce, Promote a market that encourages access across DC and shares the benefits of the investments with rate payers.

• Build Support for More Programs- Develop lists of supporters ,Let people know what is happening, Engage diverse groups of regular citizens not narrow group of environmentalists, Make it easy to engage, Divide up the work!