Solar Photovoltaics

Agricultural Energy Loan Program

The Agricultural Energy Loan Program (AELP), created through Act 87 in 2013, is administered by the Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation (VACC). The AELP provides loans to agriculture- or forest-product-based companies for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. 

The maximum loan amount is $5,000,000, and the percentage of the project funded by VACC is negotiable. Loans are provided at variable rates, although fixed rates may be available in some circumstances; current rates can be found here. Loan terms are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Fees associated with AELP loans include a 1% commitment fee ($5,000 maximum and $250 minimum); a $30

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Commercial Energy Loan Program

The Commercial Energy Loan Program (CELP), created by Act 87 in 2013, is administered by the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). The CELP provides loans to businesses for larger renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

The maximum loan amount is $6,000,000 for the variable option and $500,000 for the fixed rate option, and VEDA is generally limited to 60% of the project cost; and in some cases up to 90% of cost financing (up to $500,000). Loans are provided at variable rates, which are adjusted on a quarterly basis; current rates can be found here. Loan terms are determined on a

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Small Business Energy Loan Program

The Small Business Energy Loan Program (SBELP), created by Act 87 in 2013, is administered by the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). The SBELP provides loans to businesses for smaller renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. 

The maximum loan amount is $500,000, and VEDA will fund up to 60% of the project. However, in certain cases, VEDA may provide loans under $50,000 that cover up to 75% of project costs. Loans are provided at fixed rates; current rates can be found here . Loan terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, but the maximum loan term is generally 10 years with a

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Distributed Energy Resource Program

S.B. 1189 of 2014 established a voluntary Distributed Energy Resource Program. The legislation allows participating utilities to recover costs connected to meeting a 2021 target of 2% aggregate generation capacity from renewable energy sources. Facilities sized between 1 MW and 10 MW will make up 1% of aggregate generation (50% of the total target) while facilities sized under 1 MW will make up another 1% (another 50% of the total target). Twenty five percent of facilities under 1 MW must also be under 20 kW (12.5% of the total target). Renewable energy resources include solar PV, solar thermal, wind, hydroelectric

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Commercial Solar Property Tax Exemption

The following property tax exemptions for solar facilities are available in Virginia:

100% property tax exemption for the assessed value of equipment and facilities used in:

  1. Projects equaling 20 MW or less that serve a public institution of higher education or private college.
  2. Projects equaling 5 MW or less.

80% property tax exemption for the assessed value of equipment and facilities used in:

  1. Other projects over 5 MW and less than 150 MW. The exemption for projects greater than 20 MW shall not apply to projects upon which the construction begins after January 1, 2024.

The law broadly defines eligible solar

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U.S. Virgin Islands - Net Energy Billing (NEB) Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The primary goal of the NEB program is to provide access to the energy-saving benefits of Distributed Energy Resources to grid-connected customers while ensuring VIWAPA maintains cost recovery for its fixed assets across the grid. While the original NEM program provided an opportunity to establish a solar market in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the rate structure of the program provided incentives that were ultimately deemed overly generous to the consumer. As an alternative, The new NEB program was developed as a balanced compromise between the Utility and individuals who are interested in installing Distributed Energy Resources (such as
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Energize Delaware - Low Interest Commercial Loan Program

The Low Interest Commercial Loan Program (previously the Revolving Loan Fund) objective is to encourage the adoption and installation of end-user energy efficiency measures and customer-sited renewable generation that result in savings that can lower customers’ bills and reduce the environmental impacts of energy production, delivery, and use. Loan amounts can range between $30,000 and $2,000,000 per project. 

Program financing is available to all credit-qualified businesses, farms, agri-businesses, local governments, school boards, and non-profits located in existing facilities in the State of Delaware, whether owned or leased (see complete guidelines). Eligible activities include: installation of eligible measures

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Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance

Note: This template ordinance was designed to provide guidance to local governments that wish to develop their own regulations for the development of solar energy systems. While it was developed as part of a cooperative effort involving several state agencies, the template ordinance itself has no legal or regulatory authority. Questions about this template ordinance can be directed to one of the individuals listed in the template ordinance, which is linked above.    In December, 2013 the North Carolina Solar Center and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association published a template solar energy development ordinance to provide guidance for communities
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