Rebates

CoServ Electric Cooperative provides a rebate to its members who installation a solar energy system on their property. Customers must sign an interconnection agreement (with net metering) for on-site generation with CoServ. Any excess generation from the system will be given to CoServ without compensation.

Interested customers are encouraged to contact the utility for more details before making investment decisions.

Beginning July 28, 2011, the City of Milwaukee will be offering low-interest loans for solar energy under its Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing program. Loans are available to homeowners of 1-3 unit, owner-occupied homes in Milwaukee. Interest rate maximum is prime rate plus 2.5%, and as low as prime plus 1.5%. Loans are limited to $20,000 and 15 years. Eligible equipment includes solar electric systems of up to 6 kilowatts (kW) and solar hot water systems of up to 8 panels. Projects must be installed by a Focus on Energy Residential Ally installer. Installers can be found here. Eligible expenses

The Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance contains provisions for siting renewable energy systems. Renewable energy systems other than utility-scale electric generating facilities are allowed as an accessory use within any zoning district as long as certain siting requirements are met. Utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) or concentrating solar power (CSP) facilities are allowed as a primary or accessory use within any IND-3 zoning district, subject to the district's zoning standards and that any water consumed in the production of electricity is supplied from a renewable water source.

Lot Coverage: Small wind systems and dish type collectors do not constitute an increase to

With the passage of HB 3516 in June 2011, solar permit application approval is a "ministerial function", provided a system meets certain guidelines. To qualify for this simplified permitting process, a solar system must not expand the footprint or peak height of the residential or commercial structure that the system is installed upon. The system must also be aligned so that it is parallel to the slope of the roof.

This legislation also addressed permitting fees for solar systems.  Counties may not charge permit fees for solar permit applications specifically, but they can charge building permit fees for the project

Note: The eligible technologies listed above are only examples of some improvements that might be supported under this program. Other improvements may be eligible.

Under the Be SMART Home Energy Loan program, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers loans to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofit projects and installing ENERGY STAR products in their primary residence. The program offers unsecured loans of up to $30,000 at 6.99% interest rate for terms of 10 years. The minimum loan amount is $5,000.

Participants may choose their own contractor that is licensed and insured in Maryland. In addition, in order

Property Owners' Associations (also known as Homeowners' Associations or HOAs) may not prohibit or restrict property owners from installing a solar energy device. There are, however, several exceptions that allow HOAs to enforce provisions that could prohibit the solar energy devices in certain situations.

Associations may prohibit solar energy devices if they are found to be illegal or violate public health and safety, as decided by a court. HOAs may prohibit or regulate solar on common property within the subdivision or property that is owned or maintained by the association. HOAs may also regulate (or prohibit) solar devices that are

In March 2011, the Virginia legislature enacted broad guidelines for local ordinances for solar and wind. The law states that any local ordinance related to the siting of solar or wind energy facilities must:

• Be consistent with the Commonwealth Energy Policy (§ 67-102)
• Provide reasonable criteria for wind and solar energy siting, protecting the locality while promoting wind and solar development
• Establish reasonable requirements for noise limitations, buffer areas, set backs, and facility decommissioning

In April 2011, the Virginia legislature created the Voluntary Solar Resource Development Fund. The fund is administered by the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME). All utilities are required to provide a link on their web site to the DMME web site, where customers can make contributions to the fund. Utilities must also provide opportunities for customers to donate through their paper newsletters, emails or bills.

The fund will be used to provide loans for residential, commercial, or nonprofit solar energy projects. Qualifying solar energy projects cannot be acquired, installed or operating before July 1, 2012.

The Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) was created in 1984 and provides financial assistance to local governments in Virginia for a variety of projects, including energy and energy conservation projects. In March 2011, H.B. 2389 added "renewable energy" to the list of eligible projects (though it may have already been technically eligible under the "energy" category). VRA offers a couple financing options, including the Virginia Pooled Financing Program and Revolving Loan Funds. Interested entities can use the contact form available on the VRA web site in order to discuss financing options with VRA staff.

In January 2007, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted rules to require that all new county buildings greater than 10,000 square feet be LEED Silver certified. All buildings authorized and fully funded on or after February 15, 2007 must achieve the certification. Certain buildings may be exempt from the requirement at the recommendation of the Chief Administrative Officer.