The State of New Hampshire is making big strides to encourage the development of renewable energy within the state. In 2007, Governor Lynch signed HB873, the Renewable Portfolio Standard, into law, mandating that a portion of the electricity generated in the state come from a renewable source such as wind, solar photovoltaic and biomass. Within this bill, the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) was also created, offering financial incentives to increase the installation of renewable energy. In 2008 the REF was further refined with the collaborative efforts of the state legislature and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which oversees regulated utility services in the state. HB1628 was signed by Governor Lynch and directed the PUC to administer a one-time incentive payment to residential installations of electric renewable energy projects. In June 2008, the PUC further expanded on HB1628 through rule 2507.04  , opening up rebates to both electric and thermal renewable energy installations for residential, commercial and public entities. The two funding sources are complementary but exclusive of one another. The following four questions will help clarify which funding source you may be eligible to receive.
1. When was the project installed?
Projects that began operation after July 1, 2008 are allowed to apply for funding under HB1628. Projects in operation prior to that date may be eligible for funding through PUC 2507.04.
2. What type of renewable energy project did you build?
HB1628 limits its funding availability to renewable energy projects used to generate electricity. Wind turbines and solar photovoltaics are typical renewable energy sources that would be in compliance with HB1628 funding requirements. In addition, HB1628 provides incentives for solar thermal hot water systems. While these systems do not produce electricity, they are permitted to receive a rebate based on the equivalent amount of electricity they displace. Geothermal heat pumps and biomass boilers used to regulate the temperature within a home do not qualify for HB1628 incentives.
Rebates offered through PUC 2507.04 are more extensive, covering all of the renewable energy sources mentioned above, including geothermal heat pumps and biomass boilers.
3. What is the nameplate capacity of the renewable energy project? HB1628 limits funding availability to projects rated below 5 kW nameplate capacity. Projects that are above 5 kW but below 100 kW are permitted to apply for funding under PUC 2507.04.
4. Is the renewable energy project for your residence, a business, or public entity?
HB1628 limits funding availability to residential projects. If you are a business or public entity, you are permitted to apply for funding under PUC 2507.04.
The rebates for projects that meet guidelines of HB1628 have been established. These projects are eligible for a rebate of $3 per watt, with a maximum rebate of $6,000 or 50% of the construction costs, whichever is less. The specific rebate available to projects meeting PUC rule 2507.04 guidelines has not yet been defined. The PUC is expected to begin developing this process over the course of the next several months. It is anticipated that the funding for the program will be available beginning July 2009. For more information on the program, please read the comments from the PUC.
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