Small Renewables Initiative

As a result of the information outlined in the following small wind progress briefing, MTC believes that it is in the best interest of the small wind community for MTC to stop accepting applications from new, small wind projects. A “new” project is defined as one that has a signed contract between the installer and the applicant dated after June 13th, 2008.

MTC is in the process of evaluating this initiative and seeks to release new small wind funding guidelines shortly. In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact:

Tyler Leeds
Project Manager
leeds@masstech.org
508-870-0312 x 1273

Through the Small Renewables Initiative, MTC has made about one hundred awards to small wind projects, more than thirty of which are now installed and operating. The Small Wind Progress Briefing, available below, and its related documents outline the early production results for nineteen of these systems.

On average, these systems are producing ~30% of what was estimated. Because of this system underperformance and the associated learning, MTC is now considering changes to the Small Renewables Initiative that will help MTC and its future customers identify and pursue small wind projects that maximize social and economic benefits to the Commonwealth and its ratepayers.

• Small Wind Progress Briefing Summary
• Small Wind Full Progress Report
• Small Wind Findings – Presentation to Stakeholders

Please note that applicants for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems should now apply under the new Commonwealth Solar initiative.

Photo: Against the Grain Cabinetmakers, Inc. 2.5-kW wind turbine; Oak Bluffs, MA

OVERVIEW
The Small Renewables Initiative (SRI) provides rebates for the installation of wind and small hydroelectric projects that are up to 10 kilowatts and located at residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and public facilities. The applicant (and project site) must be a customer of a Massachusetts investor-owned electric distribution utility. As of January 23, 2008, Small Renewables rebates may only be used to facilitate the installation of wind and small hydro renewable energy projects: to learn about rebates for solar PV, visit the Commonwealth Solar webpage.

HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT RENEWABLE ENERGY AND APPLY FOR A REBATE?
There are a number of steps (see in the right column) associated with applying for a SRI rebate. If you decide to move forward with a renewable energy project, your installer or vendor is responsible for providing you with turnkey service and installation, including taking you through the SRI rebate process, securing required permits, and ensuring the installation of your renewable system.

TOTAL AVAILABLE SRI FUNDING
SRI involves the distribution of approximately $3.6 million of rebates each year through FY2010.  Rebates will be provided on a “first come – first served” basis. For a status report on number of awards made click here.

APPLICATION REVIEW POLICY
Incomplete applications will not be accepted nor added to the process queue for approval until they have been 100% completed to the satisfaction of MTC. MTC reserves the right to send rejection emails to applicants that submit incomplete applications and require the applicant to resubmit a complete application. The submission of incomplete applications will result in significant delays.

APPLICATION MATERIALS AND OTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT:

Prior to calling MTC for more information, prospective applicants and contractors should take the time to read the Solicitation, especially Section 4 (pg. 10) which details the application and payment process, and other documents posted above. 

MTC also provides How-To-Guides that are helpful for prospective applicants that are exploring renewable energy for the first time.  For How-To-Guides to Small Renewables click here.

Small Renewables Project Administrator
smallrenewables@masstech.org
508.439.5640