Frequently Asked Questions
Renewable Energy Rebate Program Summary
The following list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is maintained by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Energy. To ensure consistent and uniform answers to all questions, this is the only mechanism by which to ask questions and receive answers about the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program.
Ask a question: FAQrenew@dmme.virginia.gov
Return to this web page to look for an answer. Similar questions will be combined. Please read the FAQs carefully to see if your question or one very similar to your question already has been answered.
- PTC module ratings versus manufacturer’s ratings: Why did the rebate redemption website reduce the capacity of my PV system by several percent?
Answer: The amount of the rebate is based on the PTC rating of the module and the weighted efficiency of the inverter - NOT the manufacturer’s claims. "PVUSA Test Conditions” or PTC ratings provide a more realistic measurement of how PV modules behave in real-world conditions and are widely recognized by the solar industry as the best way to compare system performance. This is fully explained in the Terms and Conditions.
- Increasing rebates: Can I increase the amount of my reservation?
Answer: No. We can only decrease reservations or cancel them. We are oversubscribed by nearly $17 million and have more than 750 people on a waiting list in the event funds come available. Increasing existing reservations would not be fair to those on this waiting list.
- Splitting projects: Can I split my project with friends or family?
Answer: No. This would be unfair to those currently on the waiting list who requested a reservation of funds through the proper system.
- Reassignment of Rebates: As the property owner, can I reassign my rebate to someone else? As a project developer, can I have the rebate assigned to me if I am providing the financing for the project?
Answer: No. The rebate must be issued to the project owner and may not be reassigned to another entity.
- Utility interconnection: Do I need to wait for my utility to approve my interconnection before I request my rebate?
Answer: No. We understand that the utilities sometimes are taking 30 days or longer to approve interconnection notifications. Since we do not anticipate a utility denying an interconnection request except in rare situations, we only ask that you submit the completed interconnection notification form as submitted to your utility.
- Equipment qualifications: How do I know if my equipment qualifies for a rebate?
Answer: Please see our Terms and Conditions.
- Time extensions: We are still not sure if we want to proceed with our renewable energy system and are approaching the deadline. Can we get an extension of time?
Answer: Rebate projects approved on or before June 30, 2010 must be completed within 180 days from the date when the reservation request was approved. Extensions will only be granted in limited and extraordinary circumstances, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.Rebate projects approved after July 1, 2010 must be completed in 90 days. If a prospective rebate recipient does not believe he or she can complete the project in 90 days, the rebate reservation should be declined. It is the prospective rebate recipient’s responsibility to choose a contractor early who can guarantee work will be completed it the 90-day timeframe.
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