Homeowners Can Earn Rebates Up To $20,000; Businesses Even More GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Under Virginia's first-ever renewable energy rebate program, homeowners and businesses in the Commonwealth can receive a rebate of $2,000 per kilowatt for solar panel systems up to 10 kilowatts in size and Standard Solar today urged interested parties to move quickly before the money runs out. Standard Solar, the Mid-Atlantic region's largest solar developer and installer, commended Virginia Governor Tim Kaine for allocating $15 million of Federal stimulus money to launch the rebate program. "In setting up this program, Governor Kaine is going to unleash the pent-up demand for solar that we have been seeing in the Commonwealth for the past three years," said Tony Clifford, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Solar, which already has installed solar electric (photovoltaic or "PV") systems for 33 homeowners throughout the state. Standard Solar has more than 400 residential and numerous business, government and academic customers throughout Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the District of Columbia. Each of these other states already has a renewable rebate or grant program and some are expanding their programs to help a growing number of their constituents go solar. A typical residential system of 5 kilowatts earns the homeowner a rebate of $10,000. Businesses can receive a rebate for solar electric systems up to 200 kilowatts. The rebate amount for businesses starts at $2,000 per kilowatt (kW) for the first 10 kW installed, with a reduced amount for larger systems. "Virginians who have long wanted solar now have the opportunity better manage their electricity costs and lower their own carbon footprints," Clifford added. "We look forward to working with both residents and businesses throughout the Virginia. This is the best way yet to save money and improve our environment." Because this initial rebate program is working with a finite sum of money and rebates are to be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, Standard Solar recommends that homeowners and businesses in Alexandria, as well, as Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Fauquier, Prince William and Stafford counties interested in assessing their properties for solar sign up quickly for an evaluation at www.StandardSolar.com. There one can also find more information about Standard Solar, founded in 2004. Interested parties can also call Standard Solar at 301-944-5222 to speak with a solar consultant. The new Virginia rebate, combined with the 30% solar Federal Investment Tax Credit now in effect, annual electricity savings and the sale of Renewable Energy Credits that solar systems earn for their owners, an investment in solar electric system can pay for itself in a matter of years. For Virginians interested in receiving updates about the rebate program, Standard Solar urges them to sign up at: http://www.virginia.gov/eerebates. About Standard Solar, Inc. Standard Solar is a full-service developer, integrator and installer of solar electric systems for commercial, academic, government and residential customers throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.standardsolar.com.
