Long Term Commitment

     This is no 'maybe' situation, when it comes to getting financial assistance from the power company.  Take a look at the short version that comes from Arizona Public Service.  Then think about what the best avenue is for you to take.  There are options.

RESIDENTIAL UP-FRONT INCENTIVES (UFI):

      Grid-Tied Photovoltaics (PV)

Residential UFIs are available for PV systems up to 25kW and are not to exceed 50 percent of the total system cost.       

The maximum UFI for residential systems is $50,000. 
Incentive levels are subject to changed based on established triggers.                     

2012 Program Budget

Per Decision No. 72737, a total of $18.8 million is available in UFIs.

2012 Up-Front Incentives

UP-FRONT INCENTIVE REQUIREMENTS

     * System owner(s) sign a 20-year renewable energy credit purchase and interconnection agreement.

     * In exchange for expected performance over 20 years, APS issues a single incentive payment upon successful interconnection and receipt of all other required program documents. 

 

TO QUALIFY FOR A RESERVATION

    * Customers must show proof of a signed contract or installation agreement before a reservation can be approved.

    * Contract must be provided within 14 calendar days of the reservation request.

TO QUALIFY FOR AN INCENTIVE

    * Equipment must be purchased and installed within 180 days of APS’s approval of the reservation application.

    * Incentives can be issued only after all program documentation has been submitted correctly.

Financial Gains

     One part of the brain says, "Save our natural resources; utilize what we have an abundance of, the sun."   But there is another side that says, "Can I afford this?  Will I ever see the financial benefit?"

So, research it is, on the rebates from different energy companies.  I'll start with those in Arizona since there seems to be an abundance of sun and options there.  In particular, with APS.  (Arizona Public Service)

     APS's header state -

With energy needs of customers expected to be 50 percent higher in 2025 than they are today, APS is planning to accelerate the amount of renewable energy in its generation portfolio.

Over the next 15-20 years, Arizona's largest and longest serving energy service provider is expected to add more than 1,600 megawatts of renewable resources -- enough to power 400,000 homes.

Quite a statement !  Let's see what else they have to say about their 

Residential Solar and Renewable Incentives.

This is a start to planning.  Since APS is the largest provider in Arizona, I would imagine that other companies in other states should be comparable. 

     Now for financing.