[November 14, 2008] State OKs Gulf Power pilot program: Participants can receive a $1,000 rebate for installing solar water-heating system Tweet Nov 14, 2008 (Northwest Florida Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- One day after announcing it had approved this year's second rate hike for Gulf Power, the Florida Public Service Commission made it easier for its customers to save some money by using solar power. The PSC approved solar thermal water heating as part of Gulf Power's demand-side management program. In turn, the company will offer $1,000 rebates to customers who install the systems and are willing to meet other criteria of the program. A limited number of solar thermal water-heating systems also will be installed for free in low income, multi-family apartments. Rebates will be available starting in January, said Gulf Power spokesman Jeff Rogers. "It's a really great way for the customer to be green and do good things for environment while also helping to reduce their bills," Rogers said. "And it will help reduce demand, so we don't have to build new plants." All of Gulf Power's residential customers are eligible for the Solar Thermal Water Heating pilot program, according to the company's Web site. Participants are required to have Gulf Power perform a free home energy checkup. In exchange, they will get a $1,000 rebate after a qualifying system has been installed and verified by Gulf Power representatives. In addition to Gulf Power's rebate, customers may be eligible for a $500 rebate from the state and a 30-percent federal tax credit, up to $2,000, available through the 2008 tax year. The thermal heating systems must be installed by a contractor with a solar or plumbing license and meet applicable building codes. They must also be made of new equipment and be used for domestic purposes. Solar pool heaters do not qualify. The systems also must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corp. or the Florida Solar Energy Center. To see more of the Northwest Florida Daily News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.nwfdailynews.com. Copyright (c) 2008, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]