448-4800 www.csu.org

108-50 6640 CENV

Colorado Springs Utilities is committed to being

an environmentally-friendly utility. Bringing clean,

renewable energy to our community is everyone’s

responsibility. We want to help you do your part.

Solar electric panels, or photovoltaics (PV), convert

the renewable energy of the sun into useful electricity

that is pollution-free and avoids burning fossil fuels.

Although the technology is mature, reliable, and relatively

maintenance-free, it is still expensive compared to

conventional power generation.

The Renewable Energy Rebate Program (RERP) supports

and encourages customers to install solar PV generating

systems at their homes and businesses, which helps

protect the environment, diversifies our energy supply,

creates energy independence and reduces our summer

peak capacity requirements.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2006, Springs Utilities began offering

business and residential customers a rebate to install

solar PV. Combined with federal tax credits for solar (30

percent of the system cost), the RERP is making solar PV

an attractive energy solution for our customer-owners

to consider. Depending on the installation, 40 percent to

60 percent of the total system cost could be covered by

rebates and tax credits. There has never been a better time

to invest in solar PV.

Support the intent of Amendment 37, a new state

law mandating utilities to increase renewable

energy supply

Provide customer-side renewable energy solutions,

in response to moderate customer demand

Support renewable energy market development in

our community

Increase participation in the Renewable Energy Net

Metering Program (see details on the following page)

Gain experience with small-scale and distributed

renewable energy systems

Demonstrate environmental stewardship

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For the 2009 program year, the Utilities Board approved

a $430,000 budget for the RERP. The rebate rate for the

2009 program year is $3.75 per AC watt (see explanation

below). Springs Utilities plans to continue offering

the RERP, pending Utilities Board approval of future

program year budgets.

The RERP is designed to encourage solar installations

that are connected to the electricity system, or grid.

So-called grid-tied solar systems rely on power

conditioning equipment, or inverters, to convert the

direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar

panels, or modules, into alternating current (AC)

electricity, which is delivered throughout the grid.

Here is how a grid-tied system works:

Several PV modules are wired in series to create a PV

array (see figure below). The PV modules convert solar

radiation into DC electricity, which is fed into the

inverter and converted to AC electricity. AC electricity

from the system is delivered to the main panel, where it

is interconnected to the grid. We provide rebates for this

AC power output.

The average size of a residential PV system is 2.5

kilowatts. A properly designed, 2.5-kilowatt system

will produce enough power to offset approximately

half of a typical residential customers’ annual electricity

consumption.

When customers participate in the Renewable Energy Net Metering tariff, they can receive full credit for the energy

produced. A utility meter records the difference between energy produced and consumed (i.e., generation from the PV

system offsets retail electricity consumption), and the customer is billed for net consumption, or credited for net generation.

Net metering is a significant advantage that increases the value of PV to the customer. To learn more about net metering, see

our tariffs at http://www.csu.org/customer/rates/rate_tariffs/2001.pdf

Because quality assurance is important, we have designed the RERP to encourage participating customers to design their PV

systems for optimum performance. Rebate payments are based on expected power output in AC watts (rather than on the

capacity rating of the array in DC watts). Several factors can degrade system performance from the optimum level including:

module temperature; orientation (azimuth); tilt and shading of the array; and inverter efficiency. All of these factors affect

how AC watts, and ultimately the rebate payment, are calculated. To calculate AC watts and rebate payment the following

formulas are used:

1. AC watts - (# of modules) x (PTC module rating) x (inverter efficiency) x (derating factor for orientation

and tilt) x (percent annual shading)

2. Rebate payment - AC watts x rebate rate

Number of modules is the number of PV modules in the PV array.

PTC module rating is the PV USA Test Condition (PTC) rating in watts, which adjusts for the fact that power

output decreases as module operating temperature increases. The PTC ratings are different for each module, and

can vary from approximately 87 percent to 92 percent of the Standard Test Condition (STC) rating provided by

the module manufacturer. A typical decrease in power output is approximately 12 percent for crystalline-based

solar modules.

Inverter Efficiency is the power-conditioning efficiency of the inverter at 75 percent load. Efficiencies range from

90 percent to 96 percent depending on the inverter manufacturer and model number.

The derate factor for orientation and tilt recognizes that the optimum orientation to maximize power output is

south-facing and the optimum tilt angle is approximately 30 degrees from horizontal. Any configurations other

than the optimum will degrade system output. The table below provides derate factors for various combinations

of orientation and tilt.

Percent annual shading recognizes that any shading of the PV array (by trees, buildings or mountains) will

derate system output; PV systems do not produce energy when shaded. To determine percent annual shading, a

Solar Pathfinder reading must be taken from the center of the PV array location.

Rebate rate is $3.75 per watt in the 2009 program year.

Participation in the RERP involves five basic phases, as illustrated on page 3:

1. Customer initiates the process by calling 448-4800 to verify availability of funds and, if desired, to ask for a referral of

a recommended installer.

2. Installer (or customer) completes the system design and submits a Reservation Request (RR) form and a signed

Interconnection Agreement for Renewable Energy Net Metering.

3. Springs Utilities reviews the RR form and conducts a Pre-installation Inspection. If the RR form is approved, funds

are reserved and a Reservation Confirmation letter is dated and sent. If the RR form is denied, a Denial Letter is sent,

including the reason(s) for denial. If funds are unavailable, RR forms will be placed on a wait list in the order they

are received.

0 18 30 45 60 90

South 0.89 0.97 1 0.97 0.89 0.58

SSE or SSW 0.89 0.97 0.99 0.96 0.88 0.59

Southeast or Southwest 0.89 0.95 0.96 0.93 0.85 0.6

ESE or WSW 0.89 0.92 0.91 0.87 0.79 0.57

East or West 0.89 0.88 0.84 0.78 0.7 0.52

orientation

4. Customer, or their installer representative, has 30 days (60 days for business) from the Reservation Confirmation

date to submit evidence of a signed Installation Contract, or the reservation will be void. Note: Customers installing

Systems themselves must submit evidence of a deposit paid on the System components.

5. Customer must complete the installation and submit a Rebate Claim (RC) form by the Reservation Expiration (RE)

Deadline (120 days from the Reservation Confirmation date), or the reservation will expire. Funds liberated due to

voided or expired reservations will go to the next customer on the wait list. If the reservation was voided or expired

due to circumstances out of the customer’s control, and the customer wishes to retain the reservation, the customer

must submit a Time Extension (TE) Request form by the TE Deadline. TE forms will be reviewed and approved or

denied at Colorado Springs Utilities’ sole discretion.

6. Springs Utilities reviews the RC form, conducts a Post-installation Inspection, approves the interconnection of the

System, calculates the final rebate payment, and sends an Award Letter and rebate check to the customer.

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Submittal Deadline Date

Installation Contract Installation Contract

Deadline

30 days (60 days for business) from the

Reservation Confirmation Date

Rebate Claim (RC) form Reservation Expiration

Deadline

120 days from the Reservation

Confirmation Date

Time Extension (TE) Request form

(if applicable) TE Deadline 120 days from the Reservation Confirmation

Date (i.e. Reservation Expiration Date)

Customer calls 448-4800 to:

• Verify availability of funds

Find a recommended installer through the

Design the PV System

Submit a Reservation Request (RR) Form and signed

Submit evidence of a signed Installation Contract within

30 days (60 days for business) of the Reservation

Confirmation date

Complete the PV System installation by the Reservation

Expiration (RE) Deadline, or 120 days from the

Reservation Confirmation date

Submit Rebate Claim (RC) Form by the RE Deadline,

or the reservation will expire. If applicable, submit a Time

Extension (TE) Request Form by the TE Deadline

Receive authorization to interconnect and 

Rebate Payment

Send Denial Letter, including reason(s) for denial

Complete preliminary review, approval or denial of RR Form

Conduct 

Pre-Installation Inspection

Reservation

Confirmation letter.

Post-Installation Inspection and approve

for interconnection

Calculate final approved rebate payment, send

authorization to interconnect, Award Letter and rebate

check to customer

If photovoltaic systems are not properly designed and installed, they may perform below expectations and produce

less energy. That is why we recommend that all systems be designed and installed by professional installers certified

by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) or the North American Board of Certified Energy

Practitioners (NABCEP). To find a recommended installer call 448-4800 and ask for a participating HomeVantage®

http://www.coseia.org

Because the electricity produced from solar PV is expensive, we recommend that customers make cost-effective energyefficiency

upgrades of lighting, appliances and electronics prior to installation. This ensures that you get the most out of

your investment. Call 448-4800 or visit www.csu.org to find out about Colorado Springs Utilities’ efficiency rebates and

other energy solutions for your home or business.

This program is for retrofit and new construction

applications (with restrictions).

Systems must be installed at a premise owned by the

Customer and receiving Colorado Springs Utilities

electric service, or in the case of new construction,

at a premise titled in the Customer’s name.

Account must be current and non-delinquent.

Equipment purchase(s) must be made, and

installation(s) must occur, from Jan. 1 to

Dec. 31, 2009.

Eligible participants must receive electric service

under the Renewable Energy Net Metering tariff at

the installation premise.

Total rebate payments may not exceed the total

installed cost of the System.

Reservations, and rebate payments, are offered on a

first-come, first-served basis and are subject to

eligibility and availability of funds. Reservations are

non-transferable. Customers are encouraged to call

448-4800 to verify availability of funds prior to

purchasing photovoltaic equipment.

All environmental attributes generated from Systems

installed under the RERP belong to Colorado

Springs Utilities.

Incomplete Reservation Request form(s) or those

lacking the following will be denied: (1) a signed

Interconnection Agreement for Renewable Energy

Net Metering, (2) a completed IRS Form W-9 and

(3) an Affidavit of Lawful Presence in the United

States and copy of applicable identification (Applies

only to sole proprietorship, for business customers).

Evidence of a signed Installation Contract must be

submitted within 30 days (60 days for business) of

the Reservation Confirmation Date.

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Incomplete Rebate Claim form(s) or those lacking

the following will be denied: (1) an approved

copy and final sign-off of the building permit for

the installation and (2) a copy of the final purchase

and installation invoices. Invoice(s) must be itemized

and include date of purchase, purchase price and

quantity purchased.

Rebate Claim forms must be postmarked by the

Reservation Expiration Deadline or the reservation

will expire.

If a reservation is voided or expires, customers will

forfeit their place in the queue for RERP funding

and will be required to re-apply by submitting a new

RR form. If the reservation was voided or expired

due to circumstances out of the customer’s control,

and the customer wishes to retain the reservation,

the customer must submit a Time Extension (TE)

Request Form, postmarked by the TE Deadline. TE

forms will be reviewed and approved or denied at

Colorado Springs Utilities’ sole discretion.

Qualifying PV modules must be included in the

List of Eligible Photovoltaic Modules found at

Qualifying inverters must be included in the

List of Eligible Inverters found at

All PV System components must:

a. Comply with the system design standards

required in the Installation and Permitting clause

(Section 4) of the Interconnection Agreement

for Renewable Energy Net Metering

(Photovoltaics)

b. Be new equipment

c. Be for personal use only, NOT FOR RESALE

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Qualifying Systems must:

a. Remain interconnected to Colorado Springs Utilities electric system and operational for a minimum of five (5)

years, or the rebate payment amount will be billed to the customer

b. Have a minimum System capacity of 500 watts, and a maximum capacity of 10 kilowatts for residential

and 25 kilowatts for business

Qualifying Systems must NOT:

a. Be interconnected to the electric system prior to inspection, testing, and written authorization from

Colorado Springs Utilities

b. Be installed with a north-facing orientation (or any orientation other than from 90° East to 270° West)

c. Be installed at a site that is more than 50 percent shaded on an annual basis

Qualifying Systems must carry manufacturer and/or installer warranties for the following minimum specified period(s)

as appropriate for the product installed, from the date of completion of the work. The warranty includes all materials,

parts, service calls and labor for the period(s) as appropriate for the product installed.

a. PV system – five (5) years against defects in workmanship. Installer must provide warranty, unless system is

installed by Customer

b. Inverter – five (5) years against manufacturer defects. Manufacturer must provide warranty.

c. PV modules – twenty (20) years against degradation of performance below 80 percent of original output under

Standard Test Conditions (STC). Manufacturer must provide warranty.

Installation site is subject to inspection by Colorado Springs Utilities staff at any time, and if such site does not have

the qualifying equipment installed, the Customer will be billed the rebate payment amount.

1. Customer is solely responsible for installation of all equipment/products to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Customer is solely responsible for obtaining related building permits and completing the inspection process as

required by local jurisdiction. Colorado Springs Utilities requires the Customer to submit proof of appropriate City/

County/State building permit for System installations prior to issuing rebate payment.

2. 

Colorado Springs Utilities is not a party – The Customer understands and agrees that Colorado Springs Utilities is

not a party to any contract pertaining to the System installation. The Customer agrees to indemnify, to defend, and

to hold harmless Colorado Springs Utilities, its board members, officers, agents and employees against all claims, loss,

damage, expense and liability asserted or incurred by other parties, including but not limited to Colorado Springs

Utilities’ employees, arising out of or in any way connected with the RERP, the Interconnection Agreement, and the

System, or the System’s installation, operation or performance, and caused by acts, omissions, intent or negligence,

whether active or passive, of Customer, its agents, employees, and suppliers, and excepting only such loss, damage or

liability as may be caused by the intentional act or sole negligence of Colorado Springs Utilities.

3. 

Disclaimer of warranties – Colorado Springs Utilities makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied,

regarding the design, sizing, installation, construction, reliability, efficiency, performance, operation, maintenance, or

use of any System or any make or model of equipment analyzed, discussed, selected, rejected, installed or otherwise

considered by the Customer. Any decisions regarding the selection, design, installation, use and operation of systems

and equipment shall be at the sole discretion and are the sole responsibility of the Customer. Colorado Springs

Utilities is not liable or responsible for any act or omission of any contractor whatsoever.

RERP rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds are limited. To secure your chances of receiving

a rebate payment, apply today. Visit www.csu.org/residential/rebates/renew_rebate/index.html to download a

Reservation Request form, or call 

448-4800 to request a form by mail.

Log on to 

http://www.energydepot.com/cosres/ to learn about saving more with energy-efficient products in your home

or business. Our online Energy Efficiency Profile is your comprehensive source for reliable information about your energy

use and changes you can make to save time and energy