On-Site or Small Wind Incentives

On Site Small Wind in New York —Cash Incentives Available

Cash incentives for new wind generation systems are available in New York. Incentive levels vary depending on the size of wind generation system, the tower height, and the class of customer. All customers must pay into the Systems Benefits Charge (SBC)/Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) The incentive level for farms, municipal and county governments, not-for-profit facilities, and schools is higher than the base incentive level; multiplication factors are provided below.

The table below lists base incentive levels for specific wind generation systems, plus an adjustment factor if the tower height varies from the ‘standard tower height’ listed.

The following table lists multiplication factors for incentives.  If you fall into any of the categories below, multiply the base incentive level derived from the table above by the multiplication factor in the table below to determine your incentive.

Additionally, the New York Energy $mart^SMLoan Fund provides interest rate reductions on loans for energy efficiency projects and renewable technologies. Interest rates for loans can be reduced by 4% for up to 10 years. Visit http://www.nyserda.org/loanfund/default.asp for more information.

How and when are the cash incentives paid?

There are a few important facts to know about the incentives offered under this program:

•  Incentive payments are not paid directly to the owner of the wind system.

•  Incentives are paid to eligible installers that have been approved to participate in this program.

•  The entire incentive must be passed on to the owner of the wind system by the eligible installer.

•  Incentives are paid in two installments. Sixty-five percent (65%) of the incentive is paid after the equipment is delivered to the installation site and all required permits, approvals, certificates, etc. from all jurisdictions having authority are secured. The remaining thirty-five (35%) is paid when the wind system is grid-connected and approved by your utility. NYSERDA reserves the right to review any installation prior to final incentive payment being made.

YOU SHOULD WORK WITH YOUR INSTALLER TO OBTAIN ALL NECESSARY PRE-CONSTRUCTION PERMITS, APPROVALS, CERTIFICATES, ETC. FROM ALL JURISDICTIONS HAVING AUTHORITY PRIOR TO ORDERING EQUIPMENT SINCE NYSERDA WILL NOT PROCESS ANY PAYMENTS WITHOUT PROOF THAT ALL PERMITS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED.

Incentives will not be paid for wind systems installed by contractors or individuals that are not on NYSERDA's list of eligible installers.

What are some of the other benefits of buying a wind system under this program?

All wind systems installed with incentives by this program will come with a full five-year parts and labor warranty. The wind system will include an easy-to-read digital meter allowing customers and installers to monitor system performance. All wind systems will be monitored for energy production, at least twice a year, for two years. If the wind system is not operating at specified performance goals, an installer will inspect the system components. NYSERDA will review each proposed wind system design, all incentive applications, and every customer purchase agreement. The scope of the NYSERDA review shall be limited solely to determining whether NYSERDA's program conditions have been met and shall not include any type of safety review. NYSERDA shall work closely with each eligible installer and monitor their performance throughout the program.

Please Note : NYSERDA is not responsible for assuring that the design, engineering and construction of the project or installation of any wind system is proper or complies with any particular laws (including patent laws), regulations, codes, or industry standards. NYSERDA does not make any representations of any kind regarding the results to be achieved by the wind systems or the adequacy or safety of such measures.

What paperwork will I need to fill out to participate in the program?

Eligible installers are responsible for all paperwork required under this program.

Customers shall sign the incentive application form and a customer purchase agreement prepared by the installer. The customer purchase agreement will outline total installed costs, provide detailed costs of all major components, identify the expected cash incentive(s), and provide an installation schedule. Customers shall sign off on the packing slip indicating all system components have been delivered to the installation site.

How do I get started?

It's Easy! The eligible installers list will be updated as new installers are added to the program. Please check the list periodically. The program was launched in June 2003 and new installers continue to be added to the eligible installer list.

Eligible installers have been selected based on their experience installing wind systems, training, education, and recommendations from past customers. Installer performance will be continually monitored through inspections, customer feedback, and ability to meet all program terms and conditions. Installers may be removed from NYSERDA's program if they do not meet the program requirements.

Contact any of the eligible installers or visit www.powernaturally.org to learn more about wind systems, applications, costs, and anticipated benefits from a system.

That's it! It's just that simple!

If you need any further information or have a question regarding NYSERDA's New York Energy $mart^SM Wind Incentive Program or other NYSERDA programs, please call (518) 862-1090 or send an email to info@nyserda.org .

17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399    Toll-Free: 1-866-NYSERDA or Local: 518-862-1090    Fax: 518-862-1091
New York City and Buffalo Regional Offices

© 2004 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority