Starting in July 2009 NH residents can apply for credits for installing Solar electric systems. Here are some details:

• $3/watt up to a maximum payment of $6000, or 50% of system costs, whichever is less, per "facility"
• one-time payment
• 5kW and and under residential systems qualify
• photovoltaic, wind, microhydro, and other renewable electricity generating systems qualify
• operational on or after July 1st, 2008
• located on the owner's property
• 10% of the Renewable Energy Fund will be available for this program, to the extent that such funding is available - see below for more details
• assumed to be first come, first served, although the application process cannot start until the bill is law, and no payments can be made until the Fund is actually funded
• verification of parts and labor costs, that certified equipment meets safety standards of ANSI and UL or similar, and that local zoning and inspections are met
• On grid and off grid systems qualify
• Also amended is that the Public Utilities Commission may establish additional incentive or rebate programs for thermal and renewable energy projects.

Where does the money to fund this come from?

Last year, as part of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) bill, a Renewable Energy Fund was created and will start being funded in January 2009. The RPS mandates that utilities need to add growing percentages of renewable energy to the mix they deliver to their customers, ultimately closing in on that 25% by 2025. When the utilities cannot buy those "green" electrons on the market, or generate them themselves, they pay an Alternate Compliance Payment (ACP). The ACP is a fair and mutually agreed upon payment that protects the program from bottomed-out prices and overly high prices. These payments will be held by the NH Treasurer in a special account, specifically for the purpose of encouraging generation of renewable energy, as defined by law.