Sierra Pacific opens photovoltaic rebates

Sierra Pacific Power last week began accepting applications for the fourth year of SolarGenerations, a program that provides cash rebates to electric customers who install photovoltaic technology to generate electricity.

Businesses as well as residential customers, schools and government agencies are eligible to participate, said Project Manager John Hargrove of Sierra Pacific's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Department.

In past years, the number of available slots in the program have filled within a few weeks. Once the cut-off is reached, customers are put on a waiting list for the next year's program.

Hargrove said that interested customers should call (866) 786-3823, or visit the program website, www.SolarGenerations.com, for application information.

Approximately 140 SolarGenerations projects capable of producing up to 680 kilowatts of electricity were completed during the first two years of the project and $2.9 million in rebates was paid. Another 402 projects capable of generating up to 1,900 kilowatts of electricity have been approved for the third year of the program, which could amount to rebates totaling $5.3 million.

In past years, customers filled available slots for the program within a few weeks. Once the cut-off is reached customers are put on a waiting list for the next year's program.