Rebates and Grant Applications The Virgin Islands Energy Office has PDF fill-in forms now available on its Web site at www.vienergy.org. The forms available include applications for rebates, grants and loan applications. These forms should make it much more convenient for residents to access the aforementioned applications. The new process allows residents to fill out the forms on their computer. However, since all the applications need accompanying documentation, they will have to be physically delivered to the Energy Office. VIEO was able to expand its rebate and grant programs and add a solar water heater loan program with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
It is also for the first time receiving federal funding for a Weatherization Assistance Program. The VI WAP goal is to improve energy efficiency for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children under five years-old. In a couple of weeks, the Energy Office will have an application on its Web site for residents who want to apply for that program. All applications will remain available at the Energy Office for those who don’t have access to a computer.
For more information, call the Virgin Islands Energy Office, a division of the Governor’s Office, at 773-1082 on St. Croix, and 774-3320 on St. Thomas and St. John.
Solar Panel Rebate Formula Changes The Virgin Islands Energy Office is changing its rebate formula for solar panels from $3.50 per watt to 50 percent of the purchase price. Federal regulations state the funds from the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) cannot be used to rebate more than 50 percent of a product; therefore, VIEO is giving residents the highest allowable rebate when federal funds are being used.
VIEO regrets any problems that this necessary change may have caused residents.
Building Green Big Topic for Virgin Islands Surveying the Landscape of Green Building Practices in Affordable Housing was a seminar topic at the Housing Summit sponsored by the Virgin Islands Housing Authority at Carambola Beach Resort on Jan. 27. Bevan Smith Jr., director of the V.I. Energy Office, was joined in a panel discussion by Onaje Jackson, president of Sustainable Systems and Design International; Sara Farrar-Nagy, senior project leader of National Renewable Energy Lab; and Richard Borck, owner of Premier Homes.
While Smith focused on the financial incentives offered by VIEO for builders wanting to go green, the other panelists went through the strategies of energy efficiency and its benefits. Farrar-Nagy said the first thing to consider when building an energy efficient home is “siting.” She said that often with good siting, one can avoid the need for air conditioning. She said that shading elements could also play a key part in keeping a building cool. Another key element to consider, according to Farrar-Nagy, was making the building solar ready. Following up on those points, Borck said it was important to have south-facing roofs where solar panels could be placed to get the best sunshine.
Jackson told the audience of about 50 people that a few years ago this topic would have never attracted such a large audience, and he was glad that “energy has gone mainstream.” Jackson also discussed payback on investments in energy efficiency and alternative energy. He said some payback was immediate while other larger investments like a photovoltaic systems could take five or seven or even more years to pay for itself.
Smith talked about the “no money down” solar water heater program that VIEO had recently initiated and about the Energy Star rebate program that had been expanded with funding from ARRA. He added that some ARRA funds would be used to improve the efficiency of the V.I. government. Specifically, he said that the Water and Power Authority was being granted money to improve the efficiency of street lighting, and the Department of Public Works to retrofit traffic signals to LEDs.
Energy Office Expands Rebate Program to Freezers, Dishwashers
The Energy Office, as a result of the ARRA 2009, is able to once again expand its rebate program. VIEO will be giving 30 percent rebates on ENERGY STAR dishwashers, freezers, heat pumps and tankless gas water heaters. This is the first time rebates have ever been offered on dishwashers and freezers, and they are being offered for the replacement of older appliances with energy efficient appliances. This is also the first time rebates have been offered on heat pumps and tankless gas water heaters. They must be replacement purchases. The old freezers and dishwashers must be recycled. The rebates are limited to $599 for these items.
Consumers must apply for rebates within 30 days of purchase. Rebates will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be issued to consumers within 45 to 60 days of receipt of complete application. Applications and more information are available on the Energy Office Web site www.vienergy.org. This program is referred to as the Energy Star State Appliance Rebate Program.
Consumers must be residents of the Virgin Islands (valid income tax documents or ID may be required as proof of residency). Products must be purchased from a vendor in the U.S. Virgin Islands that possesses a retail business license, and they must be installed in the U.S.V.I. Recycling is required for all items. In this specific program there is a limit of one rebate per product per household. Using this specific program, however, places no restraints on residents using other rebate programs offered by the Energy Office. Rebates are not available for government purchases or discretionary grant program grantees.