Solar panels rebate program enters third year

Sierra Pacific Power and Nevada Power are accepting applications for rebates from customers installing solar panels to offset their electric use.

It is the third year of the statewide program designed to reward customers willing to invest in the photovoltaic technology.

Those who install the solar panels are eligible for $3 per watt of energy the panels can produce. This year, the utilities will award rebates for a total of 760 kilowatts of residential and small-business installations, solar manager John Hargrove said.

He said schools and government agencies are also eligible to participate.

All the applications for rebates will be forwarded to the Public Utilities Commission for review. PUC must approve for applicants to qualify.

The SolarGenerations program was created by the Nevada Legislature in 2003. Since then, nearly 250 solar projects capable of producing some 2.7 megawatts of electric power have been approved and are either operating or under construction.

Those interested in the program can find more information on the Internet at www.SolarGenerations.com or call toll-free at (866)786-3823.