Puerto Rico - State Energy Program - Agricultural Renewable Energy Rebate Program

Summary

This program is closed; the information is for reference only. The Energy Affairs Administration announced in November 2010 that any application received after October 1, 2010 is placed on a waiting list. It is unlikely that wait listed programs will be funded, as the Energy Affairs Administration announced that they have received applications that exceed available funding by 250%.

Through the State Energy Program and with funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Energy Affairs Administration (EAA) has developed with the Puerto Rican Infrastructure Financing Authority (AFI) several rebate programs.

The Agricultural Renewable Energy Program offers rebates to eligible farmers that properly install solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind systems to produce electricity. Applicants must seek at least three quotes for their project from certified installers (see the EAA's website for more information). Applicants must submit the application form to reserve the rebate prior to making any expenditures. Eligible project costs include the solar PV and wind equipment (excluding batteries), design and engineering costs, installation costs, and interconnection and permitting costs. No building-modification costs will be eligible.

Documentation required to reserve a rebate includes:
1. The Applicant Rebate Reservation Form
2. The Installer Information and Site Sketch Form
3. Completed Vendor Information Form
4. Copies of the project price quotes
5. Proof of ownership (such as the property title deed) or if the applicant is a tenant, copy of the rent agreement and property owner's written permission to install the PV system
6. Copy of the applicant's identification
7. Copies of the last six utility bills
8. Desktop wind study using existing data from recognized entities
9. An endorsement letter from the Department of Agriculture (request the letter from the Agriculture Renewable Energy Program, Department of Agriculture, PO Box 10163, Santurce, Puerto Rico, 00909)

If approved, the applicant will receive a "Rebate Reservation Notice" letter with the approved rebate amount. Once that letter is issued, the applicant has 15 days to sign the "Rebate Agreement" and 6 months to complete the installation, connect to the grid, and undergo AFI/EAA inspection. The AFI/EAA Installation Certificate will be required documentation along with the Rebate Claim Form for the applicant to receive the rebate payment. Extensions may be granted according to program regulations.

Rebate recipients are not eligible for any energy-related Puerto Rican tax credits, local incentives, or other energy assistance (other than the a revolving loan program of the Economic Development Bank of Puerto Rico and energy programs administered via the PR Department of Agriculture). See the state energy program rebate regulations for additional information.