Solar Roundtable Recap 1/9/2013

The Alliance and GSREIA would like to thank everyone who attended our first Solar Roundtable of 2013, which was a resounding success. We would like to thank our host John Williams of Williams Architects, our very own AAE board member, who graciously opened his business doors and provided the delicious refreshments. We had a great turnout and the participation/discussion was lively and informative.

Tax Credits Re-Interpreted: Jeff Cantin from Solar Alternatives and GSREIA Board Member led us through the changes to the renewable tax credit law, which will go into effect on January 20th, 2013.

Please Be Informed: State credit is now capped at one system, or $12,500 total credit. No more multiple credits or sharing components.

• Credit may be taken for each system type: solar PV, solar water heat,wind energy                        system.
• Multifamily projects are still eligible per apartment.
• Ground mount systems must start no higher than 8′.
• Pool heat systems and “accessory systems” (attic fans, solar lighting, etc) are no longer eligible.
•  Systems that do not meet these requirements must complete installation before January 20th 2013, and have documented proof (i.e. paid invoice or inspection reports etc.).

COULD THIS DEADLINE RUIN A DEAL FOR YOU?

Many installers at the meeting reported that these changes may require them to go back to their clients and re-negotiate the deal as they would not be able to complete the installations by January 20th.  These companies need labor and parts to complete the projects on time.  If you are in need of help or have extra hands/parts and are willing to deal, please contact Jonathan Scott at the Alliance to coordinate. (volunteer@all4energy.org). We can post needs and surpluses to our Solar listserve.

SOLAR HOT WATER – Don’t forget about Solar hot water heaters!  There is a $1000 rebate through Energy Smart available.  Only 2 rebates have been applied for.  If no one is using this rebate then we need to move the funds to a more popular program!

NET METERING BACKLOG: We were pleased to have two representatives from Entergy New Orleans at the meeting to address the net-metering backlog issue.

New changes to the Interconnection Agreement went into effect the first of January.  The process is continuously being tweaked to simplify the meter change-outs. Entergy will host a meeting in March in order to connect with the Solar industry to get feedback on the new process.  Here is Entergy’s website for Net-metering information – please let the Alliance know if this website is missing anything important!   http://www.entergy-neworleans.com/your_home/net_metering.aspx

Brandi Schmitt of Entergy asked that in the event of a delay in the net-metering process, please have your client call Entergy at 1-800-Entergy so their call center can track the calls. The net-metering issues go to Brandi’s office and they have the ability to contact the City permitting office and find out what the hold up is.You can call Brandi directly to chat about the problem but please do not give her number out to the public!

INSTALLERS CAN HELP PREVENT A BACKLOG!  The Alliance was told that some installers are blitzing Entergy’s offices with interconnection agreements which creates a bottleneck. Their offices are staffed up, but it does no one any good when the staff are twiddling their thumbs all week and then get 200 interconnection agreements all at once on Friday afternoon.  A steady flow throughout the week will prevent this problem.  Please do not hold onto your interconnection agreements; turn these in as soon as possible.

​RESOLVED
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• We need more transparency at the city level.
• There is still a problem with the inspection process.

 
​Look for the next Solar Roundtable to discuss more on these topics!