TMLP Solar Rebate Program Qualifications & Details
The Solar Rebate Program offers financial incentives to our residential customers intending to install a photovoltaic (solar) array on the property they own. The rebate incentive for a submitted project will be $1.50 per watt installed, up to 3 KW (DC), or a maximum rebate level of $4,500.
If applying for battery storage rebate of $300 for units’ 5KW+, please see requirements listed in #10 below. Battery storage rebate is for units approved and installed after June 9, 2021.
In order for a customer to be eligible for TMLP Solar Rebate Program Incentive, the following conditions must exist:
- Customer must own the solar array (Leasing is not allowed). Copy of customer-contractor executed agreement required prior to receiving approval to build.
- Customer is an active residential or non-profit electric account with the TMLP for at least 6 months.
- Customer active account must have a $0 balance.
- TMLP customer of record must also be person listed on the deed of the property where the solar array will be installed.
- Proposed photovoltaic arrays may be any size (pending TMLP approval). The rebate will be calculated at $ 1.50 per watt up to 3 KW (DC), or $4,500 maximum.
- Projects must be approved by TMLP prior to installation.
- Projects must also be completed by licensed electricians and professional, licensed contractors.
- Customer must sign the TMLP net metering agreement and an interconnection agreement (documents available below)
- Required 1-line diagram must be designed and state, “AC Disconnect will be no further than 4’ from utility meter”. *Please note the DOER MLP program has ended on June 30, 2021 and their Locus Meter is not a TMLP requirement and not needed for solar installations in the TMLP service area.
- If customer intends to also install a battery backup system alongside their solar installation, they must also submit the Battery Backup Verification & Rebate Application (document available below), 1-line diagram must show battery backup, include battery product technical data sheet and copy of city/town wire inspector’s approval of referenced battery backup system.
- Contractor must provide copy of customer invoice showing payment prior to receiving the Permission to Operate and rebate submission.
- If the electricity generated by the Customer exceeds consumption and is distributed back to TMLP during the billing period, then the Customer shall be billed for the same monthly service charge as applied to other customers of the TMLP in the same rate class; not be charged any kilowatt-hours taken from TMLP and shall be credited for the net excess kilowatt-hours generated as applied to the generation and Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) charges during the billing period; with this kilowatt-hour credit appearing on Customer’s bill for the following billing period.
(Consumption from TMLP) – (Excess Generation put onto the TMLP Grid*) – (PCA Cost) + (TMLP Monthly Service Charge) = Customer Invoice Amount
*Excess generation is credited at the ‘generation charge’ for your rate. Please see TMLP rate sheets for the exact amount: https://www.tmlp.com/electric/rates/
- Please submit the below completed TMLP forms and a copy of the contractor-customer agreement to rebates@tmlp.com.
TMLP Required Forms & Contractor Information:
Interconnection & Net Metering Agreement
Battery Backup Form & Verification
Net Metering Interconnection Standards
Net Metering & Solar Rebate FAQ
1-line diagram must be designed and state, “AC Disconnect will be no further than 4′ from utility meter”
Please note that while most of the form can be filled on your computer, you must print it out in order to submit it because it requires original signatures from both the customer and the solar installer. Email scanned applications to rebates@tmlp.com.
Solar Rebate FAQs
Q. How much is the solar rebate (rebates are for residential customers only)?
A. The solar rebate is currently $ 1.50 per watt of the DC nameplate KW rating of the proposed system, up to 3.0 KW for a maximum rebate of $ 4,500.
Q. How big of a residential system can I apply for?
A. You can apply for and install any size system. TMLP will analyze larger proposed residential solar installations under the initial project review to insure compatibility with TMLP system.
Q. I'm a commercial customer. Is there a maximum size system size that I can install on my property?
A. TMLP currently has two net metering categories, the 1st is for customers with generating systems of 60 kW or less and the 2nd is for customers with generating systems between 60 kW and 2,000 kW. The maximum system size cannot exceed the customer's prior 12 months peak demand to qualify for net metering and also anything 60 kW to 2,000 kW requires a Distribution System Impact Review. Anything greater than that and a Purchased Power Agreement (PPA) must be negotiated with the TMLP.
Q. Can I install additional solar systems on my property and receive a rebate?
A. Only one rebate per customer is allowed under the solar rebate program. If you choose to add to an existing system, it must be reviewed and approved by TMLP.
Q. Can I receive another solar rebate if I install an array at another property I own in the TMLP territory?
A. No, only one (1) rebate per customer of record regardless of how many owned properties within the TMLP service territory.
Q. Can I lease a system from a third party and install it on my property?
A. No, a residential customer applying for a rebate and net metering must own the property and the solar system and have an active account at the location with TMLP with no arrears. Any power generated from a third party would have to be purchased by TMLP and would constitute a Purchased Power Agreement (PPA). The same applies for a commercial customer.
Q. Some solar companies state that they don’t do business in TMLP territory. Why is that?
A. Again, most of these companies that "don’t do business" with TMLP want to lease you the system to lower your bill, and they take the net metering revenue and SREC money. That translates into them being a generator to TMLP and that is prohibited by law unless defined by a specific Purchased Power Agreement with TMLP.
Q. Can I use the energy from my solar system on another account? Another property?
A.No, energy generated from a solar system must be applied to the meter of the account holder of record. Applying the energy usage to another account or property is not permitted as that is considered retail wheeling and not allowed in TMLP service territory.
Q. How does it work if I generate more energy then I take in from TMLP?
A. If the electricity generated by the Customer exceeds consumption and is distributed back to TMLP during the billing period, then the Customer shall be billed for the same monthly service charge as applied to other customers of the TMLP in the same rate class; not be charged any kilowatt-hours taken from TMLP and shall be credited for the net excess kilowatt-hours generated as applied to the generation and Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) charges during the billing period; with this kilowatt-hour credit appearing on Customer’s bill for the following billing period.
(Consumption from TMLP) - (Excess Generation put onto the TMLP Grid*) - (PCA Cost) + (TMLP Monthly Service Charge) = Your Invoice Amount
*Excess generation is credited at the ‘generation charge’ for your rate. Please see TMLP rate sheets for the exact amount: https://www.tmlp.com/electric/rates/
Q. Does the TMLP claim any SREC's etc. associated with a solar project?
A. No, TMLP does not claim the Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC). However, with the exception of the residential arrays participating and built during the DOER MLP Solar Rebate program, which ended June 30, 2021.
Q. How long does it take to receive my rebate check after project completion?
A. After final review and inspection by TMLP; and the submission of the customer invoice by the contractor, you should receive your TMLP rebate check within 6 to 8 weeks.
Q. Can I assign the rebate check to be payable to a third party such as solar contractor?
A. No. The rebate check must be payable to the TMLP customer of record where the system was installed.
Q. Does the TMLP do the installation or recommend contractors that would sell / install the system?
A. No, TMLP does not install the system nor recommend contractors to do the installation as we are a municipal entity and prohibited by law from doing so. TMLP provides the net meter at the end of a project and inspects the completed system.
Q. What if I sell my house or business and I have a solar / net metering system?
A.If a residential or commercial customer sells their house or commercial property with an active solar / net metering system, the new owner would need to sign TMLP's "Net Metering Interconnection Agreement" in order for the new owner to actively generate electricity and participate in the TMLP Net Metering program.
Q. Can I install a battery backup with my array?
A. All battery backup/storage requests must include Battery Backup Verification & Rebate Application Document, 1-line diagram showing battery backup, battery product technical information sheet and copy of city/town wire inspector’s approval of referenced battery backup system.
Q. Can I install additional battery backup units on my property and receive a rebate?
A. Only one rebate per customer is allowed under the battery backup/storage rebate program. If you choose to add to an existing unit, it must be reviewed and approved by TMLP.
Q. Can I receive another battery backup rebate if I install a unit at another property I own in the TMLP territory?
A. No, only one (1) rebate per customer of record regardless of how many owned properties within the TMLP service territory.