IID ranked top 10 for installed solar capacity
Solar energy source shines on customers 

(El Centro, CA) - With more than 98 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems operational within the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) service territory, the Solar Electric Power Association recently ranked IID as one of the top 10 public utilities in the nation for installed solar capacity.   

“This number is expected to grow,” said IID conservation specialist Julie Gray, who manages the day-to-day operations of the utility’s solar rebate program. “We are witnessing a huge increase in the popularity of PV. In just the first six months of this year, IID has provided more than $500,000 worth of rebates to customers, as compared to $1.3 million awarded in the past three years.”

IID began offering customers rebates for the installation of solar PV systems in 2005, years before utilities were mandated to do so. IID’s incentive program mirrors the state’s Million Solar Roofs Program, which aims to create 3,000 megawatts (MW) of new, solar-produced electricity by 2017.  

IID customers Craig and Shannon Bedard of Bermuda Dunes installed their PV system two years ago. “We wanted to reduce our monthly energy costs so we had the PV system built right into the design of our new home,” said Craig. The Bedards’ system also generates enough energy to power a small nursery on the property and has saved the couple thousands of dollars since its installation. “Even so, we are still looking at a 12-15 year payback schedule.” added Craig.

Other IID customers, such as Tom Everett of Bombay Beach, are not concerned about the payback time. “It’s going to take years for our system to pay for itself, but I’m not worried because the system has already increased the value of my property,” stated Everett. 

In general, IID’s rebates currently cover approximately 30 percent of the cost to install a system; however, several requirements must be met before a system qualifies for a rebate. The incentive was chosen as a result of careful analysis.

Two main factors considered when designing such programs are customer motivation and cost-effectiveness.IID currently offers $2.42 per watt_AC of installed solar capacity. For example, if a customer were to purchase a 2.7-kilowatt system, he or she would receive a rebate check for $6,534. In addition to the rebate, customers who act now and install in 2008 will also be eligible to receive special federal tax incentives.  I

ID recommends that anyone thinking about installing a solar PV system should contact the utility early on in the planning process to ensure eligibility for the rebate and that the system will be able to connect to IID’s electric system.

IID customer David Wells, who is very happy with his system, does caution new buyers, “I was surprised by the amount of general upkeep and maintenance needed,” stated Wells. “We clean dust and grime from our panels about once every four to six weeks to ensure optimal performance, which would not be easy if you had a two-story home or if your panels are hard to get to.” 

In an area where there is year-round sunshine, these installations are just the beginning.  IID will continue to respond to market conditions in designing programs that thoughtfully encourage the installation of PV systems. For more information about IID’s solar rebate program, please visit www.iid.com or call our public programs office at (760) 339-9724.