Welcome to the SMART SourceSM Solar PV Program
The SMART Source Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Program is designed to help AEP Texas Central Company (AEP TCC), AEP Texas North Company (AEP TNC) and Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) (together, "the Utilities") customers meet a portion of their energy needs with solar electric systems. The Program offers financial incentives that help offset the initial cost of installing a solar energy system. By installing solar on your home or business, you can generate a portion of your own electricity and help the environment.
Why Install Solar?
Thousands of home- and business-owners in Texas and other states reap the benefits of solar electric systems by generating some of their own electricity, reducing the amount they need to purchase. Since the costs of a solar energy system are paid up-front, owners of solar electric systems also reduce their exposure to potentially high and variable costs of grid electricity. Energy generated from solar electric systems reduces the amount of energy generated from traditional power plants, reducing air emissions. Many customers install solar electric systems to demonstrate their commitment to clean energy in their community or neighborhood. Because solar electric systems last 20 years or more, the benefits of installing solar also last a long time. Finally, the federal residential energy tax credit, available state property tax exemption and the Program incentive make investments in solar better than ever before.
In sum, the Utilities' customers install solar PV systems in order to:
- Generate a portion of their own electricity
- Reduce their exposure to high and variable costs of grid-supplied electricity
- Take advantage of the availability of incentives through the Program
- Reduce their taxes through the federal residential energy tax credit and the state solar property tax exemption
- Benefit the environment
- Reduce their carbon footprint
- Make a visible difference in their community or neighborhood
Incentives Available
AEP utilities in Texas are committing $1,350,000 in incentives through 2010 in support of customers that install solar PV systems meeting Program eligibility criteria for system interconnection and expected performance.
The current incentive level is $2.50 per DC watt and covers up to 10 kWdc for residential installations; other limits apply to non-residential installations.
How to Participate
Customers must work with registered Service Providers who submit applications for incentive funds. Customers can find a current list of registered Service Providers here.
(How can a customer tell whether they are eligible to receive the incentive? This and other information about solar energy can be found on our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. For more information about the program customers may contact the Solar PV Program Manager directly.
Once the solar PV system is specified and agreed to between you and your Service Provider, the participation process is as follows:
- The Service Provider submits project pre-application materials to the Program Manager. The project pre-application contains information about:
- The customer,
- Proposed installation site,
- Technical details of the proposed installation,
- The requested incentive amount, and
- The entity who is requested to receive the incentive check (this is typically the Service Provider, but can also be the customer, or another entity).
- The Program Manager reviews the application to verify eligibility for an incentive, and, if approved, sends a letter to the Service Provider approving the project and the requested rebate amount. The turnaround time for approvals is typically about 2 weeks, but can take longer if applications are incomplete or if there are problems with what is proposed.
- Once approved, your Service Provider works with you to schedule the installation. The Service Provider obtains locally-required permits, completes construction, passes local inspections (if required) and informs the Program Manager when the job is complete.
- The Program Manager may then schedule and conduct their own inspection of the completed system. If selected for inspection, we aim to complete the inspection within two weeks of being informed by the Service Provider that the project is complete.
- Once the installation is completed and verified, the Program Manager requests incentive check processing from the Utilities. Within 6-8 weeks after passing the final inspection, the Program Manager mails the incentive check to the Service Provider or customer.
Additional Information
Additional information for customers or prospective customers
about
solar energy, including information about estimating the technical and
financial performance of a photovoltaic system for your home/building,
and the availability of federal and state incentives, is available here.
Additional information of interest to Service Providers about the current program funding status
and other detailed information
about the program and participation process is also available.
