Right Choice ™ Sun Power Rebates Now Available

Jackson EMC is offering members rebates for two solar power options through the Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Water Heating rebate programs. Under the PV rebate program, Jackson EMC offers rebates to install a photovoltaic system on your home to generate electricity. The solar water heating program offers a rebate for installing a system that heats water with the sun.

Photovoltaic Program

PV panels convert the sun's light into electricity, and are found on such products as solar lights and solar-powered calculators. Larger panels power satellites and remote signs and signals, as well as individual homes.

On average, a 4.5 kW PV system for your home will cost about $41,000. With Jackson EMC rebates plus state and federal tax credits, the cost can be as low as $26,000. A homeowner could save about $500 per year with this size PV panel system installation. (Note: These estimated costs are provided by findsolar.com and are used for illustrative purposes only. The actual cost of your system will vary and depend on your home's structure and system details.)

Here's how the solar PV plan works. When you're away during the day, the power you're not using goes to our electric grid through a net metering agreement, and you receive a credit on your electric bill. When the sun goes down, you'll buy your electricity from us. You save on your electric bill, and Jackson EMC can reduce peak electric requirements.

PV cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon, the most commonly used. When light hits the cell, a portion of it is absorbed into the semiconductor material. The absorbed light produces energy that is transferred to the semiconductor, freeing electrons. PV cells have an electric field that forces the freed electrons to flow in a certain direction, producing a current. Metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cells allow us to pull the current to use as electricity.

Solar Water Heating

Solar thermal water heating process uses the sun's energy directly to heat water. An absorber panel is normally placed on your rooftop. Tubes inside the panel heat the transfer fluid flowing through them. This warmed fluid goes through the heat exchanger in your storage tank, heating the water in the tank. A solar water heating system can cost about $6,000 to $8,000 before rebates and tax credits.

Jackson EMC Offers Rebates, Financing

Choosing an accredited installer and certified system will earn Jackson EMC members a $450 water heating rebate and a rebate of $450 for each kilowatt of solar panels, up to a maximum of 10 kW. Check with your tax consultant about federal and state tax credits. State tax credits are limited and will be unavailable once the yearly allocation is exhausted, so it's important to get your tax credits reserved quickly.

Amy Bryan, Jackson EMC residential marketing director, says Jackson EMC's rebate program will help with the financial investment. "Members should check the Jackson EMC web site for program details to make sure they qualify for our rebate, says Bryan." We're supporting the installation of solar electric and solar thermal products because they help preserve the environment for Georgia and help Jackson EMC manage our load growth strategically and cost effectively."

The Associated Credit Union will partner with Jackson EMC to offer a 5-year loan to finance up to $40,000 towards these energy-saving investments. Whether you choose Solar Thermal Water Heating or Solar Electric PV panels, financial assistance is available.

Go to www.jacksonemc.com/solar to download Jackson EMC's process to receive the rebate and get more information and recommendations on system sizing, contractors and more. You can also call your local office to be connected to a residential marketing representative who will walk you through the process and help get you connected with an accredited installer.