SolarPLUS Details

SolarPLUS GU Residential Solar & Battery Rebate Pilot Program

Eligible Customer Class(es): Residential

Description

GU’s SolarPlus is a pilot program that aims to make solar + storage more affordable to GU customers while allowing Groton Utilities to test the impacts of distributed solar and batteries on grid stability and peak demand reductions.

The GU SolarPlus rebate program offers significant incentives to GU Electrical Customers who install new solar panels and battery storage systems in tandem.

The SolarPlus program offers rebates to qualifying customers who install a grid-connected solar systems at their home that is less than 12 kilowatts (kW/AC) in size. GU will provide administrative support throughout the progression of the project.

Incentive Amount: $1,000 per kilowatt

Maximum Incentive: Not to exceed 50% of total installed (labor and materials) costs excluding tax up to $10,000.

Rebate Limitations: Rebates will be limited to 12 kW/AC in system size per demand account (meter).

Eligible Products/Equipment

  • Photovoltaic
    • PV systems up to 12 kW AC in size.
    • All equipment must be UL listed.
    • Equipment must come with a 20-year or greater manufacturer’s performance warranty.
    • The system cannot have an aggregate value of more than 30% shading.
    • An automatic switch that disconnects from the grid in the event of a power failure. An AC safety disconnect switch must be installed at a location approved by the GU between the inverter and the electrical panel. GU must have access to the disconnect switch at all times. GU may temporarily disconnect the system to facilitate planned or emergency work.

Other Requirements

  • System must be fully owned (purchased/financed) by the customer of record - 3rd party ownership and/or energy re-sale is not permitted within the GU territory.
  • GU interconnection pre-approval of solar system one line drawing is required.
  • The rebate must be reserved prior to system installation (rebate reservation). 
  • An GU Utility Authorization Number (UAN) is required. 
  • A Town / City Wiring Inspection is required post-installation (A Town / City Electrical Permit is a prerequisite to the wiring inspection). 
  • GU inspection is required post-installation.

Process Steps/Required Documentation


1. Apply for Interconnection - GU’s Engineering Division must approve interconnection to GU's distribution system prior to system installation. To be considered for interconnection into the electric system learn about the interconnection process and complete the Interconnection Application.

  • Completed Interconnection Application Form
  • One-Line Diagram
  • Solar Panel Manufacturer’s Specifications
  • Inverter Manufacturer’s Specifications
  • Layout Sketch/Site Plan
  • Engineering Analysis (if any/available)
  • Obtain a Utility Interconnection Reference Number (IRN) upon the authorization to construct has been approved.

2. Apply for Rebate Reservation - Download and fill out the SolarPlus Pilot Program Rebate Application (GU account number and IRN are needed to apply).  Once complete, upload the following documents via the Online Rebate Portal:

  • Completed SolarPlus Pilot Program Rebate Application (Include IRN)
  • Proof of Property Ownership (tax bill or copy of deed)
  • Shade Study (some shading analyses options: Solmetric SunEye, Solar Pathfinder, Wiley ASSET Software, Aurora software with LIDAR data available, Bright Harvest, Scanifly, and others)
  • Solar Contract between Homeowner and Contractor
  • Interconnection Agreement signed between the City of Groton Dept of Utilities and the homeowner/generator.
  • Financial/Loan Documentation (if applicable)
  • Tree Removal Attestation (if applicable)

3. Receive Rebate Reservation - After the project is reviewed and the interconnection has been approved, the following will be sent to the customer and/or contractor:

  • Rebate Reservation Confirmation Letter - Indicates the rebate amount and project completion deadline

4. System Installation - Once rebate reservation has been received; system installation can begin. The installation must be completed within six (6) months from when rebate reservation is received. Be sure to obtain the necessary electrical permits from the Town / City where the system is being installed prior to proceeding with installation.

5. System Inspection - At the completion of the installation, a site inspection must be performed by the Town’s / City’s Wiring Inspector. Once complete, upload the following document to the Online Rebate Portal:

  • GU Certificate of Completion (signed by town / City wiring inspector)

The GU may visit the site to inspect the system after the Certificate of Completion is received. GU technical services will then install the GU bi-directional meter at the system. Once complete, GU will issue the Permission to Operate Letter to the customer and contractor.

6. Submit Completion Documents - Upload the following documents to the Online Rebate Portal for the rebate to be processed for payment:

  • Proof of Payment (invoice from installer or loan document)
  • Change Forms (if applicable)
  • Updated Shade Report and Paid Tree Removal Invoice (if applicable)

Application Deadline: Completion documents must be received within six (6) months from the date of issue of the Rebate Reservation Letter.

Payment Method: Rebate will be issued as a check to the customer of record.