123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 134		LR 763(02)
	An Act To Encourage the Use of Solar Energy
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "   "
	Committee: Utilities and Energy
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This legislation authorizes the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to revise rebate levels for solar thermal systems and solar photovoltaic systems to encourage consumer participation.  Current law provides for a rebate of 25% of the cost of a solar thermal system or $1,250 whichever is less and for rebates of $3 per watt on the first 2,000 watts of installed capacity and $1 per watt for the next 1,000 watts for a solar photovoltaic system.  Allowing the PUC flexibility to set the rebates is intended to increase use of the solar thermal rebate program and allow wider participation at lower rebate amounts for the photovoltaic rebate program.  The bill does not change the assessments on transmission and distribution utilities that fund the program.  The PUC has a proposed solar rebate budget of $500,000 in fiscal year 2007-08 and $250,000 in fiscal year 2008-09 contained in the Governor's 2008-09 Biennial Budget.