CA (AB):Growing Forward 2's On-farm solar PV program reopens
“All the information about the program, and all the necessary forms, including the application form, and the terms and conditions, are available on the program webpage as well as is our contact number and email,” says Kelly Lund, project engineer, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Edmonton. “The program provides funding towards solar PV systems on Alberta farms, and helps enable producers to conserve non-renewable fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions, ultimately reducing the environmental footprint of Alberta's agriculture industry.”
Lund says that, with the reopening of the program, there are a few revisions to the terms and conditions. “We really encourage potential applicants to read through them to be sure they understand the changes to the program.”
One requirement that has not changed is that, prior to applying to the program, a producer will have to have already received a micro generation preapproval from their distribution wires owner that covers each system they are applying for.
As far as the program limits of the program, a potential applicant can still make applications for multiple site IDs on their properties, but the program limit of 100 kW or $50,000 (whichever comes first) is still per applicant and not per site ID. “As well, retroactive projects from April 2013 are still eligible, if they meet all other system requirements.”
Lund says there have been a few questions about the energy assessments step. “The criteria for an energy assessment, the list of pre-approved assessors, and the possibility of grant funding for the actual assessment, fall under the On-Farm Energy Management program. If people are interested, they can find the details on that program page. As far as the solar PV program goes, an energy assessment is completely optional, and at this time not required, to be able to participate.”
Producers that have a completed energy assessment, and are interested in applying to the solar PV grant program need to submit a copy of the assessment report with their solar PV application to be eligible for the higher rate.
“These on-farm energy assessments are such a valuable tool for operators to see where they are at in terms of current energy use, and to plan where they could go in terms of energy management and savings, that we strongly recommend them on their own merit, and as a starting place for efficiency planning,” says Lund. “The fact that an assessment creates an opportunity for a higher grant rate under the solar PV program is just an added bonus.”
Lund adds the on-farm solar PV program’s budget is in good shape. “We anticipate the program will be open for the full year, which means potential applicants can take their time to plan a solid project. They even have time to complete an energy assessment if they want, and still have the program there for them when they are ready to submit.”
For more information:
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Kelly Lund
780-644-1197
Kelly.Lund@agriculture.ab.ca
www.growingforward.alberta.ca