Updates to Solar PV Incentives in 2020

Participation in the residential Solar PV offerings at the end of 2019 and the start of 2020 has led to unprecedented incentive subscription. Because of this, it is necessary to re-evaluate the incentive structure in order to provide incentives through the end of the year. Some changes that are being put in place include:

• FOCUS ON ENERGY® has added additional dollars to the residential incentive fund. The additional incentive funding is reflected on the website. Further shifts in funding may take place later in the year, but is not guaranteed.
• Effective immediately:
• Incentive levels for projects with existing reservations will remain the same.
• For new reservations and for all projects without a reservation that complete on or after June 1, 2020:
  • The incentive for residential systems will be reduced from $300 to $200 per kW up to $1,000.
  • The incentive for commercial systems will also be reduced.
  • See the renewable incentive page for full incentives available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my project is delayed due to permit or inspection delays related to COVID-19? Will the Program offer extensions for deadlines on existing reservations?
Existing reservations may be extended at Focus on Energy’s discretion. If you have a project that will miss the deadline, please contact Focus on Energy at 855.339.8866 prior to the expiration of the reservation. We will need to know project name, project start date, reason for delay and expected finish date.

If I submit a reservation form tomorrow, but I completed prior to June 1, what incentive will I receive?
You will receive the higher incentive.

Does this change affect the rural or agricultural producer bonus?
No. Those bonuses remain unchanged at this time.

How quickly do I need to submit an application after a project is completed?
For projects with a reservation, the application must be received by Focus on Energy prior to the expiration of the reservation. For projects without a reservation, you must submit the application within 60 days of completion of install interconnect. Applications received after the 60 days may be subject to reduced or denied incentives. We encourage you to use the online application to submit for faster tracking and processing of your incentive.

I submitted an application prior to this announcement. Will I receive the higher incentive?
If you have a reservation on file with Focus on Energy, you will have until the expiration date to install and submit the incentive application. If you do not have a reservation, the system would need to be installed before June 1, 2020 in order to receive the higher incentive.

I quoted a customer recently. Now, do I have to go back and change my quote because the incentive has changed?
Unfortunately, you will, unless the project will be completed prior to June 1, 2020. The alternative would be for Focus on Energy to end the incentive offering early at current rates, leaving less for your future customers.

How long is the reservation good for?
The reservation is 90 days for residential systems and 180 days for commercial systems. You have that amount of time to install, interconnect and submit the incentive application. Even if the system was completed before the expiration date, the incentive application must also be received by Focus on Energy on or before the expiration date. We encourage you to use the online application to submit for faster processing of your incentive.

How long will these incentive rates stay in effect?
Focus on Energy anticipates these incentive rates will stay in effect until the end of 2021, coinciding with the end of the Investment Tax Credit. We are, however, keeping an eye on the market and may adjust rates as necessary.

We understand that this is a difficult change for both our Trade Ally contractors and their current customers, and this is not something that we take lightly. However, it is a necessary step to avoid shutting down the offering prematurely. Please reach out to us with further questions.