Solar photovoltaic rebate initiative (SPRI)

November 29, 2018

Solar photovoltaic panels convert light energy from the sun into electrical energy which you can use in your home. A device called an inverter conditions the electricity from the solar panels so  it  is  compatible with  your appliances  and can be exported back into the electrical grid when  the  panels  produce more electricity than you  need.  The  inverter also ensures the system operates safely by automatically disconnecting the system from the electrical grid when necessary.

Solar photovoltaic panels contain no moving parts to wear out, break or replace and therefore minimal maintenance is required to keep the system running. The systems are robust, modular and can be installed almost anywhere, they produce no noise, harmful emissions or polluting gases during normal operation.

Although solar energy is free, solar photovoltaic systems are not, so the Department of Energy has created the Solar Photovoltaic Rebate Initiative (SPRI) to help offset some of the associated costs. The funds are limited, so participation in the SPRI will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Who is Eligible for the Rebate?

The SPRI is available to residents of Bermuda who wish to install a solar photovoltaic generation system on a residential dwelling which they own provided that the ARV is $120,000 or less. This rebate was launched on October 11th, 2018. Installations in receipt of a certificate of occupancy prior to this date will not be considered for a rebate.

SPRI Allowance

The SPRI applicant will be awarded on a tiered basis:

ARV value	Solar PV rebate
0 > $30,000	$2/Watt, up to $8K
$30,001 > $65,000	$1/Watt, up to $4K
$65,001 > $120,000	$1/Watt, up to $2K

Only one SPRI application will be allowed per assessment number. Once you have selected a participating installer, they should be able to assist you in determining the exact amount for which you are eligible.

Solar Photovoltaic Quality Standards and Installer Certification

All solar photovoltaic panels used for the SPRI must be UL 1703 listed and inverters must comply with IEEE

1547 and UL 1741. The manufacturer of solar photovoltaic panels used for the SPRI should also provide a multi-year warranty on their performance and structural integrity.

Installations should be carried out  by  a  participating  solar  photovoltaic  installer.  They should be able to  assist  you  in determining if solar technology is right for your home and help you with the SPRI and Planning application processes.

SPRI Application Procedure

The steps below provide guidance on the required Government processes for securing permission to have a solar photovoltaic system installed and payment to be made through SPRI, if eligible.

• Step 1: Select an experienced/reputable installer
• Step 2: Submit the following applications:
  • SPRI Application  to the Department of Energy
  • You should expect to be assigned a reference number for your project, which is what confirms the availability of funds for your project.
  • Estimated Process Time: 1 Week

If the total collector area is 1,000 square feet or less and not located within a required setback submit the following application (call the Department of Planning if unsure of setback requirements):

• Permitted Development Permit to the Department of Planning
• Estimated Cost: $240
• Estimated Process Time: 5 Working Days

If the total collector area is more than 1,000 square feet submit the following application to the Department of Planning:

• DAP1  planning application for development as well as the following documents:
  • 4 x Lcation plans, showing the property outlined in red and access to the site highlighted in yellw
  • 4 x Site plans, shwing the position of the proposed system in relation to boundaries, buildings and existing vegetatin.
  • 4 x elevatin plans and/or photo montage, showing what the panels will look like
  • 3 x Cmpleted DAP1 applicatins forms, including details of the system dimensions, height, construction type and clour.
  • A letter f acknowledgement signed by the owner of an adjacent prperty located within a required setback (call the Department of Planning if unsure of setback requirements)
  • Estimated Cost: $350 *(A retroactive application fee costs $6,000)
  • Estimated Process Time: 4 – 6 weeks
• Building Permit application to the Department of Planning once the system is approved
• Estimated Process Time: 2 weeks

Installation

Once a building permit has been issued, (either a Permitted Development Permit or DAP1), various mandatory inspections by a building inspector are required during the system installation process.

The documentation that accompanies the building permit contains information for the mandatory required inspections.

The Department of Planning will issue a Certificate of Completion and Occupancy once the system has been installed to the required standards as determined during the inspection process. BELCO can then connect you to the grid.

Submit an SPRI Payment Application Form  to the Department of Energy,

with copies of your Certificate of Occupancy and Completion. The Department of Energy cannot issue any payment without that Certificate.

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