2019-124 Solar Rebate Depleted FundsDate: June 14, 2019 Report No. 2019-124
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Solar Rebate Program Depleted Funds EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Denton Municipal Electric (DME) Solar Rebate Program (Program), a part of the City’s larger GreenSense Incentive Program, provides cash rebates for customers who install photovoltaic (solar) systems at their residences or businesses. This week, DME committed the last of the Program’s budgeted
funds for fiscal year 2018-2019. To date, 109 solar applications were submitted, three of which are for commercial customers; totaling in over 850 kilowatts. BACKGROUND: The Program was initially developed and implemented in January 2009. While the Program started with a $90,000 annual budget and a few small systems, it quickly grew in both scale and funding. From fiscal years 2009 to 2018, 222 separate systems were installed with over $2 million in rebates
distributed.
Over the years, the Program rebate was lowered to correspond to the decreasing price of solar panels. To accommodate the growing demand for solar installations, this fiscal year DME changed the rebate from a fixed to tiered amount. City Council also increased the Program budget to
$500,000, allowing more customers to take advantage of the rebate before funds were depleted.
STAFF CONTACTS:
Elizabeth Ruiz 940-349-7137 Elizabeth.Ruiz@cityofdenton.com
Chris Lutrick 940-349-7152 Chris.Lutrick@cityofdenton.com