| Sterling Planet Receives Solar Energy Grant |
| State of Georgia providing incentives for solar development |
Atlanta, GA, December 17, 2009 - Sterling Planet, Inc. is one of 14 solar energy project developers selected to receive a total of $4.5 million in rebate funds through Georgia's new Clean Energy Property Rebate Program. Launched earlier this year, the program is funding development of new solar projects as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and House Bill 473. HB473 passed during the 2009 session of the Georgia General Assembly, and the legislation was signed by Governor Sonny Perdue in April.
"The Clean Energy Rebate Program is providing incentives in solar energy," said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. "The use of solar energy is growing in Georgia, and these incentives help to promote solar as a viable source of renewable energy in our state."
HB473 created a commercial energy rebate program for solar, wind, energy efficiency and geothermal heat pump projects. Funding was contingent on the availability of federal stimulus dollars from the ARRA. In September, GEFA received $82.5 million in ARRA funds for the State Energy Program (SEP). Of the total amount awarded to the SEP, GEFA obligated $4.5 million for the Clean Energy Rebate Program.
The Clean Energy Rebate Program offsets up to 35 percent of the cost of installing renewable energy property or implementing lighting retrofits or building efficiency upgrades, subject to a maximum cap that varies depending on the technology installed.
Governor Perdue has committed all state agencies to reduce energy consumption per square foot in state facilities to 15 percent below FY2007 levels by 2020. The Clean Energy Property Rebate Program will help the state meet the Governor's Energy Challenge, which is a voluntary program encouraging businesses, individuals, not-for-profits, schools and local governments to meet the state's goal and to reduce their energy consumption by 15 percent. Meeting this goal will reduce Georgia's dependence on traditional energy sources, support the economy and improve the environment.
|
|
|