For Release:
May 15, 2008

For more information contact:
Tom Lacock
Senior Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Wyoming Business Council
Office: 307.777.2834

Tom Fuller
Manager, State Energy Programs
Wyoming Business Council
Office: 307.777.2804

Residential Photovoltaic program seeks applicants

CHEYENNE – The June 16 application deadline is quickly approaching for the Residential Photovoltaics Grant program through the Wyoming Business Council’s State Energy Program.

The application process opens on June 2 and runs for two weeks. Applications may be submitted by email, Fax, regular mail or hand delivery between June 2 and 5 p.m., June 16.

Each year the Wyoming Business Council funds 25 residential photovoltaic grants to promote the use of solar electric systems. This is the twelfth year of the Residential Photovoltaic program, which can help offset the cost of running distribution lines to remote locations or can help promote individual energy independence. According to Wyoming Business Council Manager of State Energy Program Tom Fuller, the program complements the federal renewable energy tax credit to further reduce the cost of residential photovoltaic installations. He added that Wyoming has a net metering rule that requires utilities to allow installation of self-produced power systems within their installation guidelines.

“This is a great program for people who are off the grid and using generators or those who need a method to avoid the cost of a utility distribution line,” said Fuller. “Others are attracted to the program for the environmental benefits of producing electricity through photovoltaics.”

The grants cover half the cost of installing a system up to $3,000. The grant is for the installation of new systems or the expansion of existing systems.

The requirements for the grant application include: Wyoming residency, the mailing address of the applicant and the physical address where the system will be installed.
If there are more than 25 applications after the close of the application period, a random drawing will be done to determine which applicants receive grants.

For more information or to apply for the program, contact Fuller at 307.777.2804 or tom.fuller@wybusiness.org.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

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