Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Energy Efficiency Retrofits & Weatherization for Commercial Buildings

  • Energy Savings Potential
  • Retrofit Business Buildings
  • Financing Structures
  • Policy and Regulatory Factors

An Energy-efficient Retrofit is any improvement to a building which increases its overall energy efficiency.

The following are examples of energy-efficient retrofits which we perform:

  • Commercial solar electric installations
  • Commercial solar thermal installations
  • Air-sealing your building’s thermal boundary
  • Installing dense-pack cellulose insulation
  • Loose-fill cellulose insulation
  • High-density spray urethane foam insulation
  • Installing replacement windows and doors
  • Sizing and installing proper ventilation
  • Industrial Capacitors
  • HVAC Replacement

At Arizona Energy Pros, we use our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, building science training, and building expertise to not only find the problem areas in your commercial building, but to fix them. Furthermore, we conduct a “test-out” procedure (similar to the initial evaluation process) to verify the success of the energy-efficient retrofit.

Several substantial, durable drivers are expanding the potential market for energy efficiency retrofits in commercial buildings, which can provide energy savings from 10% to more than 50%. In addition to cost savings, energy retrofits are attractive for purposes of greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, energy independence, green branding, property valuation, and productivity. However, the actual market is small compared to its potential, due to an assortment of barriers within various industry segments.

The best-funded opportunities for energy retrofits today are major upgrades in commercial buildings, especially from APS, SRP and TEP. Call 480-420-7869 now to take advantage of the available rebates in energy efficiency upgrades. 

Key questions addressed:

  • Where are the biggest opportunities to save energy cost?
  • How could federal and state legislation affect your energy efficiency retrofit?
  • Which retrofit practices are most cost-effective and value-enhancing?

Air-sealing is simply closing holes, cracks, and gaps where air passes into or out of your building. On hot and cold days, you pay money to operate an air-conditioner, boiler or furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature in your building. A house that leaks air costs more to heat or cool because your heating or cooling system must work longer to “condition” the air. Sitting by such leaks, creates an uncomfortable sensation because the room feels hotter or colder. Sealing air leaks will allow you maintain your building at a comfortable temperature year-round, and help lower energy bills.

The biggest holes are most often found in the attic. These air leaks communicate with other parts of the building assembly in hidden and sometimes unexpected ways. Spray foam, dense-packed cellulose, caulking, and weather-stripping are the most common materials used for air sealing.

Most buildings are not well air-sealed, even new ones.

Arizona ROC License #255816 (C-11), #263121 (L-11)
Address:
3143 E Greenway Rd #601
Phoenix, Az 85032
Phone: 480-420-7869 or 877-481-9182
Email: admin@aepros.com
Web Site: http://www.aepros.com


View Larger Map


Commercial Lighting

Upgrade To Energy Efficient Lighting

Commercial LightingRegulations in 2012 will take effect, creating new energy standards for selected linear T5, T8 and T12 lamps. The net result, with few exceptions, is a majority of 4-ft. linear and 2-ft. U-shaped T12, many 8-ft. T12 and T12HO, and some low-color-rendering 4-ft. T8 lamps will be eliminated. This means that by July of 2012 replacement lamps for the majority of installed fluorescent lighting will no longer be available.

As distributors deplete their inventories, owners of buildings containing these obsolete lighting systems have a strong incentive to begin upgrading as soon as possible. APS, SRP and TEP have rebates in place to help business owners with the upgrades.

The sensible solution is a lighting upgrade that addresses both efficiency and lighting quality. While upgrading fixtures, consider the range of advanced lighting control solutions suitable for existing buildings—occupancy sensors. Many older lighting systems, however, would benefit from a comprehensive redesign, which would dramatically expand control options to extend energy savings as well as flexibility.

Let one of our energy experts help you in this transition.

Call for a free quote now! 480-420-7869

Why Make the Switch?

Some replacement fluorescent lamps and ballasts will no longer be available. As of July 1st, 2010, the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibited the manufacture of T-12 magnetic ballasts solely for replacement purposes. And on July 1st 2012, production of most T12 lamps will be phased out, following new DOE fluorescent lamp regulations.

What’s the Hurry?

There are currently large financial incentives offered through government and local utilities programs that reward those who act now. APS, SRP and TEP have plenty of rebates and incentives for upgrading your lighting fixtures.

What Incentives Are Available for Me?

Rebates and incentives vary by utility and the type of fixtures your are replacing. Please call for more information.

Arizona ROC License #255816 (C-11), #263121 (L-11)
Address:
3143 E Greenway Rd #601
Phoenix, Az 85032
Phone: 480-420-7869 or 877-481-9182
Email: admin@aepros.com
Web Site: http://www.aepros.com


View Larger Map


Lighting Retrofits

Upgrade To Energy Efficient Lighting

Commercial LightingRegulations in 2012 will take effect, creating new energy standards for selected linear T5, T8 and T12 lamps. The net result, with few exceptions, is a majority of 4-ft. linear and 2-ft. U-shaped T12, many 8-ft. T12 and T12HO, and some low-color-rendering 4-ft. T8 lamps will be eliminated. This means that by July of 2012 replacement lamps for the majority of installed fluorescent lighting will no longer be available.

As distributors deplete their inventories, owners of buildings containing these obsolete lighting systems have a strong incentive to begin upgrading as soon as possible. APS, SRP and TEP have rebates in place to help business owners with the upgrades.

The sensible solution is a lighting upgrade that addresses both efficiency and lighting quality. While upgrading fixtures, consider the range of advanced lighting control solutions suitable for existing buildings—occupancy sensors. Many older lighting systems, however, would benefit from a comprehensive redesign, which would dramatically expand control options to extend energy savings as well as flexibility.

Let one of our energy experts help you in this transition.

Call for a free quote now! 480-420-7869

Why Make the Switch?

Some replacement fluorescent lamps and ballasts will no longer be available. As of July 1st, 2010, the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibited the manufacture of T-12 magnetic ballasts solely for replacement purposes. And on July 1st 2012, production of most T12 lamps will be phased out, following new DOE fluorescent lamp regulations.

What’s the Hurry?

There are currently large financial incentives offered through government and local utilities programs that reward those who act now. APS, SRP and TEP have plenty of rebates and incentives for upgrading your lighting fixtures.

What Incentives Are Available for Me?

Rebates and incentives vary by utility and the type of fixtures your are replacing. Please call for more information.

Arizona ROC License #255816 (C-11), #263121 (L-11)
Address:
3143 E Greenway Rd #601
Phoenix, Az 85032
Phone: 480-420-7869 or 877-481-9182
Email: admin@aepros.com
Web Site: http://www.aepros.com


View Larger Map


Arizona Power Service (APS)

Arizona Power Service
APS – Renewable Energy Incentive Program


Last DSIRE Review: 1/20/2011
Program Overview:
State: Arizona
Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Electric, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar HVAC, Solar Pool Heating, Daylighting, Anaerobic Digestion, Small Hydroelectric, Other Distributed Generation Technologies
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Amount: PV incentives may be de-rated based on expected performance
Grid-tied residential PV: $0.60watt; see below for more information
Off-grid residential PV (less than 5 kW): $1.50/watt DC;
Grid-tied non-residential PV up to 30 kW: $1.75/W
Grid-tied non-residential PV over 30 kW: production-based incentive (PBI)
Off-grid non-residential PV: $1.35/W DC or PBI
Residential/small solar water heating: $0.50/kWh of estimated first-year savings
Non-residential solar water heating: up to $0.75/kWh of estimated first-year savings
Large solar water heating and solar HVAC systems: production based incentive
Solar Daylighting: $0.20/kWh estimated first year savings
Grid-tied wind systems (residential and non-residential):$2.25/W
Off-grid wind systems (residential and non-residential):$1.80/W Other renewables: performance-based incentive
Maximum Incentive: PV: 50% of project costs. Up-front incentive payment is limited to $75,000
SWH: 50% of system costs
Eligible System Size: Minimum for off-grid systems: 5 kW
Maximum for large PV: 2 MW
Under the small SWH system incentive, systems must have OG-300 ratings of 10,000 kWh per year energy savings. “Large” SWH systems have minimum 5,000 kWh/yr. estimated energy savings
Equipment Requirements: SWH systems must be certified to SRCC OG-300 standards
Installation Requirements: PV systems must be installed by a licensed contractor holding one or more of the following certifications with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors: C-11, K-11, L-11.
SWH systems must be installed by a licensed contractor holding one or more of the following certifications with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, C-37, C-37R, K-77, K-78, L-77, L-78.
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: APS
Funding Source: RES Surchage
Web Site: http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/choice_23.html?source=hme
Summary:

Through the Renewable Incentive Program, Arizona Public Service (APS) offers customers who install various renewable energy sources the opportunity to sell the credits associated with the energy generated to APS. Previously, APS only provided incentives for solar technologies, but they expanded the list of qualified renewables in 2008 to include all technologies eligible for Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES). The solar technologies eligible for a rebate include photovoltaic (PV), solar hot water, solar HVAC and solar daylighting systems. Up-front incentives for PV may be de-rated based on expected performance. Renewable energy systems are eligible for the following credit amounts:

  • Grid-tied PV (residential): $.60
  • Grid-tied PV (non-residential): Upto $1.75
  • Off-grid PV (residential): $1.50
  • Off-grid PV (non-residential): $1.35
  • Solar hot water systems (residential): $0.50/kWh estimated first-year energy savings based on OG-300 ratings, up to 50% of the system’s cost.
  • Solar hot water systems (commercial): Up to $0.75/kWh estimated first-year energy savings based on OG-300 ratings for small systems. For large SWH systems, customers can receive $0.45/kWh estimated first year energy savings, or may choose a 10, 15 or 20 year PBI. Incentives are limited to 50% of total system cost.
  • Solar HVAC systems (non-residential only):The incentive for the thermal energy delivered for cooling by a solar HVAC system is based on actual performance and ranges between $0.12/kWh-equivalent and $0.16.kWh equivalent. In addition, systems that incorporate solar thermal heating and/or solar thermal water heating are eligible for the large solar water heating PBI.
  • Solar Daylighting (non-residential only): $0.20/kWh anticipated first year savings.
  • Other solar technologies (non-residential only): PBI amount varies by contract length and technology.
  • Grid-tied wind systems (residential and non-residential):$2.25/W up to 50% of the system cost or $75,000; non-residential systems may opt for the PBI
  • Off-grid wind systems (residential and non-residential):$1.80/W up to 50% of the system cost or $75,000; non-residential systems may opt for the PBI
  • Other renewables installed by non-residential customers can apply to receive a PBI. APS will evaluate the project to determine if it is able to qualify renewable energy incentives.

APS recently established a net metering pilot program for systems of 100 kW-DC or less. Click here for more information.

Funds are assigned through a reservation process. All necessary forms can be downloaded from the program website.

APS is purchasing solar credits and renewable energy certificates to help the company meet the state’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES). Participating customers receive a one-time rebate or receive an incentive based on system output or kWh savings. APS will have access to the credits for the life of the RES program.


Contact:

Credit Purchase Program Customer Service Line
Arizona Public Service Company
Solar Energy Services
Mail Station 3161
P.O. Box 53933
Phoenix, AZ 85072-3999
Phone: (602) 328-1924
Fax: (602) 250-2724
E-Mail: renewables@aps.com

Trico Electric Cooperative

Trico Electric Cooperative

Trico – SunWatts Incentive Program

Last DSIRE Review: 08/01/2011
Program Overview:
State: Arizona
Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Amount: PV systems 10 kW or smaller: $1.50/watt DC
PV 10 kW – 1 MW: Performance-Based Incentive (competitive bid process)
Wind systems10 kW or smaller: $1.50/watt DC
PV 10 kW – 1 MW: Performance-Based Incentive (competitive bid process)
Solar water heaters: $0.40 per expected first year kWh savings
Eligible System Size: No restrictions specified
Equipment Requirements: PV and wind systems: Equipment must meet IEEE 929 standards, UL 1741 standards, and the NEC code; minimum 2-year warranty
Solar water heaters: Must be given an OG-300 rating by the National Solar Rating and Certification Corporation
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: Trico Electric Cooperative
Web Site: http://www.trico.coop/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&i
Summary:

SunWatts renewable energy rebate funds are temporarily exhausted. Trico is accepting rebate applications. All confirmed and approved applications are being placed on a rebate reservation list. When funding for the program becomes available, rebates will be paid according to one’s position on the reservation list AND a completed inspection. Applicants must complete their inspection within six months of their application date to maintain their reservation. Trico estimates the current wait time for rebate funding is approximately 12 months from the time of reserving a position on the reservation waiting list. 

Through the SunWatts Program, Trico Electric Cooperative offers residential and business customers a rebate for installing photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind-energy systems. The up-front rebate for PV systems and wind systems up to 10 kilowatts (kW) is $1.50 per watt-DC. These Systems may also opt for a production based incentive of $.068493 per kilowatt-hr (kWh) to be paid over 10 years instead on the up-front incentive.  Systems sized 10.1 kW or greater are only eligible for a performance based incentive negotiated on a case-by-case basis.  Eligible PV and wind energy systems may be either grid-tied or off-grid. Trico Electric Cooperative offers net metering to customers with a qualifying system which provides retail credit for any energy generated and used by the facility and pays wholesale rates for excess energy not used. Excess energy payments are made yearly. Trico Electric Cooperative also provides rebates equal to $0.40 per expected first year of kilowatt-hour savings for OG-300-certified solar water heating systems.


Contact:

SunWatts Program
Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc.
8600 W. Tangerine Road
Marana, AZ 85653
Phone: (520) 744-2944
E-Mail: sunwatts@trico.coop
Web Site: http://www.trico.coop

TEP Reduces Solar Rebate – 2012

Solar System by Arizona Energy Pros

TEP is running out of money for it’s historically generous solar program. TEP announced that the rebate will like stay at it’s $0.75 per watt incentive level. That’s amongst the lowest rebate in the state.

Solar incentives offered by Tucson Electric Power Co. (TEP)—at least in terms of commercial installations—have really taken off. Meanwhile, residential installations under the incentive programs are still somewhat behind. As such, the utility is seeking to reduce the total amount of solar incentives it offers for commercial developments in 2012, while leaving the amount for residential installations the same. That’s despite proposing to spend $8 million more on solar in 2012 than in 2011.

Tucson Electric Power Co. is asking state regulators to lower subsidies for residential customers who install solar arrays, saying the utility is running out of funding for the rebates amid a surge in demand.

Nearly 1,100 local homeowners have reserved TEP’s SunShare rebates for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems this year, surpassing the total number of residential solar power systems completed over the previous nine years combined, TEP said.

Solar installers are wary of the reduced incentive plan and caution that the steep reduction in commercial incentives could hurt the market.

“When they’re trying to fulfill their mandate, it doesn’t seem to me it’s in the interest of the whole spirit of it to put the kibosh on commercial [development],” Charlie O’Dowd, president of Abco/Westcap Solar told the Arizona Daily Star.


Rebates

Arizona Solar Rebates

SOLAR Rebates & Tax Incentives

You can expect to get back 50% – 75% of your money back from tax credits and utility rebates on a solar installation and energy efficiency upgrades.

Government and Utility Renewable Energy Incentives

There are many incentives available to encourage business owners to invest in renewable energy. These incentives come from federal, state, and local governments, as well as utilities. Incentives vary by state and utility program. These programs are designed to reward early investors of solar power. We’ll even file the required utility documents for you. These incentives enable your investment in solar to be profitable. The cost of buying your electricity from a utility supplier will never go down. Produce your own power, lock down your cost, and get returns on your dollar that is second to none. Arizona Solar Pros can help you determine which incentives are available for you. Here’s an informative authority further explaining the information below: www.dsireusa.org

Federal 30% Tax Credit. 

The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 extended the solar tax credit until December 31, 2016. In February 2009, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 removed the maximum credit amount for all eligible technologies. You now get a 30% Federal Tax Credit with no cap.

Federal 30% Grant 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R.1, included a Federal Grant for commercial solar systems. For 2009 and 2010 projects, solar projects that are eligible for depreciation or amortization (typically those owned by corporate tax filers) can receive a 30% upfront cash grant in lieu of the 30% tax credit. The Treasury Department administers the solar grant program and is required to pay out each solar grant within 60 days of the receipt of each application [not subject to federal tax [Section 1104]. The treasury grant can be assigned. Projects must be completed by 2016, but must be started in 2010.

Utility Rebates  

Rebates from utilities pay for as much as 60% of the cost of the system. Add in tax breaks, and that number can be as much as 85%. Rebates come in various forms depending on the utility company. Arizona Solar Pros can help you determine what is available for you, and then apply for the rebates.

Federal Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) 

Under the Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS), 26 USC § 168, businesses can recover investments in solar property through depreciation deductions. The MACRS establishes a set of class lives for various types of property, ranging from three to 50 years, over which the property may be depreciated. The current MACRS lifetime class is five years. The depreciation cost basis is 85% of the cost of the system, or the system cost less ½ of the 30% federal tax credit or grant.

Section 179 Deduction and Bonus Depreciation 

The ‘Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act’ of 2010 passed on a bipartisan Senate vote of 68-29 extending the enhanced Section 179 deductions of 2008 / 2009 into 2010. Businesses can now write-off up to $250,000 of qualified property during the 2010 tax year – subject to a phase-out if a business has capital expenditures exceeding $800,000. Please Note – The HIRE Act does not extend the 50% bonus depreciation that was available in the 2009 tax year. (The expired incentive is pending further legislation as the House approved an extension but the Senate has not.)

In conclusion, Arizona Solar Pros will work with your accountant or finance department. We can also help you find a financing solution that will meet your cash flow requirements. In most cases, we can find a solution that is net cash flow positive for the length of the loan or lease. This is an unprecedented opportunity that will pay for your electricity needs for decades.
Here are some websites you can visit to learn more about Arizona Solar Pros, CentroSolar, Rebates, Tax Incentives and Credits and Solar Power in general.

(APS)

http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/choice_66.html

(SRP)
www.srpnet.com/environment/earthwise/solar/default.aspx

(Florida Solar Energy Center)
www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/

(Data Base of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency)
www.dsireusa.org