The following important changes to the renewable energy incentive program (REIP) are effective for solar rebate applications submitted during 2009 and 2010.

All Residential systems are required to get a basic energy audit by a home performance with ENERGY STAR® (HPwES) auditor. This audit is no longer subsidized by the HPwES program.  Once the audit is complete, the auditor and customer will sign and submit the following documentation with the final paperwork packet in order to receive the full rebate of $1.75 per watt for completing the energy efficiency requirements verses $1.55 per watt for not completing the energy efficiency requirements:

• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Quality Control and Evaluation Agreement
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Data Collection Form

These documents are available on the application forms page.

Non-Residential Systems have no energy efficiency requirements.

Residential systems less than or equal to 10kW are required to get an energy efficiency audit that includes the blower door test. A home performance with ENERGY STAR auditor can conduct the audit and perform air sealing to the specifications of the NJ HPwES renewable energy air sealing installation & materials standard . The standard prioritizes air sealing for the attic and attached garages. These services are no longer subsidized by the HPwES program. Once the audit and recommended air sealing are complete, the auditor and customer will sign and submit the following documentation with the final paperwork packet in order to receive the full rebate of $1.75 per watt for completing the energy efficiency requirements verses $1.55 per watt for not completing the energy efficiency requirements:

• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Quality Control and Evaluation Agreement
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Data Collection Form
• Air Sealing Report
• Test Out Form

These documents are available on the application forms page.

Residential systems greater than 10 kW are required to get an energy audit that includes the blower door test and fulfill the requirements of the comprehensive package of the home performance with ENERGY STAR program by implementing at least two measures identified in the audit report. The audit is no longer subsidized by the HPwES program, but the two measures may be eligible for incentives.  Learn more about HPwES incentives and eligibility. Once the audit and two measures are complete, the auditor and customer will sign and submit the following documentation and the final paperwork packet in order to receive the $1.75 per watt rebate. If the applicant fails to complete these energy efficiency requirements and provide appropriate documentation they will not receive a rebate.

• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Quality Control and Evaluation Agreement
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Data Collection Form
• Air Sealing Report (if air sealing is one of the two measures)
• Test out form
• Certificate of Completion for the two measure implemented
• Paid invoice or signed contract identifying the two measures, when they were performed and costs

Non-Residential systems are required to get an energy audit through one of the three programs in the commercial, industrial and local government energy efficiency programs:

• Local Government Energy Audit Program: 
  A copy of the application approval letter or notice

• Direct Install Program:
  A copy of the work order for the energy efficiency work proposed from the contractor that provided the audit.

• Pay for Performance Program:
  A copy of the energy reduction plan

Residential systems 10kW or less have no energy efficiency requirements.

Residential systems greater than 10kW are required to get an energy audit that includes the blower door test and fulfills the requirements of the comprehensive package of the home performance with ENERGY STAR program by implementing at least two measures identified in the audit report. The audit is no longer subsidized by the HPwES program, but the two measures may be eligible for incentives.  Learn more about HPwES incentives and eligibility.  Air sealing can be one of the two measures.  Once the audit and two measures are complete, the auditor and customer will sign and submit the following documentation with the final paperwork packet in order to receive the $1.35 per watt rebate. If the applicant fails to complete these energy efficiency requirements and provide appropriate documentation they will not receive a rebate. 

• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Quality Control and Evaluation Agreement
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Data Collection Form
• Air Sealing Report (if air sealing is one of the two measures)
• Test out form
• Certificate of Completion for the two measures implemented
• Paid invoice or signed contract identifying the two measures, when they were performed and costs

Non-Residential systems have no energy efficiency requirements.

Residential and non-residential systems have no energy efficiency requirements.