The PV Reinvestment Fund has been created by a collaboration of clean
electricity buyers and sellers. Together, Interface Fabrics Group (IFG),
Maine Interfaith Power and Light, Inc. (MeIPL), and the Bonneville
Environmental Foundation (BEF) have launched the fund with contributions
totaling $20,000, derived entirely from sales of clean energy products.
The Maine State Energy Program (MSEP), a division of the Maine Public
Utilities Commission, provided funds for project staff and Maine Energy
Investment Corporation (MEIC) is managing the Fund. The program targets
Maine nonprofits, which can use Maine solar rebates but not the available
federal tax credits.
"We know that clean electricity helps clean up Maine's air," said Erika
Morgan, program organizer of the Maine Energy Investment Corporation (MEIC).
"Now, by plowing some of their clean electricity sales into new solar
systems, these organizations are helping more Mainers make the clean
energy switch. They want to show more people how beneficial and available
these new, clean technologies are."
The Fund will provide small installation grants for solar electric systems
on Maine nonprofits organizations and small businesses. Applicants may
apply for grants of up to $3,000, at the rate of $1 per watt of new solar
capacity and may combine these grants with applicable State and federal
solar incentives.
Interface Fabrics started the ball rolling in 2003, with a major purchase
of BEF "Green Tags." A small amount of revenue from this sale was set
aside to encourage more clean energy production in Maine. "While Interface
Fabrics has long been on a mission to reduce its own environmental impact,
the company also wants to create a clear path for others to follow," said
Paul Bennotti, director of strategic marketing for Interface Fabrics.
Interface and BEF jointly made a substantial contribution to get the Fund
started.
Maine's most active green power retailer has contributed as well. Harry
Brown, Executive Director of Maine Interfaith Power and Light, Inc., said
that for every sale of clean electricity they have made since 2003, they
set aside a portion of those revenues to help put solar power on Maine
roofs.
Bonneville Environmental Foundation was one of the country's first retail
marketers of renewable energy credits (RECs), which it calls Green Tags.
The foundation launched its Green Tag products in 2000, and has since
become one of the most widely supported national green power options.
"We have a particular affinity for our partners in Maine," said Tom
Starrs, BEF's vice president for marketing and sales. "Interface Fabrics
liked our emphasis on supporting local projects, and both MEIC and MeIPL
have been very innovative and collaborative in creating the PV
Reinvestment Fund. We look forward to getting more new, renewable power
generation on the ground in Maine with this program."