(Maine) Governor signs bill to promote solar energy

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http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2005/06/29/governor_signs_bill_to_promote_solar_energy/

AUGUSTA, Maine --Saying he hopes to make Maine more energy independent as Independence Day approaches, Gov. John Baldacci signed legislation Wednesday to encourage the use of solar energy by offering rebates on installations of solar hot water and power systems.

"This takes us in the direction the rest of the country ought to follow," Baldacci said during a bill-signing ceremony under hazy conditions in a courtyard behind the State House, where a collection of solar panels awaited installation on the roof of the nearby State Museum.

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For a solar water heating system with an estimated cost of $5,000, the rebate would be $1,250, which is also the maximum rebate allowed for those systems. For a $24,000 solar electric system that has installed capacity of 2,400 watts, the rebate would be $6,400. Qualified installers must set up the systems.

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No new money is raised for the solar rebate fund, which is capped at $500,000 per year. Nagusky said the money comes from an existing conservation surcharge on electric utility bills.

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