The path to a healthier planet...

The path to a cleaner, healthier environment begins with

SunWattsTM, a program designed to help Trico members take

part in and benefit from renewable energy technologies.

June 2007
 Table of Contents

SunWatts: Frequently Asked Questions ........................................................ 3

Photovoltaic Technology Basics .................................................................... 4

SunWatts Residential/Small Commercial Rebate Program .......................... 6

SunWatts On-Grid PV System Rebate Enrollment Form ............................... 7

SunWatts Off-Grid PV System Rebate Enrollment Form .................................... 8

 Care of our environment is important to all of us, and we want to
preserve the earth for generations to come. Many people want
‘green’ energy alternatives to meet their electricity needs. That’s
where SunWatts can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SunWatts? Where does Trico get the money to fund

SunWatts is a renewable energy program de-
signed to help Trico members install solar (pho-
tovoltaic, or PV) energy equipment at their home
or small business.
With the SunWatts rebate program, Trico’s
residential and small commercial members can
receive a rebate of $4 per installed watt for quali-
fying PV systems installed on their homes or
small businesses, up to 50% the total cost of the
unit (up to 2,000 watts, or $8,000, for residential
systems; up to 5,000 watts, or $20,000, for small
business/commercial systems).
Why is Trico offering SunWatts to its
members?
Trico has a commitment to the community
as well as to protecting our environment. We
support alternatives to fossil-fuel based energy
generation such as solar, wind and biomass.
Why does Trico offer rebates only for solar
(photovoltaic) systems?
Arizona is one of the sunniest places in the
world so it makes sense to promote solar energy
as an alternative to traditional energy genera-
tion. In addition, policy makers at the state level
have strongly promoted solar energy technolo-
gies over other renewable options.
the SunWatts program?
Funding for the SunWatts program comes
from the Renewable Energy Standard Tariff
(REST), a surcharge placed on all members’
bills. This surcharge is mandated by the Arizona
Corporation Commission (ACC). All utilities
under the ACC’s jurisdiction must assess this
surcharge.
What else is Trico doing to promote
renewable energy?
Trico, in partnership with the other Arizona
not-for-profit electric cooperatives, look for
large-scale renewable projects that will ben-
efit our members. These projects include large
purchase-power agreements from renewable
energy generators and the installation of utility-
scale renewable energy generating units.
Why does green power cost more than
regular power?
While renewable energy sources like the sun
and win are abundant, the technology used to
harness them is still evolving. This translates
into a higher cost per watt than traditional sourc-
es of energy. As more people adopt renewable
energy and the technology advances, prices
should come down.

3
 Photovoltaic (PV) systems provide a flexible, ‘green’ option
for customers looking for electric generation systems for
their home or small business.
PV systems convert sunlight into electricity. Very simple PV
cells can be found in watches and calculators. More com-
plex systems can provide power to homes and even the
electric grid.

PV Basics

PV Applications of sun, the excessive temperatures in our desert

PV Systems have a number of useful ap-
plications, particularly in sunny climates like
Arizona. PV systems can be used to supplement
a homeowner’s regular electric power and they
can also be used in rural areas where it is cost
prohibitive to run an electric transmission line
to the customer’s site. PV systems also make
sense when only a small amount of electricity is
needed, such as in water pumping.
Off-grid and On-grid installations
PV systems can be installed either off-grid or
on-grid. Off-grid installations refer to those sys-
tems that are standalone and are not connected
to Trico’s system. On-grid, or grid-tied, systems
are those that tie in directly with Trico’s electric
grid.
PV — some considerations
PV systems do have some drawbacks. They
cost more than traditional generation, gener-
ally about $7 per installed watt depending on
the nature and complexity of the system. As an
example, a basic PV system for a residence can
cost anywhere from $12,000 to $16,000, more if
you wish to add storage devices like batteries.
And, even though Arizona has an abundance
climate can negatively affect a PV unit’s output.
A licensed, reputable solar contractor can com-
pensate for this degradation when selecting a PV
system for your home or business.
No two PV systems are alike since no two
installations have exactly the same needs. Much
depends on the size of the home or business
consuming the electricity as well as if the system
has a backup storage system, which carry ad-
ditional safety considerations. Only a licensed
solar contractor can advise you as to the actual
costs of the system that is right for your needs.
Components of a PV system
In a typical PV system, you will find a PV ar-
ray and a control center containing a DC to AC
inverter. Some people choose to add batteries to
their system so they can store the unit’s output
and use it at night.
The PV Array
PV arrays collect the sun’s rays and convert
them into energy.
There are a variety of PV array to choose
from. Some are fixed; that is, they do not move
or track the sun throughout the day. Some are
tracking units that actually move with the sun

4
 Control
Center
PV Array PV Array PV Array PV Array including DC
to AC
inverter

AC
Output
Your home or small business

How a small PV system works

as it moves across the sky during the day or Above is a simple illustration of a basic PV
throughout the season. Some are mounted at system. An actual system may have more com-
ground level whereas others are mounted on ponents, depending on whether the customer
buildings or elevated structures. wishes to connect to the grid, in which case
safety mechanisms must be installed. A cus-
It’s important that the PV array be designed
tomer may also wish to add a battery system for
to meet wind load requirements of the area.
nighttime power, which also has safety and in-
An improperly installed PV system could be
terconnection requirements. Your licensed solar
destroyed in a wind storm. Wind load depends
contractor can assist you in determining what will
on the size of the array and the tilt angle of the
work best for you.
array. A licensed solar contractor can assist with
determining wind load.
PV array generally have an expected life of
15 to 20 years.

The Control Center

Electronic controllers, inverters and any
necessary switches, fuses and additional compo-
nents can be found in the Control Center. These
components should be able to withstand high
temperatures and extreme weather conditions,
as well as carry the proper certifications.

5
 The SunWatts Residential and Small Commercial
Rebate Program
With the SunWatts Rebate Program, Trico will pay you $4 per installed watt — up to
2,000 watts for individual residential units, or up to 5,000 watts for small business/
commercial units, up to 50 percent of the total cost of the unit, whichever is lower.
Sorry, we can only offer one rebate per member.
The SunWatts rebate program is easy. Just
follow these steps.
(1) You must be a Trico member and the system must
be sited in Trico’s service territory.
(2) Select a qualifying solar electric system and
have it installed by a licensed professional at your
home or small business. This home/business MUST be
served by Trico. In addition, the system must meet all the
qualifications listed in the on-/off-grid qualifications section
of this handbook (pages 6 and 7)
(3) For grid-tied systems, you must have a li-
censed electrician or Trico representative* test
and certify that the system meets IEEE guidelines
as well as Trico’s interconnection guidelines. The
representative must also determine the output for purposes
of the rebate amount.
(4) Sign the agreement assigning Trico the rights
to the environmental credits of the system. Trico
will buy back any excess electric generation output from
the unit at its avoided cost rate. To qualify for the energy
buyback, Bi-directional metering equipment must be
installed. The customer is responsible for the costs
associated with purchasing and installing the Bi-directional
metering equipment; however, this cost can be included in
the system rebate. Please note that the SunWatts Rebate
does NOT cover any costs associated with battery or
backup systems.
(6) To receive your rebate, you must submit the fol-
lowing to Trico:
• Certification by a licensed electrician or Trico
representative** that the installed unit meets the
qualifications set forth on page 7 of this handbook
(on-grid system) or on page 8 (off-grid systems).
• The unit’s rated output as specified by the manu-
facturer.
• A signed SunWatts Rebate Enrollment form.
(You can find copies of these forms on pages 7 and
8 of this handbook.)
• A signed SunWatts System Qualifications form
(available from Trico - this will be sent after the
enrollment form has been received.).
Keep a copy for your records.
(7) Once you’ve submitted your paperwork to Trico,
please allow roughly eight weeks for it to be pro-
cessed.
* If you elect to have a Trico representative test and certify your system,
you’ll be responsible for any trip charges billed by Trico.
** Trico strongly recommends that the customer, at the customer’s sole
cost and expense, obtain and maintain a liability insurance policy that
provides liability insurance covering the PV system’s generation activities
and equipment. It’s advised that this policy have a combined single limit
coverage for injury or death to any person or person and damage to any
property of not less than $1,000,000.
Trico reserves the right to refuse payment of a rebate based on the fol-
lowing, including but not limited to: failure to meet the qualifications as
set forth in this handbook, incomplete enrollment materials, insufficient
system testing or certification, installation and/or testing/certification by an
unlicensed electrician.

(5) Once the unit is installed and operational, you

own it and are responsible for it. As the owner of
the system, you are solely responsible for arranging and
paying for annual service inspections as well as normal
system repairs to the unit, including labor**.

6
 On-Grid PV System Rebate Enrollment Form
All ON-GRID customer solar electric generating systems must meet the following system and
installation requirements.
Please have your licensed contractor initial these eight items, then sign and submit to Trico PRIOR to sys-
tem installation. This form is your SunWatts Rebate Enrollment Form. Note: a signed SunWatts System Qualifi-
cation form is required in order to process your rebate. This form will be sent AFTER Trico receives your completed and
signed enrollment form.
1. The customer’s PV system components must be certified as meeting the requirements of IEEE-929 - Recom-
mended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic Systems.
2. The customer’s PV system components must be certified as meeting the requirements of UL-1741 - Power
Conditioning Units for use in Residential Photovoltaic Power and can be covered by a non-prorated manufac-
turer’s warranty of a least two years.
3. The customer’s PV system design and installation must meet all the requirements of the latest edition of the
National Electrical Code (NEC), including Article 690, and all grounding, conductor, raceway, overcurrent pro-
tection, disconnect and labeling requirements.
4. The customer’s PV system and installation must meet the requirements of all federal, state and local building
codes and have been successfully inspected by the building official having jurisdiction. To do so, the instal-
lation must be completed in accordance with the requirements of the latest edition of the NEC in effect in the
jurisdiction where the installation is being completed, including, without limitation, Sections 200-6, 210-6, 230-
70, 240-3, 250-26, 250-50, 250-122, all of Article 690 pertaining to solar photovoltaic systems, thereof, all as
amended and superseded.
5. The customer’s PV system must meet cooperative and Arizona Corporation Commission interconnection re-
quirements for self-generation equipment.
6. The customer’s PV system installation must meet Trico’s Service Requirements as follows:
“An AC disconnect means shall be provided on all ungrounded AC conductors and shall consist of a lockable
gang-operated disconnect clearly indicating open or closed. The switch shall be visually inspected to deter-
mine that the switch is open. The switch shall be clearly labeled stated ‘DG Service Disconnect.”
7. All customer PV system installations must be completed in a professional, workmanlike and safe manner.
8. The rebate amount will be: __________________________________________________________
Rebate formula = ($4) * (PV cell nameplate rating in watts) * (number of PV cells)
The maximum rebate amount per residential customer is 2,000 watts (or 2 kW), for a total rebate of $8,000.
The maximum rebate amount per small commercial customer is 5,000 watts (or 5 kW) for a total rebate of
$20,000. Rebate funds are on a first-come, first-served basis and will end when all funds have been rebated to
customers.
Contractor’s Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Contractor’s Company: __________________________________________________________________________
Contractor’s Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Contractor’s Signature: __________________________________________________________________________
Contractor’s Lic. Number: _________________ Date: ___________________________________________

Member’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Spouse’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Member’s Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
Member’s Signature: _______________________________ Spouse’s Signature: _________________________
Date: _________________________________
7
 Off-Grid PV System Rebate Enrollment Form
All OFF-GRID customer solar electric generating systems must meet the following system and
installation requirements.

This form is your SunWatts Rebate Enrollment Form. Note: a signed SunWatts System Qualification form is re-
quired in order to process your rebate. This form will be sent AFTER Trico receives your completed and signed enrollment
form.

1. Energy source must be a permanently installed off-grid (non-interconnected) photovoltaic system.

2. Customer must be an existing Trico member.
3. PV system must be on the customer’s deeded or leased property and located within Trico’s territory.
4. System must be inspected on by Trico to certify that it is fully operational and meets all the qualifications of Part 1, 2
and 3. If multiple systems are installed then Trico must certify all systems during a single site visits.
5. The rebate amount will be:
Rebate formula = ($4) * (PV cell nameplate rating in watts) * (number of PV cells)
The maximum rebate amount per residential customer is 2,000 watts (or 2 kW), for a total rebate of $8,000.
The maximum rebate amount per small commercial customer is 5,000 watts (or 5 kW) for a total rebate of $20,000
Rebate funds are on a first-come, first-served basis and will end when all funds have been rebated to customers.

Contractor’s Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

Contractor’s Company: __________________________________________________________________________
Contractor’s Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Contractor’s Signature: __________________________________________________________________________
Contractor’s Lic. Number: _________________ Date: ___________________________________________

Member’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Spouse’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Member’s Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
Member’s Signature: _______________________________ Spouse’s Signature: _________________________
Date: _________________________________