Solar energy rebate offered by city

Home and business owners in Edmonton can qualify for a rebate if they install a solar electric system by the end of the year.

The city's new solar electric program will pay a maximum of $9,000 for home systems and $18,000 for those installed in businesses.

The $200,000 program runs for one month. All applications will be rated on a first-come, first-serve basis and will require documentation and a post-installation inspection.

The rebate is based on a rate of $3.00 per watt of installed capacity. For example, a homeowner with a one kilowatt system would get a $3,000 rebate.

To qualify, home systems must generate a minimum of one kilowatt of electricity. Business systems must have a rated capacity ranging from two to ten kilowatts.