NYSERDA and the State of New York have just announced the PON 2149 "The First Solar Thermal Incentive Program in New York State".
The program is a 5 year, 25 million dollar solar thermal program with system incentives from 4,000 up to 25,000 dollars. NYSEIA and NYSERDA have been working extensively recently to discuss the incentives necessary to jump start the solar thermal market. The two organizations have also discussed several other important topics to increase solar thermal awareness in New York such as streamlining the paperwork process, alternative certifications to NABCEP and alternative methods for measuring the displacement of electrical usage.
We were pleased to see that PON 2149 recognizes many of the concerns expressed by NYSEIA and provides that individual incentives will start at a rate of $1.50 per kWh (or mmBtu equivalent for Non- RPS funding based on estimated displaced electrical usage). While these incentive levels may be adjusted as necessary in order to meet the program goals, they are an excellent first step in creating a robust solar thermal marketplace in New York State. The PON also provides alternatives to NABCEP certification, alternatives to certify displaced electrical usage and a streamlined application process.
The full program details can be seen in these PDF documents http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2149pon.asp
Update:
After reviewing the recently announced New York State solar thermal rebate program PDF and program details at SunMaxx Solar we have discovered our solar thermal training courses are a part of the incentive program. When applying for your incentive for your solar thermal system you can fill out any one or all of the 5 solar thermal training courses offered by SunMaxx Solar on your incentive form. For more details about training courses visit the Installer Training page
More information on New York Solar Rebates and Incentives