Section 648-930-7 - ENERGY AUDITA.RequirementTo qualify for a solar photovoltaic system rebate, an owner or tenant of residential or commercial property located in the State must demonstrate that an energy audit has been completed in compliance with this subsection prior to receiving a rebate. For purposes of this section, an energy audit is the completion of an on-site walk through audit and delivery of written recommendations for improving electrical and thermal efficiency of the property receiving the solar photovoltaic system. The owner or tenant of the property is responsible for the costs of the energy audit.
B.Prior Audit ExemptionThe owner or tenant of residential or commercial property is exempt from the requirements of this section under the following circumstances:
1. The property was previously audited on or after January 1, 2000, in a manner consistent with the provisions of this section and a copy of the audit report is submitted with the rebate application.2. The property was previously certified as ENERGY STAR or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design at any time.C.Audit ContentThe energy audit must include the following items:
1. Identification of lighting and appliances efficiency opportunities and recommendations;2. Identification of thermal shell insulation and air sealing opportunities and recommendations;3. Identification of space and water heating efficiency opportunities and recommendations;4. Identification of other electrical or thermal efficiency opportunities and recommendations;5. Identification of any observed or perceived energy related health and safety concerns; and6. Referral to or delivery of additional relevant information and education materials and program opportunities as identified by the Maine Solar Energy Rebate Program website.D.Commission ReviewThe Commission may review energy audit reports for compliance with the requirements of this section and may perform on-site verification. If an audit report is found to be insufficient, the Commission may contact the auditor or the accrediting institution. If the audit is found to be substantially deficient, the rebate will not be provided. The Commission review process does not endorse the workmanship of any auditor or serve as a guaranty, warranty, or assumption of liability for any work proposed or carried out by an eligible auditor or as a result of the audit.
E.Auditor Qualification1.Residential Audits. Individuals qualified to do residential energy audits must be certified or eligible and in good standing from one of the following organizations or accrediting institutions:a. Individuals certified as an energy auditor as determined by the Maine State Housing Authority.b. ResidentialEnergyServicesNetwork certified home energy raters or auditors.c. Individuals certified to participate in the Maine Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program or its successor program as determined by the Commission.d. Individuals certified by the Building Performance Institute.e. Individuals certified by the U.S. Green Building Council with expertise with residential buildings.f. Architects and engineers who are licensed by Maine and possess relevant building efficiency energy expertise.g. Individuals qualified to do commercial energy audits under subsection E (2).2.Commercial Audits. Individuals qualified to do commercial energy audits must be licensed, certified, or eligible and in good standing from one of the following organizations or accrediting institutions:a. Individuals or firms working on behalf of, or are authorized to work for, the Efficiency Maine small business walk through audit service.b. Individuals who have passed the Certified Energy Managers exam.c. Individuals certified by the U.S. Green Building Council with expertise on commercial buildings.d. Architects and engineers who are licensed by Maine and possess relevant building efficiency energy expertise.95- 648 C.M.R. ch. 930, § 7