RENO –– NV Energy recently increased the financial incentives for its WindGenerations program, encouraging Nevadans to install wind turbines at their homes and businesses. By doubling the cap on the total amount of kilowatts that can qualify them for financial incentives, NV Energy residential customers could earn rebates for a maximum of 60 kilowatts (kW) of wind-generated power.

The kW ceiling has been raised from 30 kW to 60 kW for residential customers, to 250 kW for small businesses and 500 kW for agricultural customers. Wind projects were previously limited to 50 kW for schools and public buildings, but the limit has been increased to 250 kW and 500 kW, respectively.

For residential, small business and agricultural customers, the incentive rate is $2.50 per watt for the first 10 kW and $1.50 per watt for all watts over the first 10 kW. The incentive rate for schools and public buildings is $3 per watt for the first 10 kW and $2 per watt for all watts over the first 10 kW. The total incentive for any project cannot exceed 60 percent of the total installed system cost.

NV Energy introduced the WindGenerations program to its 1.2 million Nevada electric customers in August 2008. Since then, 25 projects generating 72.2 kW have been completed and applications are pending for another 67 installations. Thus far, $235,800 in incentives has been paid to program participants.

The company’s solar power incentive program, SolarGenerations, was introduced in 2004. The Nevada Legislature created the wind program in 2007, along with a program to offer incentives to agricultural customers who install small hydroelectric generating plants.