Logan approves incentives for alternative energy

LOGAN — Residents in a northern Utah town who install a solar energy system in their homes could get up to $6,000 in rebates and incentives to help offset their costs.

The Logan Municipal Council has approved the rebate and incentive program as part of a broader effort to help the environment.

The city will award startup dollars to those using alternative energy. The city will soon hire a conservation coordinator to oversee the program and other incentive and education programs.

"The general idea is to have enough of these photovoltaic systems in that it would help offset our peak during the day," Logan Light & Power Electrical Engineering Manager Garth Turley said. "The money is to help incentivize the installations of these systems."

Photovoltaic systems, or solarelectric systems, can cost tens of thousands of dollars to install. Officials hope that offering an incentive will help persuade those who might not make the switch to alternative energy otherwise.

At $2,000 per kilowatt, the city would rebate up to three kilowatts at the system's inception. The total amount available would $6,000 per customer.

At a council meeting earlier this month, council members disputed whether the rebates will save the city money.

"That's the ultimate question that I can't answer," Turley said.

Councilwoman Tami Pyfer voted against it, saying she didn't think it provided a return on the city's investment.

"We could use that money and buy 4,000 compact fluorescent bulbs ... and probably see a better return," she said.

Although Councilman Steve Thompson said he wasn't sold on the rebate program, he did vote for the policy.

"At this point, the cost exceeds the value, but at this point I think there will be very few folks who put their money where their mouths are," he said.