New Hampshire homeowners who installed solar panels over the past year have been waiting for the Public Utilities Commission to release solar rebate funds via the state’s residential renewable energy rebate program. On Tuesday, July 14th, the NH PUC flipped the switch, making the solar rebate application form (PDF) available online.

The current round of funding applies to solar PV systems installed on or after July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009. Here’s a note from the PUC on what to expect from the application process:

How do I apply for a rebate?

For systems that began operation on or after July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009 , please fill out the application for Installed Residential Small Renewable Generation Systems [see "application form" link above]

If you are planning to install a qualifying system after September 30, 2009, you will be required to use a separate application and obtain pre-approval of the facility, prior to installation, in order to be eligible for an incentive payment. This application form is under development and will be posted here at a later date.

How long will it take the PUC to process my rebate application?

The program opened on July 14, 2009. Initially, there will likely be a large number of applications for systems installed since July 1, 2008 , and therefore it may take 4-6 weeks before rebate checks are issued. After the initial month or two, it is anticipated that rebate check will be issued within 4 weeks of the receipt of completed applications.

(Answers to other common FAQs are available on the PUC website.)

The NH solar rebate is worth $3.00/watt — up to $6,000 or 50 percent of installed costs, whichever is less. And don’t forget that homeowners who get solar are also eligible for a 30-percent federal renewable energy tax credit, which lowers installed costs even further. On balance with some of the country’s leading solar states — like New Jersey, California, New York and Colorado — the $6,000 cap may seem modest. But it ain’t no drop in the bucket either. It will be interesting to see how the NH rebate program pans out in terms of sparking interest among homeowners. If you’d like to explore options for your solar home project, get started by telling us about your roof and your energy use.

UPDATE: Our sources tell us that details on solar rebates for larger commercial solar panel systems may be made available later this summer. Stay tuned.

UPDATE #2: David Brooks at the Nashua Telegraph offers a useful local’s take on the NH solar rebate program thus far.