| Information for GSHP Technicians |
|
|
|
 |
| Information for Ground Source Heat Pump Technicians |
|
Premium efficiency ground source heat pumps that meet tax credit performance standards are eligible for a Residential Energy Tax Credit only if installed or verified by a tax credit certified geothermal technician.
The equipment specifications are:
- Closed loop systems
- Performance rating of 3.3 COP for closed loop or 3.5 COP for direct exchange (DX) systems
Incentive amounts for ground source heat pumps are shown on the main geothermal page. The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) does not maintain a qualified products list for ground source heat pumps.
Water well reinjection systems or other open loop "pump and dump" systems are not eligible for the Residential Energy Tax Credit. Direct use of geothermal heat using “downhole heat exchangers” are eligible for a Residential Energy Tax Credit, but have special requirements. Please contact the appropriate staff person listed at the bottom of this page for more information.
|
2009 Tax Credit-Certified Technician Application (PDF)
2009 Tax Credit Certified Technician Renewal (PDF)
Current list of companies employing tax credit certified technicians <PDF>
RETC Geothermal Page
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) |
|
|
|
| Becoming a Tax Credit-Certified Technician for GSHP |
|
To become a Tax Credit Certified Technician you must have completed the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) <hyperlink below> installer training and passed their examination. Many equipment manufacturers provide trainings that include the IGSHPA test. You do not have to be a current member of IGSHPA. (Starting November 1, 2008, we dropped the previous requirement that technicians had to have passed their IGSHPA test within the previous 5 years.) In addition to this training requirement, a technician must:
- Submit an application to be a Tax Credit Certified Geothermal Technician in writing; and
- Participate in an annual ODOE telephone conference call update.
The technician should fill out the Application for Tax Credit Certified Technician, attach a copy of their IGSHPA installer card or certificate showing the date of the test and results, mail or fax it to ODOE at 503-378-6000. ODOE staff will call you with the dates of the next telephone conference call update sessions. After you’ve participated in the conference call, ODOE will list your company on the ODOE Web site. Tax credit status is good for the calendar year, unless disciplinary action is not resolved
|
|
|
| Renewing Your Tax Credit Certified Technician Status |
|
Near the end of each calendar year, you must renew your tax credit certified status in order to keep your company listed with ODOE. To renew your tax credit status, the technician must:
- Complete at least 1 tax credit approved installation during the calendar year,
- Submit a renewal application in writing and
- Participate in the annual telephone conference call update.
If you did not complete at least 1 qualifying installation, you may submit proof of having attended any HVAC-related training lasting at least 2 hours sometime during the current calendar year.
Companies currently listed as on the ODOE Web site whose tax credit-certified technician hasn’t applied and participated in the conference call will be dropped effective January 1, 2009.
|
|
|
| Submitting Tax Credit Applications for GSHP Systems |
|
Only tax credit certified geothermal technicians can qualify geothermal systems for the Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit.
The technician should download the application form (at right) and fill out section 2, 3, and 8, and sign it. Be sure to provide the customer with a copy of the manufacturer's data page showing the rated COP for the equipment you've installed. The customer invoice shows the make and model numbers of the equipment installed and the retail price of the equipment-only as well as full price of the installation and the date of installation.
|
|
|
| Tax Credits for Installations for Businesses |
|
Geothermal systems installed in commercial businesses and rental properties must use the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) program. The BETC application process is different and requires application and pre-approval before the installation begins.
Open loop systems are eligible for BETC if they meet other BETC requirements. BETC does not require commercial systems be field verified by a tax credit certified technician, however, systems will be randomly selected for inspection. Details about the Business Energy Tax Credit program can be found on the ODOE Web site at: www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/BUS/tax/BETC-Efficiency.shtml
|
|
|
| Starting a new HVAC business |
|
If you’re starting a new HVAC business in Oregon you must obtain the necessary licenses to legally do work in Oregon. Typical licenses include:
Contractor licenses:
|
|
|
| Additional Information |
|
If you have questions about the technical requirements for the Residential Energy Tax Credit program or the process for becoming or maintaining your status as a tax credit certified technician please contact the following people at 1-800-221-8035 or direct dial:
BETC requirements for ground source heat pumps: contact Roland Gilchrist at (503) 378-3926
Oregon Department of Energy
625 Marion St. N.E.,
Salem, OR 97301-3737
1-800-221-8035
FAX: (503) 378-6000
Web site at www.oregon.gov/energy
|
|
|
|
