FAQs
NJ SmartStart Buildings Program FAQs
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Chillers |
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Custom Programs |
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General Eligibility Requirements |
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HVAC – Ground Source Heat Pumps |
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Lighting |
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Lighting Controls |
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Technical Assistance |
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Variable Frequency Drives for Pumps |
Q. What is the incentive amount for the installation of Variable Frequency Drives on existing centrifugal chillers?
A. Rebate eligibility for a Variable Frequency Drive must first be determined through the Custom Measures approach. If eligible, the rebate is capped at $45/ton.
Q. Are rebates available for high-efficiency commercial washers and dryers?
A. This technology application would need to be considered under the eligibility requirements of the Custom Measures approach.
General Eligibility Requirements
Q. Might the Market Manager consider waiving the $200,000/customer rebate cap, especially for customers with multiple sites?
A. The Market Manager reserves the right to waive the cap on a case-by-case basis.
Q. We have a number of qualifying designs close to being installed. Are equipment incentives available?
A. Generally, as long as equipment has not been ordered, incentives are available for customers who submit an application package. Please see the "Conditions/Eligibility/Requirements" on the "back" of the Project Registration form and take note of paragraphs headed "Application and Eligibility Process" and "Exceptions for Approval".
Q.With regard to Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP), is the incentive of $370 per ton available for the addition of new heat pumps to an existing system when no additional ground-loop or well system expansion is needed? In addition, is this incentive available for replacement of a heat pump in such a system, such as when one unit wears out?
A. No and no. The Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) incentive is available for new systems only. The incentive is intended to help cover the incremental cost of installing a GSHP system as an alternative to a base system such as a central chiller and boiler system or rooftop AC and heat, not for adding to or replacing an existing GSHP system.
Q. Are there any efficiency requirements for eligible lamp and ballast combinations?
A. No. However, to be eligible for incentives, lamp and ballast combinations must be among those recommended by the manufacturer(s).
Q. For an eligible fluorescent lamp and ballast combination, must the lamp(s), ballast(s) and fixture housing and lens be replaced, or can just the lamp and ballast be replaced?
A. In most cases, there is no need to replace a fixture housing and lens to receive an incentive. However, some incentives are identified as being "for new fixtures only."
Q. Does the prescriptive rebate for eligible T-8 and electronic ballast combinations apply for 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-lamp fixtures?
A. Yes.
Q. Must the lighting retrofit meet a required light level output to receive an incentive?
A. No. The project must, however, meet all pertinent federal, state and local codes.
Q. Can a single 4-lamp T-12 fixture be replaced with four 1-lamp T-8 fixtures, thereby allowing a customer to receive a $10 per fixture incentive for a total incentive of $40?
A. Yes. If the economics and technical requirements of the project dictate this design, then it is an appropriate design and will receive the appropriate incentive.
Q. Is there a prescriptive lighting incentive for T-5 fixtures, since these are even more efficient than T-8s?
A. Yes. The prescriptive lighting incentive for eligible fluorescent lamps and electronic ballast fluorescent combinations is for T-8 and T-5 lamps.
Q. In some applications, an LED "lamp" can be screwed into a socket where an incandescent lamp had been used, saving a significant amount of electricity. Is there an incentive for this?
A. No, there is no LED incentive, except for red and green traffic signals and pedestrian crossing signals on public highways. Screw-in lamps can be too easily removed and replaced by less efficient lamps. LED hard-wired lamp fixtures may be used in the Performance Lighting portion of the program.
Q. Can tandem-wired fixtures (where one ballast serves lamps in more than one fixture) earn prescriptive lighting incentives?
A. Yes. The $20 per fixture (or $10 per fixture) is paid based on the number of fixtures that are apparent (when looking at the ceiling from the affected space) to the casual observer.
Q. Where can one find the lighting level requirements specified by New Jersey's non-residential construction code?
A. New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code references ASHRAE Std. 90.1-2004; see section 9 of this Standard.
Q. What is the UPLA (Unit Power Lighting Allowance) in watts per square foot to be used in the performance lighting incentive calculation for auto service spaces?
A. The ASHRAE/IES Std. 90.1-2004code for Garage Services/Repair space will be accepted and used for all normal auto service spaces, such as in new car dealerships.
Q. For the purpose of calculating a performance lighting incentive, what unit power lighting allowance should be used for the "apartments" in an assisted living facility?
A. The unit power lighting allowance of 1.2 watts per square foot should be used in calculating the performance lighting incentive for an assisted living "apartment." This same value also would be used in evaluating a patient’s room in a hospital.
Q. Are CFL fixtures that meet all "Requirements for CFL fixtures" under the Prescriptive Lighting Program, except that these are not ENERGY STAR labeled, eligible for prescriptive incentives under the Program?
A. Yes.
Q. Can a customer get incentives for Performance Lighting and Prescriptive Lighting at the same facility?
A. Yes. In those facilities which are eligible for both Performance and Prescriptive incentives, different spaces within a single facility can earn either Prescriptive or Performance incentives. However, both incentive types will not be available for light fixtures within a single space, with one exception. Eligible customers can get Performance Lighting incentives and Prescriptive Lighting incentives for LED exit signs only. In no other instance may a customer receive incentives for both Prescriptive Lighting and Performance Lighting for the same space.
Q. Is the conversion of existing T-8 lamp and electronic ballast fixtures to more efficient T-8 lamp and electronic ballast fixtures eligible for either Prescriptive Lighting or Performance Lighting incentives?
A. No.
Q.Regarding the prescriptive incentive for lighting controls, is there a maximum permissible wattage controlled per eligible lighting control?
A. No.
Q. Are lighting control panels eligible for the lighting control prescriptive incentive?
A. No. This technology application would have to be considered under the eligibility requirements of the Custom Measures approach.
Q. Are incentives available for controls that turn HID fixtures in a parking garage on and off based on a light-level sensor’s determination of whether lighting is needed or not?
A. No, because parking garages are not considered interior spaces by the program and control incentives are available only for interior lighting. Furthermore, though HID fixtures in interior spaces that are controlled for high-low output do earn an incentive, a control that shuts them off or turns them on is not a Prescriptive measure. It is possible that such installations could be considered in a Custom Measures approach if they meet the other criteria of that approach.
Q.Can Technical Assistance study funds be used to cover tests for assessing whether a site has characteristics acceptable for the installation of a GHP system?
A. No. Technical Assistance studies will not be funded for assessment of technologies that are eligible for prescriptive incentives. Technical Assistance studies are available, on a case-by-case basis, for examining technologies under the Custom Measures approach.
Variable Frequency Drives for Pumps
Q. We are currently adding Variable Frequency Drives to city water pumps. Does this qualify?
A. Variable Frequency Drives for motors in air handling units serving Variable Air Volume air distribution systems are eligible for the prescriptive incentive, as are Variable Frequency Drives for chilled water pumps. All other applications would have to be considered under the eligibility requirements of the Custom Measures approach.