If you missed out on previous rounds of solar hot water heater rebates, the V.I. Energy Office is offering them again. The program began Monday, and the rebates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until the $125,000 in federal Stimulus Funds runs out.

“We’re looking to help an estimated 100 to 125 residents,” Energy Office spokesman Don Buchanan said.

“We’ve had a dozen phone calls since the announcement was made,” he said.

The program covers residential solar water heaters of 120 gallons or less that are approved by the Solar Ratings and Certification Corp. A household can receive a maximum of two solar water heaters.

Heaters with an OG-300 rating are eligible for a $1,250 rebate and those with an OG-100 rating are eligible for a rebate up to $1,000.

Alas, the solar hot water rebates are the only ones currently available. The office completely used up funding for rebates on Energy Star appliances and for solar systems that produce electricity. However, Buchanan said, residents who purchase energy-producing solar systems such as those that tie in with the V.I. Water and Power Authority’s net metering program are still eligible for a 30 percent tax credit on their income tax.

Residents should contact the Energy Office at 4101 Mars Hill on St. Croix at 713-8436 or in Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas at 714-8436 before making their purchase.

Qualifying solar hot water heaters are available on St. Thomas at Altona Trading and Sales at 774-3373, Eagle Energy at 998-7084, East End Lumber at 775-3993, Green Power VI at 776-2697, Import Supply at 774-1679, Shadows/Quantum at 777-5638, Solar Systems LLC at 715-4000, Supply Resources Inc. at 775-7483, and Virgin Energies Inc. at 643-1736.

They are available on St. Croix at All Rounder Systems at 719-5500, Eco Innovations VI at 226-3349, Go Green/On the Level VI at 719-3783, IEnergy at 719-5440, J&O Solar Heaters and More at 332-9583, Solar Delivered LLC at 718-4266, Solar Solutions LLC at 642-2831, or West Indies Solair at 773-4790.

The heaters are available on St. John at Pangaea Solar at 514-1816 or Pro Forma Inc. at 693-7040.

For more information, contact rebate program supervisor Leila Muller at Leila.muller@eo.vi.gov or 713-8436 ext. 3606.