6-Steps for Installing A Biomass Energy System for Your Businesses

1. Determine what the biomass energy system will be used for
2. Do an energy audit of your facilities
3. If you are planning to develop an Anaeorbic Digestion System on your Farm or Ranch
4. Make sure you have a viable biomass resource
5. Contact your local utility
6. Apply for incentives
   

1. Determine what the biomass energy system will be used for
A biomass energy system can be used for on-site generation or commercial-scale for a sale to a utility or a developer. Once you decide this, you will have a better idea of the system size and technology application.

2. Do an energy audit of your facilities
If the biomass will be used for on-site generation, find out how much energy you use and how you can improve the efficiency of your facilities. Renewable energy systems are best-suited for energy efficient buildings, and you will get the most out of your investment. Click here for energy efficiency tips and suggestions.

3. If you are planning to develop an Anaeorbic Digestion System on your Farm or Ranch
Download the Anaerobic Digesters for Farms and Ranches from the U.S. Department of Energy

4. Make sure you have a viable biomass resource
Explore the economic value and potential benefits of the type of system you are considering.
For help with project evaluation, contact:

• Anaerobic Digesters and Biomass Energy - Utah State University, Carl Hansen
• Intermountain Combined Heat & Power Center
• Utah State University Energy Lab
• Freeways to Fuels (Utah Department of Transportation and Utah State University)
• Utah State Energy Program, (801) 538-4798

5. Contact your local utility
Your local utility can give you information on the availability of net metering, interconnection (connecting to the grid) and/or rebate programs. If you are planning a large-scale biomass development, you will need to go through the necessary interconnection procedures and studies, so be sure to get this process started early, as it can take some time to complete. If you are installing a small biomass energy system, the process should be fairly straightforward. In either case, you will need to submit an application early in the project development process. Contact the local early on in the development process.

6. Apply for incentives, as appropriate

• State Incentives
  • Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (Corporate)
  • Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption
  • The State Energy Program - represents the state of Utah for the Western Regional Biomass Energy Program and provides technical assistance and partnering to entities submitting proposals for federal energy-related biomass grants.
  • USDA Rural Development Grants and Loans
• Federal Incentives
  • Business Energy Tax Credit
  • Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit
  • USDA Farm Bill Grants
  • Funding Opportunities for Combined Heat & Power Projects
• Utility incentives (please note: the list below may not include all available incentives. Please contact your local utility)
  • Rocky Mountain Power Blue Sky Community Renewable Energy Grants
  • Rocky Mountain Power Net Metering
  • Murray Power Net Metering
• Summary of All State and Federal Incentives - Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy