MONCKS CORNER, SC (WIS) - Ten of Santee Cooper's customers have the chance to get some financial help installing solar panels.

The rebate is up to a maximum of $12,000 (not to exceed the total cost for solar system installation) for 10 qualified homeowners who apply.

Currently, qualifying solar homes are eligible for federal and state tax credits up to as much as $5,500. Together, the rebate from Santee Cooper and the maximum tax credits available have the potential to offer as much as $17,500 for a four-kilowatt solar panel and installation.

A 10-year zero-interest loan is also available to help finance the remaining solar panel investment. Additionally, Santee Cooper will conduct ongoing monitoring of the homes with advanced metering technology. Utility representatives will work with recipients to maximize energy use and conservation throughout the entire home, and to optimize the solar energy produced by the new panels as part of the Green Energy Buy Backs program.

The program entry period for the 10 solar panels will begin March 10 and end on April 10. Program applications along with full requirements, restrictions and program details can be found beginning March Seventh at http://www.santeecoopergreen.com/ or from any of Santee Cooper's customer service locations. The 10 qualified applicants will be notified by Santee Cooper after April 10.

Some of the Solar Home Initiative qualification requirements include:

• Be a Santee Cooper residential customer
• Agree to receive power though the Green Energy Buy Backs Program, also known as net billing program, for a minimum of five years
• Sign a five-year Solar Homes Initiative agreement
• Have owned and occupied the chosen free-standing property for a minimum of one year
• Use the property as a primary, single family residence
• Complete installation of the solar equipment by December 31, 2008

For more information on Santee Cooper Green, visit http://www.santeecoopergreen.com/ for up-to-date information on all of the company's programs, including hydroelectric, landfill gas, solar and wind energy; recycling programs such as ash utilization and oil recovery; and teaching green initiatives through the Energy Educators Institute, Green Power Solar Schools and more.