Terms Used In Montana Code > Title 15 > Chapter 32 > Part 1 - Investment in Energy Conservation or Alternative Energy

• Alternative energy system: means the generation system or equipment used to convert energy sources into usable sources using fuel cells that do not require hydrocarbon fuel, geothermal systems, low-emission wood or biomass, wind, photovoltaics, geothermal, small hydropower plants under 1 megawatt, and other recognized nonfossil forms of energy generation. See Montana Code 15-32-102
• Building: means :

  (a)a single or multiple dwelling, including a mobile home or manufactured home; or

  (b)a building used for commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes that is enclosed with walls and a roof. See Montana Code 15-32-102

• Capital investment: means any material or equipment purchased and installed in a building or land with or without improvements. See Montana Code 15-32-102
• Energy conservation purpose: means one or both of the following results of an investment:

  (a)reducing the waste or dissipation of energy; or

  (b)reducing the amount of energy required to accomplish a given quantity of work. See Montana Code 15-32-102

• Passive solar system: means a direct thermal energy system that uses the structure of a building and its operable components to provide heating or cooling during the appropriate times of the year by using the climate resources available at the site. See Montana Code 15-32-102
• Recognized nonfossil forms of energy generation: means :

  (a)a system that captures energy or converts energy sources into usable sources, including electricity, by using:

  (i)solar energy, including passive solar systems;

  (ii)wind;

  (iii)solid waste;

  (iv)the decomposition of organic wastes;

  (v)geothermal;

  (vi)fuel cells that do not require hydrocarbon fuel; or

  (vii)an alternative energy system;

  (b)a system that produces electric power from biomass or solid wood wastes; or

  (c)a small system that uses water power by means of an impoundment that is not over 20 acres in surface area. See Montana Code 15-32-102