Unless the context requires otherwise, as used in this subchapter:

(1) "Act" means the alternative energy revolving loan statutes set out in Title 75, chapter 25, part 1, MCA.

(2) "Alternative energy system" has the same meaning as in 15-32-102 , MCA.

(3) "Capital investment" has the same meaning as in Title 15, chapter 32, part 1, MCA.

(4) "Capital investments for energy conservation purposes when done in conjunction with an alternative energy system" means a capital investment that is used for an energy conservation purpose that is in the same structure as, and is constructed, installed, or otherwise put in service as part of, or at about the same time as, an alternative energy system.

(5) "Customer-generator" has the same meaning as in 69-8-103 , MCA.

(6) "Department" means the Montana Department of Environmental Quality established by 2-15-3501 , MCA.

(7) "Geothermal system" means a system that transfers energy either from the ground, by way of a closed loop, or from ground water, by way of an open loop, for the purpose of heating or cooling a residential building or small business.

(8) "Low emission wood or biomass combustion device" has the same meaning as in 15-32-102 , MCA.

(9) "Net metering" has the same meaning as in 69-8-103 , MCA.

(10) "Net metering system" has the same meaning as in 69-8-103 , MCA.

(11) "Nonprofit organization" means a corporation in good standing that is organized under the Montana Nonprofit Corporation Act, Title 35, chapter 2, MCA, or under an equivalent law of another state if that corporation has registered to do business in Montana.

(12) "Recognized nonfossil forms of energy generation" has the same meaning as in 15-32-102 , MCA.

(13) "Small business" means one that is independently owned and operated and that is not dominant in its field of operation.