CSI Handbook and Forms

California Solar Initiative Handbook

The most recent CSI Program Handbook serves as a general reference for all CSI program questions.

Online Application Process

You can now complete a new CSI reservation request form online.
PLEASE NOTE: The MASH online application process is not available at this time.

Field Inspection Protocol and Form

The CSI Inspection Protocol (DOC, 53 KB) is a guide for installers and customers that describe in detail the areas that are examined during a field inspection. This is a very useful tool to ensure that the as-built PV system matches the final documentation submitted for the incentive. In addition, here is a sample CSI Field Inspection Form (XLS, 494 KB) that is used by the field inspectors.

Applications and Documents

All CSI residential projects and business projects with a system size of less than 10kW will use the two-step application process. Business projects with a system size of equal or greater to 10kW and all MASH projects will use the three-step application process. Please note, business projects equal or greater to 10kW and MASH projects may opt into the two-step process if they would like to, but are still subject to the eligibility requirements based on their system size and type.

Review the document list below for those applicable to your application process. If you are not a business or MASH customer please go to the residential handbook and forms page.

PLEASE NOTE: Faxes will not be accepted. To ensure confirmation of receipt, it is recommended that documentation be delivered by certified or overnight mail. Hand deliveries will not be accepted.

Business Customers Greater Than 10kW and MASH

NOTE: If you are using less than 10kW, please go to the two-step applications and documents page.

Reservation Request Documents

Reservation Request Form with CSI Program Contract (Rev 07/15/2009) (XLS, 201 KB)

MASH Reservation Request Form with Program Contract (2/17/2009) (XLS, 116 KB)

MASH Track 2 Grant Proposal Form (PDF, 33 KB)

CSI System Description Worksheet (Rev 5/14/08) (DOC, 67 KB)

Electrical System Sizing Documentation
Except for systems of 5 kW or less, which need no sizing documentation, to confirm that participating distributed generation systems will not exceed the capacity of the Host Customer’s previous 12-month historical usage, all Applicants for projects at new construction and/or major renovation must submit a copy of the data and calculations used to determine electrical system size.

Application Fee: (CEC-AC System Size x current applicable/equivalent EPBB incentive rate) x 1% (N/A for MASH)

Certification of Tax-Exempt Status
Any Government and Non-Profit entities must include a certification under penalty of perjury from their chief financial officer or equivalent that they are a Government or Non-Profit entity and that the system is not receiving, and will not in the future receive, federal tax benefits through financial arrangements (i.e., the System Owner if a third-party, which will be receiving tax benefits from the system). This certification must be renewed annually if receiving PBI payments.
Certification of Low Income Status
All MASH applicants must demonstrate that the Site meets CPUC Code 2852 low income eligibility requirements.
Documentation of Energy Efficiency Audit
All customers are required to have an energy efficiency audit conducted. Customers will be responsible for submitting a copy of a completed energy efficiency audit to the Utility Program Administrator with their solar incentive application. A customer can, however, be exempt from an audit if documentation is provided which shows that an energy efficiency audit was completed within the past 36 months, the facility is Energy Star or LEED certified, or the facility is Title 24 energy efficiency compliance within the past 3 years. See Section 2.3 of the CSI Handbook for more details.

Copy of Signed Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form (DOC, 45 KB)

MASH Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form (PDF, 51 KB)

Copy of Signed Commitment Agreement (EPBB Existing Commercial buildings greater than 100,00 sq ft and Benchmarking <75 [Proof of Benchmarking Documentation required]) (DOC, 27 KB)

Printout of EPBB Tool Calculation
Calculate your estimated incentive with the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) Calculator and print the results.

Proof of at least 15% above current Title 24 Standards (Non-Residential New Construction Only).
Compliance documents used to demonstrate Title 24 compliance, including the PERF-1 form and accompanying supporting forms, shall be provided as proof of attainment of the Tier I or Tier II levels. Compliance documents shall be completed by persons who are Certified Energy Plan Examiners (CEPE) by the California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC).
Building Site Plan (Non-Residential New Construction Only).
Identifies the height category (small, medium, or large) of all pre-existing, planted, and planned trees and the location and height of any structures which will be built on the lot and neighboring lots of the building with the solar system. Shows the bearing of the property lines and the azimuth and tilt or roof pitch of each PV array.
Copy of New Construction Building Permit (Non-Residential New Construction Only).
All non-residential new construction projects require submittal of the new construction building permit in order to identify applicable Title 24 requirements.

Proof Of Project Documents

Proof of Project Milestone Checklist (Rev 10/21/08) (DOC, 61 KB)

MASH Proof of Project Milestone Checklist (03/10/09) (DOC, 45 KB)

Copy of Executed Contract for System Purchase and Installation, including warranty language
All Applicants must submit a copy of an executed contract for purchase and installation of the system. This agreement must also include warranty language to meet the warranty requirements.
Executed Alternative System Ownership Agreement
If the System Owner is not the Host Customer, applicant must submit a copy of Executed Alternative System Ownership agreement.
Revised printout of EPBB Tool Calculation
Calculate your estimated incentive with the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) Calculator and print the results.
RFP or solicitation (MASH, Government, Non-profit, and Public Entities only)
Within 60 days after the Confirmed Reservation Notice Letter, Government, Non-Profit, and Public Entities must submit a copy of the RFP, Notice to Invite Bids, of similar solicitation issued for the installation, lease, and/or purchase of the system proposed for the project in order to receive an additional 180 days to submit all the Proof of Project Milestone documentation. For Government, Non-Profit, and Public Entities not issuing an RFP for the project, all Proof of Project Milestone documentation must be submitted within Proof of Project Milestone Date.

Incentive Claim Documents

Incentive Claim Form (Rev 07/15/2009) (XLS, 119 KB)

Note: Equipment information submitted on the Interconnection Agreement and the Incentive Claim Form/EPBB Calculator must match. If there is a discrepancy, additional information will be requested before the incentive payment is made.

MASH Incentive Claim Form (06/17/09) (XLS, 152 KB)

Copy of PMRS Cost Cap Exemption Documentation
EPBB systems must either submit a copy of the executed PMRS contract identified above or the Cost Cap Exemption Documentation.
CPUC's website
(PBI Only) Copy of Executed PDP Contract
All PBI systems are required to have a PDP and therefore a copy of the executed contract for a PDP, a letter from the PDP stating the Host Customer has purchased its service, or an invoice from the Solar Contractor clearly showing the PDP information must be provided. Whichever document is submitted must clearly identify the PDP information, including the name of the PDP, the product or service purchased and the term of agreement, along with the address of the associated solar energy system site.
Revised printout of EPBB Tool Calculation
Calculate your estimated incentive with the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) Calculator and print the results.

Final Project Cost Breakdown Worksheet (Rev 04/10/2007) (XLS, 40 KB)

Signed Field Verification Certification Form (XLS, 51 KB)(for Reservation Request Applications received on or after 7/1/09)

Copy of Retro-commissioning Report (EPBB Existing Commercial buildings greater than 100,000 sq ft and Benchmarking <75)
Existing Non-Residential EPBB Customers with a building size over 100,00 sq ft that had a Benchmarking rating of less than 75 are required to have Retro-Commissioning conducted on their building. As proof, the customer will need to provide the Retro-Commissioning Report with the Incentive Claim documents.