CSI—Application Forms and Documentation

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Application Process

The CSI program has a 1-step, 2-step, Expedited 2-Step, and 3-step application process depending on the customer segment and system size of the applicable project.

• Application Terminology
  Host Customer: the utility customer of record (person listed on the bill) at the location where the generating equipment will be located.
  
  System Owner: the owner of the generating equipment at the time the incentive is paid.
  
  Applicant: is the entity/person that completes and submits the CSI Program application and serves as the main contact person for the CSI Program.
  
  Project Site: the physical site where the system is going to be installed as listed with PG&E. If there is a separate mailing address, this can be indicated under the Host Customer section.

Review the document list below for those relevant to your application process. If you are a non-residential customer with a system size of < 10 kW or a residential customer, please go to the residential handbook and forms page. If the system has already been installed and interconnected, please use the 1-Step Application Form.

Applying for Your CSI Incentive

Complete your application using PowerClerk, our online application management tool.

Save time and money with PowerClerk.
Expand the areas below to learn more about the advantages:

• Stores information, which allows you to pre-fill certain application fields.
  For quicker completion of the application form, you may auto-populate certain sections of the application with previously saved data.
• Create one or more applications by uploading data from proprietary or 3rd Party software.
  Uploading data eliminates duplicate entry of application information already stored somewhere else for an unlimited number of CSI Reservation Requests. For information on using software for the upload feature, contact Robert Chan at solar@pge.com.
• Ability to attach PDF copies of all supporting documents for a completely electronic application submittal.*
  Create efficiencies and lower costs by attaching all required documents—which reduces the carbon footprint of the program by eliminating additional printing and shipping and also improves turnaround times.
  
  *Will require PDF conversion software to convert files into PDF format.
• Track the status of all of your applications in one place.
  You will be able to see if your application under review, approved, completed or if additional information is required.

For general questions about PowerClerk, contact solar@pge.com or for Technical Support contact csisupport@powerclerk.com.

3-Step Applications and Documents

For all retrofit or new construction, non-residential projects (commercial, industrial, agricultural, government, non-profit and public entities) with a system size of >10 kW.

Step 1: Reservation Request Documents

1a. Gather and Complete All Required Documents
Expand the areas below for more information and links to documents.

Reservation Request Signature Form (PDF, 157 KB)
This form is intended for use by solar professionals to get the signature of their clients at the time of sale and should only be used in conjunction with Reservation Requests that are submitted in PowerClerk.

• 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 detail.

Other Documents that may be required for Non-Residential Projects

• High Cost Justification and Acknowledgment Form
  This form provides documentation to the Program Administrator that the particular project requires a special configuration that will drive project costs above the limitation on installed costs. See Section 3.4.5 of the CSI Handbook for more details on limitations on installed costs.
• 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 sites must submit a copy of the data and calculations used to determine electrical system size.
• Certification of Tax-Exempt Status (Public Entities and Non-Profits Only)
  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.

• Copy of Signed Commitment Agreement
  EPBB Existing Commercial buildings greater than 100,00 sq ft and Benchmarking <75 [Proof of Benchmarking Documentation required])
  
  In order to qualify for a CSI Incentive, retro-commissioning is required if an existing commercial building has a benchmark rating of less than 75. A Commitment Agreement must be completed and signed by the Host Customer (for buildings with a benchmark rating less than 75) along with proof of benchmarking.

• 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.

1b. Submit a new CSI Reservation Request Form electronically using PowerClerk, our online application management database/tool.

1. Go to the PowerClerk website.
2. Login or click on CSI Applicant Registration, if you are a first-time user.
3. From the homepage, select the appropriate Program Administrator and Project Type.
4. Click on New Incentive Application to begin your Reservation Request Form.
5. Complete each section of the application and review for accuracy.
6. Attach PDFs of required documents.*
7. Submit your completed application.
8. Print a copy for your records, if necessary (you will need access to a printer).

*Will require PDF conversion software to convert files into PDF format.

All CSI Reservation Requests must be submitted electronically using the attachment feature in PowerClerk. Mailed-in Reservation Requests will not be accepted. Please visit https://csi.powerclerk.com to register.

1c. Pay Application Fee
You may mail in the applicable application fee or wait to receive an invoice from PG&E. PLEASE NOTE: the Reservation Request will not be approved until the application fee is paid.

kW≤		<kW		FEE
10	-	50	=	$1,250
50	-	100	=	$2,500
100	-	250	=	$5,000
250	-	500	=	$10,000
500	-	1,000	=	$20,000

Step 2: Proof of Project Milestone

2a. Gather and Complete All Required Documents
Expand the areas below for descriptions.

• 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. This is not required for third party-owned systems.
  
  Or
• 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.

2b. Submit the Proof of Project Milestone Checklist using PowerClerk

1. Go to the PowerClerk website and login.
2. From the homepage, locate the application use the search field.
3. Once displayed, click “edit” to begin the Incentive Claim Form.
4. Follow step 5-8. from Step 1b.

Step 3: Incentive Claim Form

3a. Gather and Complete All Required Documents

• Incentive Claim Form
  This can be printed from the "Incentive Claim Form" tab in Powerclerk.
• Copy of PMRS Documentation
  Systems 10 kW or greater receiving an EPBB incentive must also indicate the PMRS provider on the Incentive Claim Form.
  
  For all PBI systems, it must be indicated on the CSI Incentive Claim Form that a Performance Monitoring and Reporting Service (PMRS) is installed and name the eligible PMRS provider.

Other Documents that may be required for MASH Projects

• (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.
• Copy of Retro-commissioning Report (EPBB Existing Commercial buildings greater than 100,000 sq ft and Benchmarking <75)
  A copy of the retro-commissioning report is required for EPBB Existing Commercial buildings ≥ 100,000 sq ft and Benchmarking < 75, as represented in the Commitment Agreement. In order to qualify for a CSI Incentive, retro-commissioning is required if these existing commercial buildings have a benchmark rating of less than 75.

3b. Submit the Incentive Claim Form using PowerClerk

1. Go to the PowerClerk website and login.
2. From the homepage, locate the application use the search field.
3. Once displayed, click “edit” to begin the Incentive Claim Form.
4. Follow step 5-8. from Step 1b.

All CSI Incentive Claims must be submitted electronically using the attachment feature in PowerClerk. Mailed-in Incentive Claims will not be accepted. Please visit https://csi.powerclerk.com to register.

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

1-Step Application

This form should be used for all projects, regardless of customer segment and system size, which have already completed installation of their PV system and it has been interconnected to the grid, but did not apply for the CSI Incentive beforehand.

Required Supporting Documents are the same as above in Step 1-3

One-Step Application Form and Program Contract (XLS, 151 KB)

Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH)

The Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program provides incentives to offset the project costs of installing solar on multifamily low income housing buildings in California. The goal of the MASH is to incorporate high levels of energy efficiency and high performing solar systems to help enhance the overall quality of affordable housing.

Step 1: Reservation Request

1a. Gather and Complete All Required Documents
Expand the areas below for more information and links to documents.

• 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.

Other Documents that may be required for MASH Projects

• 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.

1b. Submit a new CSI Reservation Request Form electronically using PowerClerk, our online application management database/tool.

1. Go to the PowerClerk website.
2. Login or click on CSI Applicant Registration, if you are a first-time user.
3. From the homepage, select the appropriate Program Administrator and Project Type.
4. Click on New Incentive Application to begin your Reservation Request Form.
5. Complete each section of the application and review for accuracy.
6. Attach PDFs of required documents.*
7. Submit your completed application.
8. Print a copy for your records, if necessary (you will need access to a printer).

*Will require PDF conversion software to convert files into PDF format.

All CSI Reservation Requests must be submitted electronically using the attachment feature in PowerClerk. Mailed-in Reservation Requests will not be accepted. Please visit https://csi.powerclerk.com to register.

1c. Pay Application Fee
PG&E will request the Application Fee from the Host Customer if funding is available for the application. PLEASE NOTE: the Reservation Request will not be approved until the application fee is paid.

kW≤		<kW		FEE
10	-	50	=	$1,250
50	-	100	=	$2,500
100	-	250	=	$5,000
250	-	500	=	$10,000
500	-	1,000	=	$20,000

Step 2: Proof of Project Milestone

2a. Gather and Complete All Required Documents

• Copy of Executed Contract for System Purchase and Installation
  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. This is not required for third party-owned systems.
• 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.
• RFP or Solicitation
  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.

2b. Submit the Proof of Project Milestone Checklist using PowerClerk

1. Go to the PowerClerk website and login.
2. From the homepage, locate the application use the search field.
3. Once displayed, click “edit” to begin the Incentive Claim Form.
4. Follow step 5-8. from Step 1b.

Step 3: Incentive Claim Form

3a. Gather and Complete All Required Documents

• Incentive Claim Form
  This can be printed from the "Incentive Claim Form" tab in Powerclerk.

Other Documents that may be required for MASH Projects

• Copy of PMRS Documentation
  EPBB systems must either submit a copy of the executed PMRS contract identified above or the Cost Cap Exemption Documentation.
  
  Documentation of Final Load Allocation of Tenant/Common Load (For those projects participating VNM).

3b. Submit the Incentive Claim Form using PowerClerk

1. Go to the PowerClerk website and login.
2. From the homepage, locate the application use the search field.
3. Once displayed, click “edit” to begin the Incentive Claim Form.
4. Follow step 5-8. from Step 1b.

All CSI Incentive Claims must be submitted electronically using the attachment feature in PowerClerk. Mailed-in Incentive Claims will not be accepted. Please visit https://csi.powerclerk.com to register.

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

Other Solar Electric Generating Technologies

Although solar PV systems are expected to be the common technology to receive incentives from the CSI Program, the CSI Program also accepts applications for other solar electric generating technologies. Other solar electric generating technologies include, but are not limited to, electric displacing solar thermal (generally defined as solar forced air heating and solar cooler or air conditioning) and electric generating solar thermal (generally defined as dish stirling, solar trough and concentrating solar technologies).

Reservation Request Form and Guidelines

• Reservation Request Form (Rev 02/27/09) (XLS, 664 KB)
• Reservation Application Guide (Rev 9/25/08) (PDF, 20 KB)
• Incentive Claim Form (Rev 03/02/09) (XLS, 668 KB)

Other Resources

California Solar Initiative (CSI) Handbook and MASH Handbook

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

Field Inspection Protocol and Form

Any CSI projects may be subject to a field inspection. 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.

Contact Us

E-mail
solar@pge.com

Phone
Solar Customer Service Center 1-877-743-4112

Mailing Address
PG&E Solar and Customer Generation - CSI
PO Box 7433
San Francisco, CA 94120

Street Address (for overnight deliveries)
PG&E Solar and Customer Generation - CSI
245 Market St., MC N7R
San Francisco, CA 94105-1797