CSI—How it Works

• Print Page
• Email Page

Quick Links

• Know Your Role in the Solar Process
• Steps for Installing Solar at Your Business
• Program Background
• Incentives
• Incentive Calculator
• Handbook and Forms
• Net Energy Metering

California Solar Initiative and PG&E incentives make powering your home with clean, renewable solar energy easier than ever before by providing an incentive for qualifying photovoltaic systems. PG&E is a proud Program Administrator of the CSI and is ready to help you go solar today. We've already assisted over 25,000 customers with their installations, more than any other utility in the United States, and we're looking forward to helping you become the next Californian to make a difference.

Below you'll find links and information providing you with the resources you need to get started today, including information on what the California Solar Initiative is, how to calculate your incentive, and what your role is in the solar process.

Know Your Role in the Solar Process

Customer

• Completes a quick free energy audit to determine energy savings measures that will optimize your solar system's performance
• Interviews at least three reputable solar contractors and secures their project bids before choosing one
• Receives a CSI incentive (if designated party) and investigates any municipal incentives and federal tax credit availability

Solar Contractor

• Submits all applications and building permit requests to PG&E and your local city agencies
• Installs your PV system and contacts the city building inspector for an on-site visit once the installation is completed

PG&E

• Reviews and processes your California Solar Initiative application
• After your solar installation is completed inspects your property and installs a net energy meter to connect your home to the electric grid
• Sends the incentive payment to the designated party once the solar installation is completed

Steps for Installing Solar at Your Business

Find out the necessary steps for installing solar and claiming your incentives and tax credits.

Program Background

Want to learn more about the CSI program? The program background page provides historical information about the CSI program, the decision and program goals.

Incentives

View a table of expected performance based buydown (EPBB) incentives.

Incentive Calculator

Calculate your appropriate incentive amount with the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) Calculator.

Handbook and Forms

Links to all the documents and forms you’ll need.

Net Energy Metering

Learn how to offset energy costs by exporting energy back to the grid via net energy metering.

Contact Us

E-mail
solar@pge.com

Phone
Solar Customer Service Center 1-877-743-4112
Solar Hotline 415-973-3480 (solar application-related questions)

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