CSI—Frequently Asked Questions

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Incentive Information

• How much are the rebates?
  CSI Rebates vary according to system size, customer class, and performance and installation factors. The subsidies automatically decline in "steps" based on the volume of MW of confirmed incentive reservations issued within each utility service territory. There are two incentive paths available to consumers: Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) and Performance Based Incentive (PBI).
  
  See The the {performance and installation table} to see the effect of prices as these step declines occur, with current prices in the three territories highlighted in yellow. Residential and commercial incentives are the same price in each step; however, local governments and other tax-exempt organizations receive a slightly higher incentive because cannot qualify for Federal Investment Tax Credits on their solar systems. Information on real-time rebate dollar values is available at www.csi-trigger.com
  
  Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB)
  
  Owners of solar systems less than 50 kW* may apply for an up-front cash rebate known as the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB)**. Program Administrators calculate a customer’s rebate using the expected performance of the owner’s system based on equipment ratings and installation factors such as geographic location, tilt, orientation, standoff height, and shading. Customers receive their incentive payment in a lump sum after their system in fully installed and interconnected.
  
  Performance Based Incentive (PBI)
  
  Customers with solar systems between 50 kW* and 1 MW must** apply for the Performance Based Incentive (PBI) structure. PBI incentives are a five-year stream of fixed monthly payments determined by the actual output of the system, as metered and reported to the utility.
  
  * As of January 1, 2010, only systems less than 30 kW in size will be EPBB eligible.
  **Note, the PBI incentive path is available to ANY size system. Customers under 50 kW may apply for PBI incentives or EPBB incentives.
• Which solar technologies are covered under CSI?
  CSI program is available for solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies (roof-mounted, ground-mounted and building-integrated PV,) non-PV electric displacing systems, and non-PV electric generating systems, sized to meet actual or forecast on-site load.
• How do I apply for CSI incentives?
  In nearly all situations, the solar contractor and/or takes care of the application on the customer’s behalf. Applications proceed through several stages before payment - from Requested to Reserved to Completed. A qualified solar contractor understands the application process and can optimize the customer’s incentives by completing the application properly.
  
  Residential and small commercial applicants apply through a two step application process—the first step is to apply and confirm your incentive level and the second step is to submit documentation of an installed system to receive a rebate. Larger commercial projects (over 10 kW) have an interim application step – a proof of project milestone review and confirmed reservation stage, making a three-step process before payment. This allows them to enter into contract after they have received a reservation.The final step of the rebate process is the incentive claim form submission , signifying that the project is installed and ready for inspection (if applicable), documentation review, and payment.
  
  Homeowners and other small system owners (<=10kW) apply for incentives with a simple two step process: first, applicants submit the Reservation Request Form; when this is processed by the Program Administrator and the solar system is installed and fully operational, the applicant then submits the Incentive Claim Form along with required documentation.
  
  For larger (>=10kW) non-residential, customers apply using a three-step process. For this, the applicant submits a Reservation Request Form, then submits proof of project milestone, and finally the Incentive Claim Form, all of which are processed by the Program Administrators.
• Do I need a special meter to get CSI incentives?
  The CSI Program requires accurate energy production meters for all projects that receive CSI Program incentives. Accurate measurement of solar energy output is of paramount importance to ensure optimum value for both solar owners and ratepayers. For solar electric generating systems receiving an EPBB incentive, a basic meter with accuracy of ±5 percent is required. For systems receiving PBI payments, an interval data meter with accuracy of ±2 percent is required.
• I’m interested in a solar water heating system. Can I get incentives for this?
  Customers of San Diego Gas and Electric may be eligible for incentives under the Solar Hot Water Pilot Program. Contact CCSE, the Pilot Program Administrator, for more information.
• Where is my rebate?
  To receive payment, the Applicant must submit the Incentive Claim Form package, complete with all required attachments, to the Program Administrator prior to the Reservation Expiration Date. The Host Customer and System Owner must read, sign, and date the Incentive Payment Claim Form. This form must be returned to the Program Administrator by mail, as original signatures are required to process a payment.
  
  Upon final approval of the incentive claim form documentation and completed field verification visit, the Program Administrator will issue the incentive in approximately 30 days for EPBB incentive payments. For PBI payments, the Program Administrator will issue the first incentive payment within 30 days of the first scheduled performance output meter read. Payment will be made to the Host Customer or a third party (as designated), as indicated on the Incentive Claim Form, and will be mailed to the address provided.
  
  If an incentive claim form package is incomplete or is found to require clarification, the Program Administrator will request the information necessary to process that application further. Applicants have 20 calendar days to respond to the requested clarification with the necessary information. If after 20 calendar days, the Applicant has not submitted the requested information, the request for payment may be denied. If an Incentive Claim Form package is not received by the expiration date of the Incentive Claim Form, or the Incentive Claim Form package indicates that the project is otherwise ineligible, the Program Administrator will send a written notice stating the reasons why the project is ineligible and the project will be rejected. If this is the case, the Applicant or Host Customer may reapply for a incentive reservation but will be subject to the eligibility requirements, incentive levels, and funding available at that time of reapplication.
• What about tax credits?
  The federal government currently offers a 30% tax credit on the total system cost for residential and commercial solar systems. For more information about the Federal Incentive Tax Credit please consult a tax professional.

Program/Application Information

• Who is eligible for the CSI program?
  All electric customers of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) are eligible to apply for CSI incentives. This includes residential homeowners, commercial, industrial and agricultural enterprises, and local governments and non-profit organizations.
  
  To be eligible, residential properties must have a Permit of Occupancy from their Building Department prior to submitting a Reservation Request Application for CSI incentives. Planned residential new housing construction, including residential new housing development projects and new custom homes, are eligible for the {New Solar Homes Partnership program}.
  
• Who manages the CSI program?
  California Legislature granted regulatory authority to the California Public Utilities Commission to institute a formal Rulemaking Proceeding to govern rules and procedures pertaining to the California Solar Initiative. The day-to-day administrative policy and activities, including application processing and incentive payment, are handled by a Program Administrator for each of the three Investor-Owned Utilities.
  
  • PG&E is the Program Administrator in its territory.
  • SCE is the Program Administrator in its territory.
  • The California Center for Sustainable Energy is the Program Administrator in San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) territory.
  
  
• How much are application fees?
  There is no application fee for residential projects and other projects less than 10kW. For non-residential applications, above 10kW, the application fee is 1% of the unadjusted requested program incentive amount. This fee applies to both EPBB and PBI applicants. The application fee must be paid within 30 days of the Reservation Request to activate the application.
  
  Applications received without payment will be cancelled. If a project is withdrawn or cancelled after receiving a reservation, the Host Customer will forfeit the application fee.
  
  Application fees will be returned in full to the Host Customer if, upon eligibility screening, the project does not qualify for the CSI Program. If a project that has received an Incentive Claim Form from the Program Administrator is withdrawn due to extenuating circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, the application fee may be returned pending a discussion and agreement of the Program Administrators. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• How can I check on the status of my application?
  Your solar contractor can provide you with regular updates regarding the status of your application.
• How long will the process take?
  The Program Administrators are striving to take fewer than 30 days to confirm reservation requests. Application processing time is dependent on the Program Administrator reviewing paperwork, as well as the applicant responding to any requests for more information or application corrections.
  The applications that take "greater than 60 days" to get from received to reservation can be assumed to have some type of problem. Some of the most frequent types of problems encountered with applications are:
  
  • Listed equipment does not match EPBB print out
  • Mailing Address vs. Project Site Address
  • Missing signature(s)
  • Incomplete or missing documentation
• What is a CEC-AC watt?
  To measure nominal output power of photovoltaic cells or module to determine the system’s rating and subsequent incentive calculation, the Program Administrators will use the California Energy Commission’s CEC_AC rating standards, which are based upon 1,000Watt/m2 solar irradiance, 20 degrees Celcius ambient temperature, and 1 meter/second wind speed. The CEC-AC rating is lower than the Standard Test Conditions (STC.)
• Do I have to go on a time-of-use (TOU) rate as a condition of the CSI? Is there evidence that this will wind up costing me more?
  In order to provide additional incentives for customers to install solar systems that coincide with California’s peak electricity demand, CSI Applicants were required under state law (SB1) and CPUC D. 06-12-033 to take their electric service under applicable Time-Of-Use (TOU) tariffs. However, state law (AB 1714) and CPUC D.07-06-014 have modified this order such that these TOU requirements are currently optional for CSI Applicants not otherwise required to take service on TOU rates until the CPUC develops and makes effective TOU tariffs that meet the requirements of Public Utility Code Section 2851(a)(4). Entities that receive the CSI incentive after the new TOU rates are established must go on the new TOU rates.
  
  The Legislation enacting the California Solar Initiative requires incentive recipients to take electric utility service on TOU rates. To alleviate unintended consequences associated with some energy use patterns, the CPUC is able to delay implementation of the mandatory TOU requirement until rates can be appropriately adjusted during the General Rate Case and other rate-related Proceedings.
  
  TOU rates are designed to value daytime peak energy usage and production higher than off-peak energy usage at night and in the morning. Most solar customers benefit from TOU rates, because solar production replaces peak load and is credited to the customer at the higher-cost peak price.
• My project failed inspection—now what?
  If there is a failed inspection because the verified system is not in compliance with the system as stated on the project application, the Applicant, Host Customer, and/or System Owner will have 60 calender days to bring the system into full eligibility or accept the inspector’s results.
• What is Net Metering?
  Net Metering allows you to “bank” (with the PG&E) any surplus electricity your system generates. Most home PV systems are sized to generate more electricity during the day than is actually used. During this time, the meter runs backwards. Later, you can pull an equal amount of electricity without incurring a cost.
  
  If you use more electricity from the grid than your system ahs banned on an annual basis, your utility charges you for the difference. If you system produces more electricity than you use, your utility may buy the excess but is not required to. Your utility will also charge a monthly connection/distribution fee.
• Can my city, homeowners association or neighbor prohibit me from installing solar on my roof?
  No. The California Solar Rights Act, enacted in 1978, limits the ability of codes, covenants, and restrictions to restrict solar installations.
• Does a solar PV system have to meet local building codes?
  Yes. You will probably need to obtain a permit from the city or county building department, and may be required to purchase a building permit and/or electrical permit to legally begin installation. A solar contractor should be able to assist you with local permitting issues.
• When a PV installation is on a government building, but is owned by a third party what incentive will be provided, the government incentive rate or the commercial incentive rate?
  Then incentive rate is determined by the system owner. So if the system owner is a commercial entity they will receive the commercial incentive rate.

Quarterly Public Forum

• Are the CSI Public Forum presentation slides publicly available?
  All CSI Public Forum presentations slides are posted before the event on Go Solar California and the on the CPUC Daily Calendar and CSI Program Forum webpage.
  
  Archived presentations are also found on those sites, as well as Program Administrator websites.
• When is the next CSI Public Forum? Can I attend?
  Go to the CPUC CSI Program Forum webpage to see the schedule and agenda.

Installing Solar

• What is a solar electric system?
  The basic building blocks of a solar electric system are photovoltaic(PV) cells that generate electricity when light (photons) interact with the semiconductor materials that make up the cells. Most PV cells designed for outdoor use are based on crystalline silicon-similar to the silicone wafers used in computer chips. Other types include thin film and organic polymers. Since a single PV cell produces only a small amount of electricity, cells are usually combined into larger units, such as panels or modules. Hook enough modules together and you can generate enough electricity to power your home or business.
  
  To complete the system, an inverter is used to stabilize and change the direct current (DC) produced by the cells into alternating current (AC) that is compatible with your home’s electrical devices and the grid.
• Why should I go solar?
  For many reasons:
  
  • Solar finance experts suggest that every 1,000 watts of power from PV panels adds $20,000 to the resale value of your home.
  • Solar systems are extremely reliable, able to produce clean energy from the sun for up to 25 years.
  • By using solar to power your home or business, you dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Incentives are no at their highest in California, and will decline as more systems are installed. Get the best incentive you can—go solar now!
• How much money will I save on my electric bill?
  The potential savings from a solar system will depend on several factors, including your current rate structure, the size of the solar system you install and the amount of sunshine your system will receive. Your solar contractor should be able to provide you with an estimate based on those and other factors.
• How much does a PV system cost?
  Although many factors affect the price, an average PV system currently costs $8-10 dollars a watt, including installation, or about $16,000 to $20,000 for a 2kW system before rebates.
• Can you finance a PV system?
  Yes, subject to your ability to secure credit. The best way to finance a home PV system is with a first or second mortgage or home equity loan. If mortgage financing is not available, consider other sources such as conventional bank loans.
• Where can I install a PV system?
  Your site must have clear, unobstructed access to the sun. Buildings, trees or other vegetation should not shade your site. South-facing roof exposure is best, but roofs facing east and west may be okay. If a rooftop is not available, your PV system can also be mounted on the ground or even on a patio cover.
  
  As a rule of thumb, 100 square feet of PV area produces one kilowatt of electricity. A typical home system would need anywhere from 200 sq. ft. to 600 sq. ft. of roof space. For those concerned about appearance, there are new technologies that look like roof tiles or can disguise the panels within you house’s roofline. Both options are more expensive than traditional solar panels.
• Are PV systems reliable?
  Yes. Stationary PV systems have no moving parts; there is nothing mechanical that can wear out. They operate silently, and require no fuel, filters or other costly parts or maintenance.
  Solar modules are essentially silicon cells (similar to a computer chip) embedded inside a protective layer, usually a sturdy tempered glass panel. They are made to withstand hot, direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions; they will continue to work as long as sunlight falls on the surface. They do need to be cleaned periodically to ensure maximum performance- dust and dirt can reduce a system’s performance.
  
  Solar systems usually have an expected life of up to 25 years. Plus, systems receiving incentives under the California Solar Initiative are required to have a 10- year equipment warranty.
• What size solar system do I need?
  Several factors will influence the size of the solar system you need. Determining your present electricity needs is a first step in sizing your solar system. You should conduct an energy efficiency survey of your home or business before you determine the size of the system- by installing energy efficiency measures, you’ll require less energy and could thousands of dollars on panels.
• Is the power produced by the solar system any different from the utility power? Will it hurt my home appliances or business equipment?
  No. The electricity generated by your solar system is no different from electricity delivered.
• Do I need a battery backup for my solar electric generating system?
  A battery backup for your solar system is unnecessary when your system is connected to the utility’s electric grid. The grid services as a backup during times when your system is not producing electricity, for example, at night and on very cloudy days.
• What happens during a power outage?
  Your solar electric system is designed to shutdown immediately for safety reasons, unless it includes a battery storage system.

Solar Contractor Information

• How do I find a solar contractor I can trust? Are there "bad" solar contractors out there?
  Solar Contractors are required to register with the CEC’s Eligible Retailers/Solar Contractors List (Link?) annually. To participate in the CSI Program, eligible companies that install equipment must also be listed with the Program Administrator. Except for those systems that are self-installed, all systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California contractors in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB.) Installation contractors must have an active A,B,C-10, or C-46 license for photovoltaic (PV) systems. All systems must be installed in conformance with the manufacturer’s specifications and with all applicable electrical and building code standards.
  
  Qualified contractors are your key to getting the most productive PV system for your home or business. Choose a reputable solar contractor by interviewing at least three potential solar contractors and obtain bids before making your selection.
• Can I install a solar PV system myself?
  While uncommon, self installations are allowed so long as proper building permits are obtained and local codes are followed.

Classes

• Are there classes offered in solar PV systems?
  PG&E offers a range of classes including a monthly CSI Workshop, a solar basics class for homeowners, as well as specialty courses on topics related to the CSI, solar energy systems and energy efficiency. Please visit the CSI Solar Education Opportunities page for a description and link to upcoming workshops and classes.

Solar Facts

• How much solar energy do Californians currently produce?
  California currently produces 279.5 mW of solar energy, representing nearly 33,000 systems large and small throughout the state. Since its start on January 1, 2007, the CSI Program has received over 10,000 applications, representing 249.3 mW of new solar energy.
• When I get my solar system installed, will I be "off-grid?"
  No. The CSI Program only provides incentives to grid-tied solar systems, thus CSI participants are not off-grid; rather, their systems produce energy that flows back onto the grid, which they conversely draw from whenever their systems are not generating energy.

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