CSI Handbook and Forms

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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.

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 will use the three-step application process. Please note, business projects equal or greater to 10kW 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 a business customer please go to the business 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.

All Residential Customers

• Two-Step Process Diagram (PDF, 1.1 MB)
• Two-Step Process Forms and Documentation Requirements list (PDF, 13 KB)

Reservation Request Documents

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

• Printout of EPBB Tool Calculation
  Calculate your estimated incentive with the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) Calculator and print the results.
• Copy of Executed Agreement of Solar System Purchase and Installation, including warranty language
  All Applicants must submit a copy of an executed agreement to purchase and install the solar system at the time of submitting the Reservation Request Form. 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 with the Reservation Request Form.

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.

• 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.
• 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)

Other Solar Electric Generating Technologies

Reservation request form and guidelines specific to other solar electric generating technologies.

• 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)

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