Solar Education Opportunities

PG&E offers a wide range of solar training opportunities for different audiences and education levels, both online and in the classroom. Whether solar energy is new to you or you are an experienced solar professional, please join us at one of our upcoming solar classes.

A brief description of our popular solar class offerings are listed below, along with the slide presentations used during the class. For a complete list of classes, please use our solar classes search form to find the best course for you.

In addition to what's listed here, we are working hard to identify new solar classes and subjects that are of interest to our customers, so please check often for our most recent additions. If you would like to provide a suggestion on a topic for a new solar class, contact us at solar@pge.com.

Note: Please reference the date when reviewing materials - the information is subject to change and as a result, may be outdated.

In-Person Classes / Workshops

Solar Electric Systems

Solar Power Basics
Overview for residential customers interested in learning the fundamentals of solar power for small grid-tied systems
Slides: Solar Power Basics - August 2009 (PDF, 2.2 MB)
Please find both the two-hour class as well as a truncated, 30 minute version on video.

Solar Champion Training
Course intended to equip students with the general training necessary to communicate the Go Solar message in their respective communities.

Basics of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Grid-Tied Applications
Introduction to PV systems basics and overview of technical, economic and project evaluation of grid-connected PV projects.
Slides: Basic of PV Grid-Tied - May 2009 (PDF, 3.5 MB)

Photovoltaic (PV) Site Analysis and System Sizing
An intermediate class for anyone interested in understanding the specific issues associated with PV site analysis and system sizing

Understanding Financial Analysis Methods for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
An overview of solar electric (PV) system costs and approximate savings for residential systems as well as information on available incentives.

Inspecting PV Systems for Code Compliance
Advanced class will cover all issues pertaining to inspecting and permitting of photovoltaic grid-tied systems in all sectors, including commercial, industrial, small business, multifamily, and residential.
Slides: Inspecting PV Systems for Code Compliance - May 2009 (PDF, 9.4 MB)

Solar System Life Maintenance
Provide information on certain steps one may take to maximize the solar system's life and output in order to make the most of one’s investment.
Slides: Solar System Life Maintenance - August 2010 (PDF, 348 KB)

Multifamily Solar
Review of the unique challenges of "going solar" for multi-tenant units, including the various applicable incentive programs, technologies and products.

Energy Efficiency and Renewables

Integrating Energy Efficiency and Renewables in Home Retrofits
Integrating Energy Efficiency and Renewables in Commercial Retrofits
Provides a whole-system approach to homes or buildings, performance and how it ties into energy efficiency.
Slides: Integrating EE and Renewables in Home Retrofit - May 2009 (PDF, 2.2 MB)

Other Renewables

Solar Water Heating Systems Basics (Also offered as a Webinar)
We will provide an overview of the design, specification, and installation aspects of Solar Water Heating systems for both commercial and residential applications
Slides: Solar Hot Water Basics - March 2010 (PDF, 2.5 MB)

Energy Careers and Business Opportunities
An overview of California policies and programs that are creating new and expanded opportunities for professionals interested in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

California Solar Initiative and Other Renewables Programs

California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program Workshop
Overview of the new CSI Thermal Program (Solar Water Heating) program offers incentives for the installation of solar water heating systems to displace both gas and electric use on residential, multifamily and commercial properties. This CSI Thermal Workshop is a required introductory course for contractors and applicants interested in participating in the CSI Thermal Program. The class is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the program, its requirements, eligible technologies and the application process.
Slides and Resources: CSI Thermal Workshop – August 2010 (PDF, 6.4 MB)

California Solar Initiative Workshop (Also offered as a Webinar)
Overview of the CSI program and requirements as well as a step by step review of the application process.
Slides and Resources: California Solar Initiative – December 2009 (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Webinars

Solar Electric Systems

Steps to Installing Solar for Residential Customers
PG&E can help you determine whether solar is right for you. During this webinar, you'll learn the basics of evaluating whether a solar system is a smart and affordable investment for you. Learn about various technologies, incentives, finding a contractor, system-life issues and other helpful information and tips.
Slides: Installing Solar for Residential Customers - July 2010 (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Interconnection Process Simplification
An overview of PG&E's Net Energy Metering (NEM) interconnection process and helpful resources and tips to ensure quick turnaround times.
Slides: Interconnection Process Simplification – December 2009 (PDF, 59 KB)

PG&E and Solar
Overview of the programs and resources PG&E has available on solar technology for both distributed generation systems and utility-scale projects.
Slides: PG&E and Solar – November 2009 (PDF, 398 KB)

Financial Options for Solar
A high-level analysis of the various financial tools and resources available to solar customers, including incentives, Net Energy Metering, Power Purchase Agreements, tax credits, and payback.
Slides: Financial Options for Solar – July 2010 (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Solar Billing
Overview of the billing process for solar Net Energy Metered customers, including what customers can expect each month, when payment is due, and how to read the solar bill and statement.
Slides: Solar Net Energy Metering Billing Seminar - December 2009 (PDF, 403 KB)

Solar for the Entrepreneur
Provides information and resources for those interested in entering the renewables industry as a product developer or contractor.
Slides: Solar for the Entreprenuer - Product Developer - Nov 2009 (PDF, 202 KB)
Slides: Solar for the Entreprenuer - Solar Contractor - December 2009 (PDF, 422 KB)

Energy Efficiency and Renewables

Your Path to Energy Savings - Residential New Construction
Your Path to Energy Savings-Existing Residential/Small Commercial
Your Path to Energy Savings - Large Commercial
Overview of how energy efficiency and solar integrate and can potentially save you thousands of dollars off of the upfront cost of your system.
Slides: Path to EE Savings – Res New Construction – June 2010 (PDF, 572 KB)
Path to EE – Res/Small Comm - February 2010 (PDF, 1.5 MB)
Path to EE – Large Comm – February 2010 (PDF, 456 KB)

California Solar Initiative and Other Renewables Programs

CSI Thermal Program - An Overview and Update
An overview of the new CSI Thermal Program, which provides Solar Water Heating incentives to displace both gas and electric use. Technologies, requirements, the application process and how to sign up for additional trainings, among other topics will be covered.
Slides: CSI Thermal Updates - August 2010 (PDF, 542 KB)

An Overview of Eligible SGIP Technologies
An Overview of Eligible SGIP Technologies" with the following description: "An overview of the eligible technologies covered through the Self Generation Incentive Program. This includes Wind, Fuel Cell and Advanced Energy Storage technologies.
Slides: Eligible SGIP Technologies Overview - March 2010 (PDF, 576 KB)

PowerClerk Updates
Review the latest PowerClerk changes streamlining the California Solar Initiative (CSI) application process.
Slides: PowerClerk Updates – January 2010 (PDF, 1 MB)

California Solar Initiative (CSI) Application - Avoiding Common Mistakes
Overview of the CSI application review process and helpful tips and resources to ensure appropriately filled out documents and expedited reviews.
Slides: CSI Application - Avoiding Common Mistakes – July 2010 (PDF, 1 MB)

Demystifying Installation Variables and the California Solar Initiative Inspection Process
Review the inputs in detail to ensure that the CSI applicant has a clear understanding of how to fill out the CSI forms and is fully prepared for the CSI inspection.
Slides: Demystifying Installation and Inspection – August 2010 (PDF, 1.7 MB)

Guide to Using PowerClerk
How best to use this PowerClerk, the software used by PG&E to administer the California Solar Initiative (CSI), to optimize your own experience with the service, including how to fill out applications and run reports.
Slides: Guide to Using PowerClerk - May 2010 (PDF, 1.4 MB)

California Solar Initiative (CSI) Handbook Updates
Provides information on changes and updates to the California Solar Initiative (CSI) Program as detailed in the CSI Handbook.
Slides: CSI Handbook Updates – June 2010 (PDF, 224 KB)

Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program
Overview of the MASH Program including incentive details, requirements and how to apply.
Slides: MASH Program – January 2010 (PDF, 114 KB)

Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) - An Overview and Update
Overview of PG&E's Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), including the technologies covered, the process, and helpful resources to ensure a streamlined SGIP process.
Slides: SGIP Program - September 2010 (PDF, 266 KB)

New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Program
Overview of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) program, including incentives offered, the requirements, the process, and efficient ways to use the Web tool to submit applications.
Slides: NSHP Program - July 2010 (PDF, 860 KB)

PG&E and Low Income Programs
Overview of various services and subsidies for low income customers, from higher-than-average solar incentives to reduced electricity bills for certain qualified customers.
Slides: PGE and Low Income Program - October 2009 (PDF, 402 KB)

Contact Us

E-mail
solar@pge.com

Phone
Solar Customer Service Center 1-877-743-4112 (general solar inquiries)
Solar Voicemail Box 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

Additional Info

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