CSI—What’s New and Recent Events

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What's New

Residential CSI Program Status Update

PG&E has received enough projects in the residential sector of the California Solar Initiative (CSI) to reach the Step 10 megawatt (MW) target. However, it is important to note, that the program is not over and is still accepting residential applications. Projects that have dropped out of the program from previous incentive Steps, has provided PG&E more money to fund residential projects beyond the Step 10 MW target. Therefore, the CSI residential program will continue in PG&E’s service territory until the incentive budget has been spent. We encourage customers to continue to apply for CSI rebates as they are still available.

Historically, CSI program participants have followed the status of the CSI program via the on-line Trigger Tracker, a tool for tracking incentive step changes as MW were reserved and completed in the CSI Program for each Program Administrator territory. However, since the Trigger Tracker does not reflect the remaining incentive budget, applicants should begin tracking the remaining incentive budget available using Table 1 of the CSI General Market Budget Report found on the California Solar Statistics website.

Please continue to check back for more information and updates on the status of the residential CSI program as we approach the end of the incentive budget.

Improvements to the California Solar Initiative Application Process

Beginning on January 25, 2013 there will be several improvements to the California Solar Initiative (CSI) application process. Improvements include an “expedited” process for residential and small commercial applications (<5kW), consolidation of Reservation Request documents, removal of Reservation Request documents, incentive claim process, and updates to the Incentive Claim form.

Expedited 2-Step Process
For residential and small commercial applications (<5 kW) will be modified to use PowerClerk to perform an initial screening of completed applications to confirm: 1) the cost cap ($ per watt) is met; and 2) valid CSLB license. If the application passes these initial screenings, PowerClerk will issue an auto-confirmation notice to the applicant and customer, and funds will be reserved for that project without the PAs having to review the Reservation Request manually. For the majority of applications, this modification will reduce turn-around-times for issuing the reservation confirmation notices from a current average of approximately 30 days to within a day.

If the Application does not pass one of these initial screenings, PowerClerk will require the Applicant to attach the applicable justification document(s) in order to submit the Reservation Request package through the current 2-Step process. For projects that require these justification document(s), such as a High Cost Justification and Acknowledgment form, the PAs will complete a manual review of the submitted documentation before manually issuing a confirmed reservation notice.

Please note that all residential and non-residential that are >=5 kW (CEC AC) in size will undergo a manual review.

Consolidation of Reservation Request Documents
To further reduce paperwork, the standalone Energy Efficiency Disclosure form has been integrated into the Reservation Request Signature Form (PDF, 119 KB). This particular change applies to 1-step, 2-step, 3-step non-residential, and Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program applications. Please note that PG&E will not accept the stand-alone Energy Efficiency Form after February 25th.

Removal of Reservation Request Documents
The Executed Purchase and Installation Agreement for Third-Party owned systems has provided little value to the program and will no longer be required for 1-step, 2-step, 3-step non-residential, and Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program applications. The Executed Alternative System Ownership Agreement, currently in place, is sufficient to demonstrate a customer’s intent to complete the project for Third-Party owned systems. For Host Owned systems, the Executed Purchase and Installation Agreement will continue to be required as part of the Reservation Request Package.

Incentive Claim process
With the above auto Confirmation and simplification of the Reservation Request Review process, during the Incentive Claim review, the PAs will ensure that all required documentation is sufficient, and, if warranted, request additional documentation or clarification from an applicant, before an incentive is issued.

These modifications to the application process will improve the efficiency of the CSI application review process, create cost savings for the program and greatly improve the turnaround times for issuing Confirmed Reservation Notices to these customers, benefitting both participants and PAs. Most importantly, the PAs will continue to maintain the integrity of the program by ensuring that applications meet the CSI program requirements before incentives are paid.

Modifications to Incentive Claim Form
In addition to the above changes, the Incentive Claim Form has been modified to address issues related to host customer signature.

California Solar Initiative Reaches Milestone

On January 10, 2013 the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced that the California Solar Initiative (CSI) has reached a milestone of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of installed solar. This enough energy to power 100,000 homes and businesses! At the end of 2012, the CSI program had installed 1,066 MW of solar, helping to reach 55 percent of the 1,940 MW of installed solar by the end of the program in 2016. California has the most customer-side solar installations the nation.

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