California Center for Sustainable Energy

Eligibility

The Performance Based Incentive (PBI) is required for systems equal to or greater than 30kW CEC-AC (50kW CEC-AC for systems reserved before Jan. 1, 2010). Additionally, systems of size 10 kW up to 30 kW CEC-AC may elect to opt for the PBI incentive.

PBI Rates

Please view current PBI incentive rates for the San Diego Gas & Electric service territory by step and customer class in the CSI Trigger Tracker.

Payment Process

PBI incentives are paid monthly over a 5 year period of time (60 payments) based on the actual energy (kWh) produced by your solar energy system. The incentive rate ($/kWh) will remain constant for the 5-year PBI term. Please read the PBI Customer Manual for a detailed description of the PBI payment process.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

All PBI projects, regardless of system size, are required to contract with a Performance Data Provider (PDP) for five years for the following services:

1. PDP Service: The Performance Data Provider monitors and reports the energy production data from the solar energy system to the Program Administrator (CCSE) to serve as the basis for PBI payments.
2. Performance Monitoring and Reporting Service (PMRS): Online data monitoring portal accessible by the system owner to enable him/her to properly maintain and evaluate the performance of their solar energy systems.

All System Owners are responsible for the choice and installation of the metering hardware as well as the selection of a PMRS provider and/or the PDP. The list of eligible PMRS providers may be found on the Go Solar CA website. CCSE provides the list of eligible PDPs for San Diego Gas & Electric service territory.

Performance Data Provider Requirements

Performance Data Providers are required to meet all of the applicable minimum standards as specified in Section 10 of the California Solar Initiative Handbook. For requirements and processes on how to become a Performance Data Provider for the California Solar Initiative, please review our PDP Application Instructions. If you would like to provide PDP services for the California Solar Initiative, please complete the PDP Application Form and provide all documentation in the checklist. Note that the PDP Applicant must submit separate applications for each utility or Program Administrator.