California Center for Sustainable Energy

CCSE is pleased to announce the passage of Senate Bill 585, which increases the CSI program budget from $3.35 billion to $3.55 billion. The additional $200 million will be used to fund the budget shortfall for projected CSI non-residential projects.

Businesses can gain a competitive edge by installing solar to generate their electricity. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), through ratepayer funding, offers cash incentives for installing on-site photovoltaic systems in commercial, industrial and agricultural projects in order to:

• Diversify our supply of electricity
• Ease demand on traditional power grids
• Reduce or eliminate electric bills
• Clean air for a more sustainable future

AB 2724 promotes solar electricity generation on state buildings by increasing the CSI rebate cap for eligible state agencies from 1MW to 5MW, up to an aggregate of 26MW. All 26 MW are on a first-come, first-served basis and may be used up in any of the CSI Program Administrator service territories.

Please note that as of May 2011, Southern California Edison (SCE) has conditionally reserved CSI incentives for nearly 13 megawatts (MW) of solar projects eligible under Assembly Bill (AB) 2724, with about 13 MW remaining.

AB 2724 is scheduled to sunset on Jan. 1, 2013.

CSI rebates combined with tax credits make solar affordable while reducing your carbon footprint.
Why Go Solar?

• Cash incentives
• Tax credits
• Reduced energy bill
• Long-term energy savings
• Civic leadership
• Increased property value
• Accelerated depreciation (MARCRS)
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Your solar professional may be able to work with you on securing financing for large projects.  These arrangements may include the new commercial PACE financing program, or partnering with a third party and utilizing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).  This often works for government and non-profit agencies that partner with a for-profit third party to ensure all available benefits are realized.

Tariff schedules are the effective rates, charges, and rules of the Utility. When commercial and industrial customers start service with the Utility, they are assigned to an appropriate tariff for electric and gas service. This is shown as the "Service/Rate" on the electric and gas bill.

Analysis of utility tariffs applicable to Distributed Generation, and determining if a system will qualify for a particular tariff, is a vital part of a project planning and feasibility study. Impact of changing tariffs should be fully understood before making a decision to proceed with the project.

Note on tariffs: customers can request a tariff/rate analysis from their utility account representative to see if they would benefit from being on a different rate.
SDG&E Rates & Tariffs Website

CCSE recommends customers request an SDG&E Energy Waves Account.  Energy Waves allows customers to graphically view and download up to 17 months of energy consumption data.

Earning incentives for solar energy is simple. Just follow these five easy steps:
Step 1: Energy Efficiency Audit
Complete an energy efficiency audit and make sure to take advantage of all the cost-effective ways to save energy and money in your home or business.
Step 2: Find a Solar Installer
Qualified contractors are your key to getting the most productive solar energy system for your home or business. Be sure to obtain at least three quotes.
Step 3: Apply for Rebates
Qualified contractors will handle the CSI application process for your rebates in two or three steps.
Step 4: Install Your System
If you have received your reservation confirmation letter, you're ready to install your system and interconnect to the utility's power grid.
Step 5: Claim Your Incentive
When your project is installed and operational you may submit the Incentive Claim Form.