Residential

Installing a photovoltaic ( PV) system can help reduce, or virtually eliminate, any sized electric bill. Incentives from the California Solar Initiative currently cover approximately 13% of the installed cost of a photovoltaic ( PV) system for a homeowner. What's better, the California Center for Sustainable Energy provides incentives for installing solar systems through the California Solar Initiative. It is important to know that incentive levels decrease over time, so no time is better for going solar than now!



Why go Solar?

All over San Diego and California people are integrating solar into their electricity. Why? Here are three simple reasons:
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How to Get Started with Solar

Understanding how much Solar PV you need and how much it will cost you can often be a confusing process for the homeowner.  The California Center for Sustainable Energy is here to help guide you through this process in order to issue your incentive rebate effectively and efficiently.  Here is how to get started with solar for your home.

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Things to know before contacting a Solar Contractor

CCSE recommends evaluating at least three (3) different contractors.  Download our Homeowner Bid Comparison Worksheet and consider the following:

  1. Check the status of Contractor License at www.cslb.ca.gov- License must be an active A, B, C-10, or C-46 in order to meet the eligibility requirements for the CSI Program.
  2. Check references- One of the most reliable sources for business references is the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  3. Examine customer feedback- Conduct internet searches, talk to those who may have used this contractor, etc. in an effort to find out as much information as possible.
  4. Get detailed project information for the California Solar Initiative- See what the average project costs, how much contractors charge per watt, etc. by downloading our program data here.
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CSI Handbook


Read the facts from the California Solar Initiative handbook.

CSI Testimonial

"It's been great! My 'little' 1.9KW system is on its way to generating over 2900KWH for the year, more than 100% of our consumption. The State rebate was of great assistance in getting the system installed."
-Robert Hingtgen

Get Solar

CSI Consumer Guide to the California Solar Initiative

CCSE Calendar

Green Workshops & Events
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Notable & Quotable

"Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless! ."

- William McDonough
Fortune Brainstorm Conference, 2006