Understand the basics...
Complete a quick, free energy audit:
Get to know where your power is going. Energy efficiency efforts prior to solar installation is optimal and may cost you less than purchasing PV alone to achieve the same energy savings. For a free self-audit, click here. If you will be working with a contractor, they can assist you with the energy audit as well.
Understand Your Electricity Consumption:
Solar produces energy year round. Proper system sizing requires examining historical electricity usage. If you do not have the last 12 months of energy bills (not to fear, most do not), you can retrieve your information from SDG&E’s Energy Wave’s website, your SDG&E online account or by requesting the data via phone or email. To retrieve the last 12 months of your energy bills online, follow these instructions:
Visit www.SDGE.com
Click on 'Ways To Save Energy' under 'For Your Home>>'
Click on 'Energy Waves'
Click on 'Register Now'
You will receive a password through email. Once received, enter your password information, and then click 'Sign On'. Once signed in, click on your electricity meter (listed at top of page), and then click the drop-down menu on the left to select Total Charges. Save or print this information.
All 12 months of utility data is not a requirement for participation, but it is extremely useful for understanding how many solar panel would be appropriate to install. Your contract Save or can assist you in retrieving this information as well and will want to see it in order to size your system.
Calculate Utility Bill with CCSE's Energy Bill Tool:
The Energy Bill Tool will show you how your electric bill is structured and how much you are being billed at different tiers. This is done by entering 12 months of your electrical usage data from Energy Waves.
It will also calculate how much solar you would need to install in order to eliminate certain tiers of your energy bill.
Free Monthly Workshops - Solar for Homeowners
CCSE offers free monthly workshops that teach customers how to understand their energy bill, gain a basic understanding of solar and calculate possible system sizes. To register for the Solar for Homeowners workshop, visit the Workshops & Events Calendar (LINK).
Contract at least 3 approved installers
For a list of CSI Eligible Vendors, visit www.findsolar.com. Click on 'Find A Solar Pro' and the 'Find by Zipcode' search is the fastest way to find a solar installer near you although any eligible contractor may work on your project. The contractors typically provide free site evaluations, comprehensive quotes and payback information. Self-installations are allowed, though uncommon. (LINK TO SELF INSTALLATIONS PAGE)
3. Reserve your incentive with your selected installer
If you are working with a contractor, they will take care of all the paperwork for you. If not, you may begin the paperwork here. In addition to the CSI application documents, your contractor will assist you with the SDG&E Net Energy Metering Application and Interconnection Application. Click here (LINK HERE!!) for our Application Information and Handbook.
Install your system
When your system is installed, you or your installer will contact the administrator for permission to connect your system to your utility company's grid and take care of all of the necessary inspections.
Collect your incentive
CCSE and the California Solar Initiative will reward you for choosing to go solar by providing you with an incentive for your solar installation. In addition to the incentive from the California Solar Initiative, solar has additional financial benefits.
Federal Tax Credit
The Federal Government provides tax credits up to $2,000 for installed, eligible systems. Please click here for more information.
Note: Upon project completion, consult certified public accountant to determine eligibility for solar investment tax credit. Ensure CPA is aware of five-year accelerated depreciation
Property Tax Exemption for SolarSolar systems are exempt from property taxes. Please click here for more information.
