California Solar Rebates - California Solar Power Rebates

California State & Local Incentives

Alameda Power & Telecom - Solar Photovoltaics Rebates Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount: For the year 2008, the rebate level is $2.80 per watt, and the capacity of all installations combined is capped at 150 kilowatts (kW).
Eligible System Size: Maximum size is 1 MW
Equipment Requirements: All flat plate PV modules and inverters must be on the California Energy Commission's list of approved equipment. A minimum 10 year warranty is required for all systems.
Installation Requirements: Must be grid-connected and installed by appropriately licensed
Program Budget: $4.2 million over ten years
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: Alameda Power & Telecom
Expiration Date: December 31, 2017
Website: http://www.alamedapt.com/electricity/solar_pv_info.html

Summary:
Alameda Power & Telecom offers an incentive program to their customers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Rebates will be provided to their commercial and residential customers on a per-watt AC basis, which, in keeping with the terms of the California Solar Initiative, will decline over the life of the program according to a ten-year schedule. Each succeeding year has a lower incentive amount and a higher maximum aggregate capacity for installations. Over the life of the program, Alameda Power & Telecom has a goal of 2,127 kW of new solar capacity.

Additional restrictions and eligibility requirements, as well as the full 10-year schedule can be found on the website above.

Contact:
Alan Hanger
Alameda Power & Telecom
Solar Electric Rebate Program
P.O. Box H
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 814-6403
E-Mail: hanger@alamedapt.com
Website: http://www.alamedapt.com/electricity

Anaheim Public Utilities - PV Buydown Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount: Residential: $4/watt AC; Commercial: $2.80/watt AC
Residential customers who participate in the Home Investment Package can receive a PV incentive of $5/watt AC, up to $14,000
Maximum Incentive: The maximum incentive will be based on the customer's most recent 12-month electricity usage.
Eligible System Size: Up to 100 kW automatically approved; > 100 kW approved on case-by-case basis.
Equipment Requirements: Must have 10-year warranty against breakdown or degradation in electrical performance of more than 15% of the system's rated electrical output. System providers are required to provide a 10-year warranty on modules and a 10-year or better warranty on the inverter.
Installation Requirements: The installer must be a properly licensed California contractor with an active A, C-10 or C-46 license
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: Anaheim Public Utilities
Website: http://www.anaheim.net/article.asp?id=1644\

Summary:
Anaheim Public Utilities offers a rebate to its residential and business customers who install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The incentive for residential customers is $4/watt AC. For commercial installations, the incentive is $2.80/watt AC. Incentives are not to exceed historical (most recent complete year) or projected (Title 24) needs of the customer at the site of installation. Residential customers who participate in the Home Investment Package (HIP) can receive a rebate of $5/W up to $14,000.

To optimize the solar energy installation, residential applicants participate in the Home Utility Check-Up program offered by Anaheim Public Utilities. To qualify, PV systems must have a minimum capacity of 300 watts. All funding for the program comes directly from Anaheim Public Utilities.

Contact:
Dina Predisik
Anaheim Public Utilities
Anaheim Advantage
City Hall West
201 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 801
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: (714) 765-4182
Fax: (714) 765-4152
E-Mail: dpredisik@anaheim.net
Web site: http://www.anaheim.net/utilities/

Azusa Light & Water - Solar Partnership Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount:$4.00 per watt if customer gives RECs to utility $2.80 per watt if customer retains ownership of RECs
Maximum Incentive:50% of system cost
Eligible System Size: Minimum system size of 1 kW
Equipment Requirements: PV equipment must be UL listed and appear on the California Energy Commission's list of eligible modules and inverters. Systems must have a minimum 20 year warranty on modules against failure at industry standards, and a 10 year warranty against the breakdown on balance of system components
Installation Requirements:The installer must be a properly licensed California contractor with an active A, B, C-10 or C-46 license
Expiration Date: 12/31/2016
Website: http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/index.asp?nid=565

Summary:
Azusa Light & Water provides rebates to their customers who install photovoltaic (PV) systems through their Solar Partnership Program. The rebate amount is determined by the ownership of the Renewable Energy Credits (REC) associated with the system. If the customer elects to retain ownership of the RECs, they will receive the lower rebate amount of $2.80 per watt. The higher rebate amount of $4.00 per watt is available to customers who give the RECs to Azusa Light & Water. In keeping with the terms established by the California Solar Initiative, these incentive amounts may step down during the life of the program.

Contact:
Paul Reid
Azusa Light & Water
PO Box 9500
Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: (626) 812-5154
Phone 2: (626) 812-5125
E-Mail: preid@ci.azusa.ca.us
Website: https://www.azusalw.com/Home/index.asp

Banning Electric Department - Solar Support Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount:$4 per Watt AC
Municipal projects will be evaluated individually for incentive levels
Maximum Incentive: 50% of total system cost
Eligible System Size: System can not provide more than the average historic consumption of the building
Equipment Requirements: PV equipment must be UL listed and appear on the California Energy Commission's list of eligible modules and inverters.
Installation Requirements: Must be grid-connected, net metered, and installed by either the system owner or a California contractor with an A, C-10 or C-46 license.
Website: http://ci.banning.ca.us/index.asp?NID=122

Summary:
The City of Banning Electric Department provides their commercial and residential customers with rebates on the purchase of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The rebates are worth $4 per watt and can not exceed 50% of the total system cost which includes photovoltaic cells, modules, mounting or tracking structures, wiring, inverters, and utility required interconnection equipment. Applicants must complete an Interconnection Agreement for net metering with the City of Banning Electric Department prior to final connection to the grid and before any incentive can be paid. Rebates are paid on a first come first served basis until funding is exhausted, therefore it is recommended that the customer call the City of Banning Public Benefits Department for an update on the Solar Support Program's funding status.

Contact:
Veronica Craghead
City of Banning
Public Benefits Department
176 E. Lincoln Street
Banning, CA 92220
Phone: (951) 849-5224
E-Mail: vcraghead@ci.banning.ca.us
Website: http://ci.banning.ca.us/index.asp?NID=57

Burbank Water & Power - Residential & Commercial Solar Support Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government, State Government
Incentive Amount: $3/watt AC
Maximum Incentive: Residential: $10,000; Business/Non-residential: $25,500
Eligible System Size: System may provide up to 100% of the customer's expected annual power needs, but may not exceed 1 MW
Equipment Requirements: Must use CEC-certified PV modules and inverters;
Must have minimum 5-year warranty to protect the purchaser against system or component breakdown.
Website: http://www.burbankwaterandpower.com/solar_panels.html
Effective Date:7/1/2001

Summary:
Burbank Water & Power offers customers a rebate of $3 per Watt for PV systems -- up to $10,000 for residents and $25,500 for commercial customers. The minimum size PV system eligible for incentives is 300 watts. The maximum eligible size is a system designed to produce 100% of the customer's expected annual power needs, but may not have a capacity greater than 1 megawatt.

Contact:
John Joyce
Burbank Water and Power
164 W. Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: (818) 238-3653
Fax: (818) 238-3594
E-Mail: jjoyce@ci.burbank.ca.us
Web site: http://www.burbankwaterandpower.com/

California Feed-In Tariff

Incentive Type: Production Incentive
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Electric, Municipal Solid Waste, Anaerobic Digestion, Small Hydroelectric, Tidal Energy, Wave Energy, Ocean Thermal, Biodiesel, Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Amount: Tariff is based on CPUC market price referent (MPR) and is adjusted by time-of-use factors. A higher rate is provided for solar energy between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Terms: Customers may enter into 10-, 15-, or 20-year contracts
Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/
PUC/energy/electric/RenewableEnergy/feedintariffs.htm
Authority 1: CA Public Utilities Code § 399.20
Date Enacted:9/29/2006
Authority 2: CPUC Resolution E-4137
Date Enacted:2/14/2008
Effective Date:2/14/200

Summary:
California enacted legislation (Assembly Bill 1969) in September 2006 requiring every electrical corporation to file with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) a standard tariff for renewable energy output produced by a public water or wastewater agency that is a retail customer of an electrical corporation. A subsequent CPUC decision (D.07-07-027), issued in July 2007, authorized two expansions of the tariffs. First, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) were required to submit separate tariffs for the purchase of eligible renewable generation from entities other than public water and wastewater agencies. Second, PG&E, SCE and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) were all required to offer both a full buy/sell option and an excess sale option in each tariff submitted for approval. Other electrical corporations were only required to offer the full buy/sell option, but they could offer both options if they chose to do so. The end result is an effective feed-in tariff to encourage small, customer-owned renewables.

The California feed-in tariff allows eligible customer-generators to enter into 10-, 15-, or 20-year standard contracts with their utilities to sell the electricity produced by small renewable energy systems -- up to 1.5 megawatt (MW) -- at time-differentiated market-based prices. The price paid will be based on the CPUC’s market price referent (MPR) table, shown in CPUC Resolution E-4137. Time-of-use adjustments will be applied by each utility and will reflect the increased value of the electricity to the utility during peak periods and its lesser value during off-peak periods. A special, higher-level rate is provided for solar electricity generated between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

As the feed-in tariff is meant to help the utilities meet California's renewable portfolio standard (RPS), all green attributes associated with the energy, including renewable energy credits (RECs), transfer to the utility with the sale. Any customer-generator who sells power to the utility under this tariff may not participate in other state incentive programs. The tariffs will be available until the combined statewide cumulative capacity of eligible generation installed in water and wastewater facilities reaches 250 MW, and the combined capacity for non-water and wastewater facilities reaches 228.447 MW.

For more information. contact the program administrators for the utilities:

Southern California Edison
George Wiltsee
(626) 302-4945
george.wiltsee@sce.com
http://www.sce.com/EnergyProcurement/WATERandCREST.htm

Pacific Gas and Electric
Molly Hoyt
m2hx@pge.com
(415) 973-2847
http://www.pge.com/b2b/energysupply/wholesaleelectricsuppliersolicitation/standardcontractsforpurchase/

San Diego Gas and Electric
Hillary Hebert
hhebert@semprautilities.com
(858) 654-8253
http://www.sdge.com/environment/renewableenergy/

Contact:
Karin Hieta
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 703-2743
Phone 2: (415) 703-1170
Fax: (415) 703-1158
E-Mail: kar@cpuc.ca.gov

California Solar Initiative

Incentive Type: State Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government, State Government, Fed. Government, Multi-Family Residential, Low-Income Residential, Agricultural, Institutional, (All customers of PG&E, SDG&E, SCE; Bear Valley eligible only for NSHP)
Incentive Amount: Varies by sector and system size (see below)
Equipment Requirements:

System components must be on the CEC's list of eligible equipment.
Systems must be grid-connected.
Inverters and modules must each carry a 10-year warranty.
PV modules must be UL 1703-certified
Inverters must be UL 1741-certified, and tested by the Energy Commission

Installation Requirements: Systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California solar contractors
Installer certification by NABCEP is recommended
Program Budget: $3.2 billion over 10 years
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: Remains with customer-generator
Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/solar
Authority 1: CSI Handbook (2008)
Effective Date:1/1/2008
Authority 2: SB 1
Date Enacted:8/21/2006
Authority 3: CPUC decision 06-01-024
Authority 4: CPUC Proceeding R0803008

Summary:
In January 2006, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted a program -- the California Solar Initiative (CSI) -- to provide more than $3 billion in incentives for solar-energy projects with the objective of providing 3,000 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity by 2016. The CPUC manages the solar program for non-residential projects and projects on existing homes ($2+ billion), while the CEC oversees the New Solar Homes Partnership, targeting the residential new construction market (~$400 million). Together, these two programs comprise the effort to expand the presence of photovoltaics (PV) throughout the state, Go Solar California.

Originally limited to customers of the state’s investor-owned utilities, the CSI was expanded in August 2006, as a result of Senate Bill 1, to encompass municipal utility territories as well. Municipal utilities are required to offer incentives beginning in 2008 (nearly $800 million); many already offer PV rebates.

CSI Incentives for Non-residential Buildings and Existing Homes:
The CSI includes a transition to performance-based and expected performance-based incentives (as opposed to capacity-based buydowns), with the aim of promoting effective system design and installation. CSI incentive levels will automatically be reduced over the duration of the program in 10 steps based on the aggregate capacity of solar installed. (Click here for current incentive levels for each utility.) In this way, incentive reductions are linked to levels of solar demand rather than an arbitrary timetable.

CSI incentives in 2007 began at the following levels:

Expected Performance-Based Buydown for Systems under 50 kW:

$2.50/W AC for residential and commercial systems, adjusted based on expected performance
$3.25/W AC for government entities and nonprofits, adjusted based on expected performance

Incentives will be awarded as a one-time, up-front payment based on expected performance, which is calculated using equipment ratings and installation factors such as geographic location, tilt, orientation and shading.

Performance-Based Incentives (PBI) for Systems 50 kW and larger:

$0.39/kWh for first five years for taxable entities
$0.50/kWh for first five years for government entities and nonprofits

PBI will be paid monthly based on the actual amount of energy produced for a period of five years. Residential and small commercial projects under the 50 kW threshold can also choose to opt in to the PBI rather than the upfront Expected Performance-Based Buydown approach. However, all installations of 50 kW or larger must take the PBI.

The program is managed by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

Incentives for Non-PV Solar Technologies
The CSI Handbook released in January 2008 clarified and made incentives for non-PV solar technologies which either produce electricity or displace electricity. The CPUC specifically recognizes electric generating solar thermal as including dish stirling, solar trough, and concentrating solar technologies, while non-PV technologies that displace electricity include solar forced air heating, and solar cooling or air conditioning. The budget for electric displacing non-PV technologies is capped at $100.8 million. While solar water heaters can also displace electricity, the CPUC excludes them from the CSI because they plan to offer incentives for solar water heaters through a separate program based on the pilot program currently in operation within the service territory of San Diego Gas and Electric. Future CSI rulemaking activities will address energy-efficiency requirements, affordable housing incentives, and other program elements.

Click here for a fact sheet on the California Solar Initiative.

CPUC Program Administrators:
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Web Site: www.pge.com/solar
E-mail Address: solar@pge.com
Contact Person: Program Manager, California Solar Initiative Program
Telephone: 1-800-743-5000
Fax: 415-973-2510
Mailing Address:
PG&E Integrated Processing Center
P.O. Box 7265
San Francisco, CA 94120-7265

California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE)
Web Site: www.energycenter.org
E-mail Address: csi@energycenter.org
Contact Person: John Supp, Program Manager
Telephone: 858-244-1177/(866)-sdenergy
Fax: 858-244-1178
Mailing Address:
California Center for Sustainable Energy
Attn: SELFGEN Program Manager
8690 Balboa Avenue Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123

Southern California Edison (SCE)
Web Site: www.sce.com/rebatesandsavings/CaliforniaSolarInitiative
E-mail Address: greenh@sce.com
Contact Person: Program Manager, California Solar Initiative Program
Telephone: 1-800-799-4177
Fax: 626-302-6253
Mailing Address:
Southern California Edison
6042A Irwindale Avenue
Irwindale, CA 91702

California Solar Initiative - Pilot Solar Water Heating Program

Incentive Type: State Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Agricultural, Institutional, (must be SDG&E electric customer)
Incentive Amount:Residential/small commercial: $1,500, adjusted based on expected performance;
Larger commercial: $15/sq ft for open-loop systems; $20/sq ft for closed-loop systems
Maximum Incentive: Residential/small commercial: $1,500
Larger commercial: $75,000
Equipment Requirements: Residential/Small Commercial: Systems must be SRCC OG300 rated.
Larger projects: Collectors must be SRCC OG100 rated.
All systems must have a minimum of a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty on the solar collector(s), minimum of 1-year and up to 5-years based on manufacturer’s warranty on the individual balance of system components, and 1-year warranty on installation labor and workmanship.
Open-loop recirculation systems must come with a 5 year parts and labor warranty
Installation Requirements: Must be a retrofit project for existing customer.
Installation contractors must have an active A, B, C-4, C-36 or C-46 license. Self-installers are not required to be licensed, but must attend a one-day training workshop.
Contractors are encouraged to become NABCEP-certified.
Program Budget: $2.6 million total, $1.5 million for incentives
Funding Source: Rate-payer funded
Project Review/Certification: CCSE will inspect 100% of the systems installed; Performance monitoring is required
Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Solar/080220_SD_SolarPilot.htm
Authority 1: Solar Water Heating Program Handbook
Effective Date:1/11/2008

Summary:
In January 2006, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted a program – the California Solar Initiative (CSI) – to provide more than $3 billion in incentives for solar projects with the objective of providing 3,000 MW of solar capacity by 2017. Although the CSI primarily funds solar electric (photovoltaics) projects, the CPUC also authorized $2.6 million for a pilot solar water heating program. The budget includes program administration, inspections, performance monitoring, program metering and verification and $1.5 million for incentives.

This program, launched in July 2007, is administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (formerly the San Diego Regional Energy Office) and is available to only retrofit systems for existing residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial electricity customers of San Diego Gas & Electric.

For residential and small commercial systems, the maximum incentive is $1,500 and is based on estimated system performance according to the SRCC OG300 system ratings, solar orientation factors, and other inputs.

For larger commercial systems, the incentive is a function of collector area and will be adjusted based on factors of system type, collector rating, and solar orientation. Collectors must have an SRCC OG100 rating. The system will be metered and one month of successful meter data will be required to demonstrate the system is working properly before payment of incentive is made.

# $15/sq ft for open-loop systems
# $20/sq ft for closed-loop systems
# Maximum incentive is $75,000.

Note: Pool and spa heating systems are not eligible.

Incentives will be paid to qualified, licensed contractors to be passed through to the customer or directly to owners of self-installed systems. Participating contractors and self-installers must attend a one day workshop to qualify.

Contact:
Annie Henderson
Center for Sustainable Energy
8690 Balboa Ave, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (877) 333-SWHP
Fax: (858) 244-1178
E-Mail: annie.henderson@energycenter.org
Website: http://www.energycenter.org/

CEC - New Solar Homes Partnership

Incentive Type: State Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Residential, Multi-Family Residential, Low-Income Residential
Incentive Amount: Varies by customer class and system performance (see below)
Eligible System Size: Minimum: 1 kW AC
Maximum: 100% of a home's expected electrical load
Equipment Requirements:
System components must be on the CEC's list of eligible equipment.
Systems must be grid-connected.
Inverters and modules must each carry a 10-year warranty.
PV modules must be certified to UL 1703 by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL)
Inverters must be certified to UL 1741 by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). They also must have completed the Energy Commission's required weighted efficiency testing.
Installation Requirements: Systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California solar contractors
Self-installs are also acceptable
Although not required, installation contractors are encouraged to become certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Program Budget: Up to $400 million over 10 years
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: CEC has not established rules or policies governing the creation, ownership or disposition of RECs
Website: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/
nshp/index.html
Authority 1: NSHP Guidebook (2008)

Summary:
In January 2006, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted a program – the California Solar Initiative (CSI) – to provide more than $3 billion in incentives for solar projects with the objective of providing 3,000 MW of solar capacity by 2017. Senate Bill 1 was signed by the Governor in August 2006, expanding the CSI to include publicly-owned utilities with a total ratepayer-funded budget of $3.3 billion. The CSI will fund solar photovoltaics (PV) initially, with other solar technologies included at a later point.

Aside from the solar programs administered by the publicly-owned utilities, two programs serve the investor-owned electric service territories. One is overseen by the CPUC, which provides incentives for existing residential homes and existing and new commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties. The other program, the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP), is administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and provides incentives for solar on new home construction. To be eligible for the NSHP incentive, the home must receive electricity from one of the following investor-owned utilities: Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison Company, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Bear Valley Electric Service.

Launched on January 2, 2007, the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) is a 10-year, $400 million program to encourage solar in new homes by working with builders and developers to incorporate into the homes high levels of energy efficiency and high-performing solar systems. The NSHP specifically targets the market-rate and affordable housing single-family and multifamily sectors, with the goal of achieving 400 MW of installed solar electric capacity on new homes, and to have solar electric systems on 50% of all new homes built in California by the end of 2016.

Incentives are determined by the housing type and the expected performance of the system, which depends on factors like equipment efficiency, geographic location, orientation, tilt, shading, and time-dependent valuation. These factors are then compared to a reference system in San Jose, California. To qualify for incentives, the residential dwelling unit must be achieve at least 15% higher energy efficiency than the current Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (please refer to the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook for specific details and program requirements). The incentive is paid once the system is installed, operational, and has met all program requirements.

There are four incentive levels available:

Base Incentive: Expected Performance Based Incentive (EPBI) level starting in 2007 is $2.50/watt. The base incentive applies to custom homes, small developments (less than 6 homes), housing developments where solar is offered as an option, common areas of housing developments, and housing developments where solar will be installed on less than 50% of the homes.

Solar as a Standard Feature Incentive: The EPBI level starting in 2007 is $2.60/watt. To qualify, a builder of 6 or more homes in a development must commit to a minimum of 50% of the residential units in the subdivision or multifamily housing development, to installing solar electric systems that meet or exceed the California Flexible Installation criteria. (The California Flexible Installation criteria option was developed by the Energy Commission to make it easy to use and encourage participation by large home developers.)

In July 2007, the NSHP Guidebook was revised to include changes like a new incentive structure to meet the needs of California’s affordable housing community.

Residential Areas of Affordable Housing Projects: The EPBI amount starting in 2007 is $3.50/watt. This applies to affordable housing projects of all sizes.

Common Areas of Affordable Housing Projects: The EPBI level starting in July 2007 is $3.30/watt. This incentive level applies to solar electric systems serving the common areas of affordable housing projects.

All incentives will decline over time as specific megawatt targets are achieved.

Contact:
Public Information Officer
California Energy Commission
New Solar Homes Partnership
1516 Ninth Street, MS-45
Sacramento, CA 95814-5512
Phone: (800) 555-7794
E-Mail: renewable@energy.state.ca.us
Web site: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/nshp/index.html

City of Healdsburg - PV Incentive Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount:$2.52/watt AC, adjusted based on expected performance
Program Budget:$80,000 for FY 07-08
Website: http://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/ cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.section.Section_fin_Energy_Efficiency_Program_Rebates

Summary:
Through The City of Healdsburg's PV Buy-down Program, residential and commercial customers are eligible for a $2.52-per-watt AC rebate on qualifying grid-connected PV systems. In keeping with SB1, the incentive level will decrease annually over the 10 year life of the program. Rebates are available on a first come, first served basis.

Contact:
Jim Brands
City of Healdsburg
Attn: Efficiency Services
PO Box 421
Clackamas, OR 97015
Phone: (503) 658-4239
E-Mail: jim@esgroupllc.com
Web site: http://www.efficiencyservicesgroup.com

City of Lompoc Utilities - PV Rebate Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount: $3.50 per watt AC
Maximum Incentive: 50% the system cost, up to $50,000
Equipment Requirements: PV modules and inverters must be on the State of California Energy Commission list of eligible equipment; Must have minimum 10-year warranty against breakdown or unusual degradation.
Installation Requirements: Systems must be installed by an appropriately licensed California solar installer if not installed by the system owner.
Website: http://www.cityoflompoc.com/departments/utilities/conservation.htm

Summary:
City of Lompoc Utilities provides rebates to its electric customers who install photovoltaic (PV) systems. To qualify for the rebate the system must meet all the criteria as defined by the Lompoc City Electric interconnection agreement for self-generating electric systems and the requirements set forth by the California Energy Commission.

Contact:
City of Lompoc
Customer Service
100 Civic Center Plaza
Lompoc, CA 93438
Phone: (805) 875-8298
E-Mail: m_kammer@ci.lompoc.ca.us
Web site: http://www.cityoflompoc.com/departments/utilities/electric.htm

City of Palo Alto Utilities - PV Partners

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government
Incentive Amount:Systems < 100kW: Rebate is paid per watt, based on CEC AC watts.
Systems 100 kW and larger: Performance-based incentive (PBI), based on actual monthly energy produced (kWh) for 60 month term.
Non-profit and public sector customers are eligible for an enhanced rebate level.
For current rebate levels, visit the program website below.
Maximum Incentive: Incentives available for first 1 MW
Eligible System Size: 1 kW minimum, 1 MW maximum
Equipment Requirements: All flat plate PV modules and inverters must be on the State of California Energy Commission list of eligible equipment; must have full 10-year warranty on equipment and labor.
Installation Requirements: PV systems must be grid-connected; must be installed by a licensed contractor.
Program Budget: $1.3 million per program year for 10 years. If all of the funds are reserved in a given program year, the rebate level drops to the next program year, and the program stays open.
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: Remains with system owner. City of Palo Alto Utilities may offer to purchase the Solar Renewable Energy Credits for systems at least 100 kilowatts in size.
Website: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/pvpartners
Effective Date: July 2007

Summary:
The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) PV Partners Program offers incentives to customers that install qualifying PV systems. The program, which has a budget of approximately $13 million over 10 years, is divided into 10 steps, each funded at $1.3 million. Each step is allocated across four customer rate classes -- residential, small/medium commercial, large commercial and non-profit/public sector -- with a specified PV capacity allocated to it. Rebate levels will drop $0.20 per watt as the incentive level moves to the next step.

Incentive levels as of 5/1/08 are described below. For current levels, consult the program web site above.

Residential: $2.20/watt AC (no maximum)

City of Palo Alto Utilities - Solar Renewable Energy Credit Purchase Program

Incentive Type: Production Incentive
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial
Maximum Incentive:$600,000 per contract
Terms: Maximum term of 20 years
Authority 1: City Council Resolution 8773
Date Enacted:12/3/2007

Summary:
City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) currently purchases Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to meet the demand for the solar portion of their retail green power program, PaloAltoGreen, through a third-party contract with 3-Degrees, Inc. PaloAltoGreen is a voluntary program through which CPAU customers can support renewable energy development by paying an extra 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for their electricity needs. CPAU then uses this money to purchase wind and solar power Renewable Energy Credits, or directly install city-owned systems.

Current demand for the solar portion of PaloAltoGreen is approximately $60,000 per year, expected to increase to $120,000 or more per year in the next three to five years. In an effort to support solar development within CPAU's service territory, rather than purchasing SRECs from outside sources, the City Council voted unanimously in December 2007 to enter into contracts with their commercial and industrial customers for the purchase of the SRECs associated with their solar installations. CPAU currently pays $50/MWh for SRECs through 3 Degrees, Inc and prices are expected to vary between $30/MWh and $150/MWh in the future. The price that CPAU will offer their local customers will be at or below these expected costs.

To expedite the application and contractual process, the City Council has delegated the contractual authority to the City Manager. To ease the administrative burden of the program, only systems that exceed 100 kW are being considered initially, which is the same minimum size requirement for the performance-based incentives in the PV Partners Program. Contract terms can not exceed 20 years and the contracted amounts can not exceed $600,000.

Contact:
Customer Service
City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU)
250 Hamilton Avenue, 3rd Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 329-2241
E-Mail: UtilitiesCustomerService@cityofpaloalto.org
Website: http://www.city.palo-alto.ca.us/depts/utl/default.asp

City of Palo Alto Utilities - Solar Water Heating Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, New Construction or Retrofit applications are eligible.
Incentive Amount: Residential/Small Commercial: determined by SRCC rated savings and Solar Orientation Factor (SOF)
Large Commercial/Industrial: based on the type of system installed, SRCC rated savings, and SOF
Maximum Incentive: Residential/Small Commercial: $1,500
Large Commercial/Industrial: $75,000
One contractor can have no more than $150,000 in incentive reservations at any given time.
Equipment Requirements: Residential/Small Commercial: Systems must be SRCC OG300 rated.
Larger projects: Collectors must be SRCC OG100 rated.
All systems must have a minimum of a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty on the solar collector(s), minimum of 1-year and up to 5-years based on manufacturer’s warranty on the individual balance of system components, and 1-year warranty on installation labor and workmanship.
Installation Requirements: Systems must be installed by a contractor with an active A, B, C-36 or C-46 license. Self-installers are not required to be licensed, but must attend a one-day training workshop. Contractors are also required to attend the one-day training workshop.
Project Review/Certification: Every system will be inspected before the rebate is awarded
Website: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/SWH

Summary:
City of Palo Utilities is offering incentives for their residential, commercial and industrial customers to install solar water heating systems on their homes and facilities with a goal of 1,000 new systems in the city by 2020. There are two incentive options: Prescriptive Method and Area Method. Residential and Small Commercial installations must use the Prescriptive Method, which is calculated based on the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) rated savings of the system, and a design-based Solar Orientation Factor (SOF). Prescriptive incentives are capped at $1,500. Large Commercial installations must use the Area Method, which is based on the type of system installed, SRCC rated savings of collectors in various Climate Zones, and SOF. Area Method incentives are capped at $75,000.

Legislation (AB 1470) enacted by California in 2007 requires the state's gas utilities to offer incentives for solar water heaters if the pilot program currently administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy in San Diego proves to be effective. City of Palo Alto Utilities has opted to start providing rebates for solar water heaters ahead of the timeframe establihsed by AB 1470. The California Center for Sustainable Energy is managing the program for both San Diego Gas & Electric and City of Palo Alto Utilities.

Colton Public Utilities - PV Rebate Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount: $4/watt PTC
Maximum Incentive: Residential: 50% of project costs up to $20,000;
Commercial: 50% of project costs up to $50,000
Eligible System Size: mNo size limitations specified
Equipment Requirements: Requires second meter to measure output. 5 year warranty against breakdown or degradation in the electrical performance of more than 10% of the system’s rated output. 5 year or better warranty on the inverter. Must comply with California Energy Commission Standards for PV systems and all applicable national, state and local building and safety codes.
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: Colton Electric Utility
Website: http://www.coltononline.com/csprog.html

Summary:
Customers of Colton Electric Utility who install a photovoltaic system that is connected to the utility's electric system are eligible for a rebate of $4.00/watt (PTC), up to 50% of total installed costs. The maximum incentive is $20,000 for residential customers and $50,000 for commercial customers. System size must not exceed the peak load of the facility.

Contact:
Gerald M. Katz
Colton Public Utilities
150 S. 10th Street
Colton, CA 92324
Phone: (909) 370-5561
Fax: (909) 370-5132
E-Mail: gkatz@ci.colton.ca.us
Web site: http://www.ci.colton.ca.us

Glendale Water and Power - Solar Solutions Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Multi-Family Residential, Low-Income Residential, All Customer Groups
Incentive Amount:Less than or equal to 30kW-DC: $4/W, or $5/W for affordable housing
Greater than 30kW-DC: $0.49/kWh for first 5 years of operation, or $0.689/kWh for affordable housing
Maximum Incentive:50% of the gross installed system cost plus any applicable City of Glendale licenses, permits, and fees
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Glendale Water & Power
Website: http://www.glendalewaterandpower.com/save_money/solar/program.aspx

Summary:
The Solar Solutions program provides all customer groups with an incentive to install photovoltaic (PV) systems on their homes and buildings. Rebate levels will decrease over time on an annual basis. The rebate levels for future program years can be seen at the website listed above. The rebate levels for 2008 are $4.00 per watt (up to 50% of total costs) for the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) system of a size less than or equal to 30kW. Larger systems can receive a rebate of $ 0.490 per kWh of actual electric production for the first 5 years. Systems installed at qualified affordable housing projects are eligible to receive larger incentives. Systems must be sized to produce no more than 125% of the customer’s past 12 months kWh consumption. The minimum installed cost for the customer after all grants, rebates, and a GWP incentive is $2.50/watt.

Eligible costs include expenditures for photovoltaic panels, mounting and tracking structures, wiring, inverters, foundations for free standing systems, interconnection equipment and meters, as well as applicable State licenses, permits, fees, and sales taxes. In addition to the $4/W incentive, all necessary City of Glendale licenses, permits, or fees are 100% reimbursable.

Contact:
Suzanne Daniels
Glendale Water and Power
141 North Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA 91206
Phone: (818) 548-2750
Web site: http://www.ci.glendale.ca.us/

Hercules Municipal Utility - PV Rebate Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount:$3/watt AC
Maximum Incentive:$10,000
Eligible System Size:Maximum size is 10 kW
Equipment Requirements:PV equipment must be UL listed and appear on the California Energy Commission's list of eligible modules and inverters.
Warranty Requirements: 5 years for systems and components
Installation Requirements: Must be grid-connected, net metered, and installed by a California contractor licensed in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the State of California Contractors’ Licensing Board, the contractor must possess, or employ subcontractors who possess an A, C-10 or C-46 license.
Project Review/Certification: Systems must be inspected and approved by the City’s Building Inspector.
Website: http://www.ci.hercules.ca.us/index.aspx?page=160

Summary:
Hercules Municipal Utility offers a $3-per-watt AC rebate to its residential and commercial customers who purchase and install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Systems up to 10 kW are eligible, and the maximum incentive is $10,000.

Contact:
Glenn Reddick
Hercules Municipal Utility
111 Civic Drive
Hercules, CA 94547
Phone: (510) 799-8209
E-Mail: greddick@ci.hercules.ca.us
Web site: http://www.ci.hercules.ca.us/index.aspx?page=150

LADWP - Solar Incentive Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Nonprofit, Local Government
Incentive Amount:Incentive amount will step down over the life of the program in 10 phases as certain installed MW levels are reached.
See program website for current incentive level
Maximum Incentive:Up to 75% of project costs for systems <30 kW AC; Up to 50% for systems 30 kW AC and larger
Eligible System Size: Minimum system size of 1 kW
The maximum system size for incentive payment is 1 MW AC per site, or per government, or per corporate parent per year.
Systems up to 5 MW can participate, but the incentive will only be assessed on 1 MW
Equipment Requirements: PV equipment must be UL listed and appear on the California Energy Commission's list of eligible modules and inverters.
Custom modules not certified by UL 1703 may seek certification by the LA Department of Building and Safety Materials Test Lab.
Warranty requirements: panels – 20 years; components – 10 years
Installation Requirements: The installer must be a properly licensed California contractor with an active A, B, C-10 or C-46 license.
Program Budget: $313 million over 10 years
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: RECs become the property of LADWP. Participants may elect to take a significantly smaller incentive than the base incentive in exchange for ownership of the RECs.
Expiration Date: 12/31/2017, or when total installed MW goal has been reached.
Project Review/Certification: Two post-installation inspections are required before systems may be placed in service. The inspections are conducted by the L.A. Department of Building and Safety and an LADWP solar inspector.
Website: http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp000787.jsp

Summary:
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) Solar Incentive Program began in 2000, with a funding level of $150 million. The California Solar Initiative, created in 2007 upon the enactment of SB 1, established new guidelines for municipal utilities to follow, and established new funding levels. The LADWP Board of Commissioners approved the Solar Incentive Program Guideline Revisions on September 4, 2007, to comply with SB1. The revised program, effective October 1, 2007, provides rebates to residential, commercial, non-profit and governmental customers of LADWP based on a photovoltaic (PV) system's expected performance rather than the system's capacity. The expected performance is determined by using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Version 2 Program.

The Solar Incentive Program has 10 phases with declining incentive levels as certain installed megawatt (MW) targets are met. There are separate goals for residential and non-residential participants, and the incentive levels for each will decline irrespective of the other. Starting at $0.14 per kilowatt-hour (adjusted for expected performance) for residential, non-profit and governmental participants, and $0.11 per kilowatt-hour (adjusted for expected performance) for commercial participants, the incentive levels will decrease by one cent ($0.01) every time a MW goal is reached. Bonus incentives of $0.02 per kilowatt-hour (residential, non-profit, government) and $0.01 per kilowatt-hour (commercial) are available if the installed system was manufactured in Los Angeles.

Applications for the Revised Solar Incentive Program are only accepted via U.S. Post Office regular delivery; U.S. postmarks will be noted for solar rebate reservations. No other form of submission will be accepted. The LADWP anticipates that the program will remain open to applications continuously and that all qualifying customers that submit an application will be served.

LADWP’s 10-year, $313 million Revised Solar Photovoltaic Rebate Program began in 2007 and will remain in effect through December 31, 2017, or until the total installed MW goal has been reached.

Contact:
Solar Program Information
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90051
Phone: (800) 473-3652
Phone 2: (213) 367-4122
E-Mail: solar@ladwp.com
Web site: http://www.ladwp.com

Bill Glauz, P.E.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
P.O. Box 111
111 North Hope Street, Room 940
Los Angeles, CA 90051
Phone: (213) 367-0410
Fax: (213) 367-2591
E-Mail: william.glauz@ladwp.com
Web site: http://www.ladwp.com

Marin County - Marin's BEST! Energy Incentive Program

Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Custom/Others pending approval
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Pool Heating
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Website:http://www.marinsustainability.org

Summary:
BEST (Building Energy Efficient Structures Today) is a program developed by the Community Development Agency, and adopted in October 2001 by the Marin County Board of Supervisors. The goal of the program is to enhance energy efficiency and conservation in residential, commercial, and community facilities.

The Marin's BEST! Energy Incentive Program includes the following incentives:

* Waiver of the Title 24 (California Building Energy Efficiency Standards) energy fee (new construction projects only)
* Fast-track permit processing
* Free green building technical assistance

A project must fulfill one of the following requirements to qualify for the first two incentives:

* Exceed Title 24 requirements by 20%, or
* Meet the criteria in the checklist designed for the given project category, or
* Install an on-site renewable energy system that produces a minimum of 75% of the annual energy use for the building and site amenities.

The checklist can be obtained at the web site shown above. Incentives for solar energy include:

* Free technical assistance on solar projects
* Waiver of design review for most solar installations for existing buildings if flush-mounted
* Over-the-counter permit for most solar installations for existing buildings.

Contact:
Alec Hoffmann
Marin County Community Development Agency
3501 Civic Center Drive, #308
San Rafael, CA 94903-4157
Phone: (415) 507-2659
Fax: (415) 499-7880
E-Mail: ahoffmann@co.marin.ca.us
Web site: http://www.marinsustainability.org

Merced Irrigation District - PV Buydown Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Nonprofit
Incentive Amount:$2.80/W AC, adjusted based on expected performance
Maximum Incentive:Residential: $8,400
Commercial: $70,000
Equipment Requirements:Systems must carry a minimum 10-year full-system warranty against defective parts, workmanship, or unusual degradation of the system
System components must be on the CEC's list of eligible equipment.
Systems must be grid-connected.
PV modules must be UL 1703-certified
Inverters must be UL 1741-certified, and tested by the Energy Commission
Installation Requirements: Systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California solar contractors
Installer certification by NABCEP is recommended
Installers must be pre-approved
Program Budget: 450,000 for FY 08 -09
Website: http://www.mercedid.org/solarprogram

Summary:
Merced Irrigation District (MID) offers their residential, commercial and non-profit customers a rebate for installing solar electric photovoltaic (PV) systems on their homes and offices. In keeping with the terms of Senate Bill 1, the incentive amount is scheduled to drop every year during the 10-year life of the program. The rebate available for 2008 is $2.80 per Watt (W), adjusted based on the expected performance of the system.

Contact:
Vanessa Lara
Merced Irrigation District
744 W. 20th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Phone: (209) 722-5761 Ext.119
Fax: (209) 726-7010
E-Mail: vlara@mercedid.org
Web site: http://www.mercedid.org

Modesto Irrigation District - Photovoltaic Rebate Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Nonprofit, Local Government, State Government, Agricultural, (All MID Customers)
Incentive Amount:Systems between 1 kW and 30 kW: capacity-based incentive of $2.60 per watt AC. An additional $0.47 per watt is available to Governmental or non-profit entities.
Systems between 30 kW and 1 MW: performance-based incentive of $0.233 per kWh for 10 years.
Maximum Incentive:Rebates may not exceed 50% of total project costs. Project costs include labor and all materials (modules, inverters, mounting structures, wiring)
Eligible System Size:Minimum system size of 1 kW.
Equipment Requirements:PV equipment must be UL listed and appear on the California Energy Commission's list of eligible modules and inverters.
Warranty Requirements: 10 years for systems, components and labor
Installation Requirements:Must be grid-connected, net metered, and installed by a California contractor licensed in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the State of California Contractors’ Licensing Board, the contractor must possess, or employ subcontractors who possess an A, B, C-10 or C-46 license.
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Remains with utility
Project Review/Certification:MID will conduct a pre- and post-installation inspection
Website:http://www.mid.org/rebates/rbts-pv.htm

Summary:
Modesto Irrigation District offers a photovoltaic rebate program for all of their electric customers. The peak output capacity of a system must be 1 kW or greater to participate. Systems up to 30 kilowatts (kW) in capacity can receive an up-front capacity-based incentive. Systems between 30 kW and 1,000 kW (1 MW) can receive a performance-based incentive. The rebate levels will decline over time.

As of August 1, 2008, the capacity-based rebate is $2.60 per installed watt AC, per customer account, not to exceed 50% of total project costs. Public agencies will receive an additional $0.47 per watt, bringing their incentive up to $3.07 per watt. As of August 1, 2008, the performance-based incentive is $0.233 per kWh of actual electricity production over a 10-year period. Interested customers should refer to the rebate program packet for complete details.

Contact:
Mike Zweifel
PV Program Coordinator
Modesto Irrigation District
1231 11th Street
Modesto, CA 95352
Phone: (209) 526-7455
Fax: (209) 526-7575
E-Mail: mikez@mid.org
Web site: http://www.mid.org/

Pasadena Water and Power - Solar Power Installation Rebate

Last DSIRE Review: 01/15/2008
Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Nonprofit, Institutional
Incentive Amount:Systems up to 100 kW: $4.00/watt AC for non-profits and $3.50/watt AC for all others
Incentives can be reduced based on the expected performance of the system
Systems larger than 100 kW qualify for the Performance Based Incentive (PBI): $0.632/kWh for non-profit applicants, $0.553/kWh for all others. PBI is awarded for the first 5 years of the system's operation
Eligible System Size:Minimum system size of 1kW
Maximum system size of 1,000 kW
Equipment Requirements:System components must be on the CEC's list of eligible equipment.
Systems must be grid-connected.
Inverters and modules must each carry a 10-year warranty.
PV modules must be UL 1703-certified
Inverters must be UL 1741-certified, and tested by the Energy Commission
Installation Requirements:PWP recommends hiring a licensed California solar contractor
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Remains with customer-generator
Website:http://www.cityofpasadena.net/waterandpower/solar/default.asp

Summary:
Pasadena Water & Power (PWP) offers its electric customers a rebate for photovoltaic (PV) installations, with a goal of helping to fund the installation of 14 megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2017. The rebate amount varies depending on the customer class installing the system and the system's size. Systems up to 100 kilowatts (kW) are eligible for the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) and can receive a one-time lump sum payment after installation and inspection approval based on the system's estimated AC energy output. The energy output is estimated using the California Energy Commission's Clean Power Estimator, which accounts for installation factors such as current and future shading and system orientation. Larger systems, over 100 kW and up to 1,000 kW, are eligible for the Performance Based Incentive (PBI) and will receive five annual payments for first five years after installation and inspection approval based on actual metered kWh output.

As required by the California Solar Initiative, the PBI and EPBB incentive levels will step down annually over the 10 year life of this program. The 2008 base rate for the EPBB is $4 per watt AC for non-profits, and $3.50 per watt for all others. These levels are reduced depending on the Clean Power Estimator's analysis of the system. The 2008 rebate rate for the PBI is $0.632/kWh for non-profit applicants, and $0.552 / kWh for all others.

Contact:
Irma Cid-Lujan
Pasadena Water and Power
150 Los Robles Avenue, Ste. 200
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 744-4731
Web site: http://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/waterandpower/

Plumas-Sierra REC - PV Rebate Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Agricultural
Incentive Amount:$2.80/watt (AC)
Maximum Incentive:$6,000 for residential, agricultural, non-profit applications; $12,000 for small commercial applications; $20,000 for large commercial and industrial applications
Eligible System Size:Maximum capacity: 25 kW (proposals for larger systems may request a variance)
Equipment Requirements:All major system components (panels and inverters) must be listed on the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Eligible Equipment List. All systems (PV modules and inverters) must have a minimum 10-year warranty provided in combination by the manufacturer and installer
Installation Requirements:Installation contractors must have an active A, B, C-10 license, or C-46 license for PV systems. North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification is recommended.
Program Budget:$140,000 annually for 10 years
Website:http://www.psrec.org/energy_renewable_solar.php?sec=enersol&pag=enerrenew

Summary:
Plumas-Sierra REC offers an incentive for its customers to install photovoltaic (PV) systems on homes and businesses. Rebates are available for qualifying systems between one kilowatt (kW) and 25 kW; the rebate amount is based on the installed capacity. The rebate level will step down over the 10-year life of the program. During the first program year, the rebate level is $2.80 per watt AC; the level will decrease by 7% annually thereafter. The program is available to residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and non-profit members of Plumas-Sierra REC. There are annual incentive caps for each customer class. If the rebate funds in any rate class have not been fully reserved by July 1 of any program year, the remaining rebates will be available to any other member type. Applicable caps based on rate class will still apply.

Residential members must include the "Residential Energy Efficiency Checklist" along with the application. Members may be exempt if the home complies with the 2001 or 2005 CA Title 24 Energy Code. (Submit a copy showing compliance with CF-1R Form, prepared by a Certified Energy Plans Examiner). Commercial members are encouraged to consider contracting for an energy efficiency study prior to PV system installation.

Contact:
Jessica Nelson
Plumas-Sierra REC
73233 State Route 70
Portola, CA 96122-7064
Phone: (530) 832-4261 Ext.6004
E-Mail: jnelson@psrec.coop
Web site: http://www.psrec.coop

Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Systems

Incentive Type: Property Tax Exemption
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Mechanical Energy
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Amount: 100% of system value
Max. Limit: None
Terms: 75% exemption for dual-use equipment
Authority 1: Cal Rev & Tax Code § 73
Expiration Date: 12/31/09

Summary:
Section 73 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code allows a property tax exclusion for certain types of solar energy systems installed between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2009. (The original expiration year of 2005 was extended by AB 1099 [2005].) Qualifying active solar energy systems are defined as those that "are thermally isolated from living space or any other area where the energy is used, to provide for the collection, storage, or distribution of solar energy." These include solar space conditioning systems, solar water heating systems, active solar energy systems, solar process heating systems, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and solar thermal electric systems, and solar mechanical energy. Solar pool heating systems and solar hot-tub-heating systems are not eligible.

Components included under the exclusion include storage devices, power conditioning equipment, transfer equipment, and parts. Pipes and ducts that are used to carry both solar energy and energy derived from other sources qualify for the exemption only to the extent of 75% of their full cash value. Likewise, dual-use equipment for solar-electric systems qualifies for the exclusion only to the extent of 75% of its value.

System owners should contact their County Assessor's office for further information. Click here for a listing of County Assessor offices in California, and here for a May 2008 letter to the assessor that further clarifies the terms of the exclusion.

Contact:
Tax Specialist - BOE
California State Board of Equalization
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279-0090
Phone: (800) 400-7115
Web site: http://www.boe.ca.gov

Redding Electric - Earth Advantage Rebate Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Photovoltaic Attic Fan
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount:PV: $2.80-$3.55/watt AC;
Solar thermal and Solar PV attic fans: 50% of project cost;
Geothermal (Residential): $1,000/ton
Maximum Incentive:PV: None;
Solar thermal: $1,000 for the 1st panel, $500 for the 2nd panel, $250 for the 3rd panel;
Solar PV attic fans: $100/unit;
Geothermal: $8,000
Eligible System Size: No size restrictions specified
Equipment Requirements: PV: Panels and inverters must be on the California Energy Commission's approved list; minimum 10 year system warranty.
Installation Requirements: Solar water heaters must replace electric water heating systems; Pre-approval by REU required
Website: http://www.reupower.com/energysvc/energy-rebates.asp
Effective Date:1/1/2002

Summary:
The Earth Advantage Rebate Program offers rebates to residential and business customers of Redding Electric Utility (REU) for solar PV, solar thermal, and geothermal heat pump systems.

Rebate amounts are as follows:

* Solar PV: $2.80/watt for PV systems that meet REU's specifications for interconnection to the REU electrical system; $3.55/watt for PV systems that are installed on a dual tracking system that automatically adjusts the panel(s)’ inclination (tilt) and its orientation from east to west; or $3.55/watt for PV systems that are installed with an orientation ranging from 225° (Southwest) to 270° (due West) with the panels set with an incline of a 45° to 55° tilt.
* Solar Thermal (active and passive): 50% of project cost up to $1,000 for the first panel, up to $500 for the second panel and up to $250 for the third panel;
* Solar PV Attic Fan: 50% of project cost up to $100/unit; and
* Geothermal Heat Pump: Up to $1,000/ton for vertical loop systems up to $6,000 for residential customers (commercial customers should contact REU for their project limit).

Incentives are subject to available funding, require approval before installation begins, and must offset the customer's electrical load. Customers are paid directly by check for the PV and thermal rebates and receive a bill credit for the attic fan rebate. REU reserves the right to inspect all systems before issuing the rebate.

Contact:
Pam Brady-Koss
Redding Electric Utility
Earth Advantage Rebate Program
P.O. Box 496071
Redding, CA 96049
Phone: (530) 339-7215
Fax: (530) 339-7389
E-Mail: pbradykoss@reddingelectricutility.com
Web site: http://reddingelectricutility.com/

Riverside Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency Construction Incentive

Last DSIRE Review: 07/22/2008
Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Construction
Incentive Amount:Rebates are paid at $0.05/kWh saved exceeding Title 24, up to 50% of cost for energy efficiency measures.
Maximum Incentive:$150,000
Project Review/Certification:Non-residential new construction projects must have an energy efficiency that exeeds Title 24.
Website:

Summary:
Riverside Public Utilities' (RPU) Energy Efficiency Construction Incentive is designed to encourage owners/developers to invest in energy efficient designs in new construction, building expansion and many other major retrofit projects. The owner/developer is the key contact who will direct the process with a team of architects and engineers. This program is not available for residential projects.

RPU incentives can cover up to 50% of the owner's cost for energy efficiency measures with a cap of $150,000 (whichever is less). Most major retrofits of existing buildings may be included under the program with the same criteria, or will be covered by other RPU programs already in place. RPU will apply all available programs to maximize the benefit to the customer.

General program guidelines, Business Program Application, and contact information may be found on the website listed above.

Contact:
Information Specialist
Riverside Public Utilities
Programs & Services
3900 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92522
Phone: (951) 826-5485
E-Mail: marps@riversideca.gov
Web site: http://www.riversideca.gov/utilities

Riverside Public Utilities - Non-Residential PV Incentive Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial
Incentive Amount:$3/watt AC
Maximum Incentive:Whichever is less: 50% of project cost or specific dollar limits which vary according to the rate schedule of the applicant
Equipment Requirements:Must use CEC-certified PV modules and inverters
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Riverside Public Utilities
Website:http://www.riversideca.gov/utilities/busi-solar.asp

Summary:
The non-residential photovoltaic (PV) rebate program provides financial incentives for Riverside Public Utilities' business customers to install qualifying PV systems on their facilities. The rebate amount is $3.00 per watt AC and cannot exceed 50% of the total system cost. Specific dollar limits for the incentive also apply based on the rate schedule of the applicant. Incentives for customers on the flat rate (E200) are capped at $50,000. The incentive cap for demand customers (E20D) is $200,000, and the cap for large customers (TOU) is $500,000.

Riverside Public Utilities - Residential PV Incentive Program

Last DSIRE Review: 07/22/2008
Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Residential
Incentive Amount:$3/watt AC
Maximum Incentive:$25,000 or 50% of project cost, whichever is less
Eligible System Size:No size restrictions
Equipment Requirements:Must use CEC-certified PV modules and inverters
Installation Requirements:Systems must be interconnected and net-metered
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Riverside Public Utilities
Website:http://www.riversideca.gov/utilities/resi-pv-incentive.asp

Summary:
The Residential Photovoltaic (PV) System rebate program provides incentives to Riverside Public Utilities customers who purchase and install qualifying photovoltaic systems on their homes. The program offers a $3.00 per watt rebate up to $25,000, not to exceed 50% of the project cost. Riverside Public Utilities will also provide up to $250 towards City of Riverside Planning and Building and Safety fees per installation.

Roseville Electric - PV Buy Down Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Nonprofit, (Roseville Electric Customers)
Incentive Amount:$3/watt AC
Maximum Incentive:Residential: $10,000;
Non-residential: $66,000
Equipment Requirements:Modules must meet UL Standard 1703; Inverters must meet UL Standard 1741;
All systems must have a minimum 10-year warranty;
Must use CEC-certified PV modules and inverters.
Installation Requirements:Must be grid-connected
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Roseville Electric
Website:http://www.roseville.ca.us/electric/business_customers/photovolatic_buydown_program.asp

Summary:
Roseville Electric residential customers who install a qualifying photovoltaic (PV) system are eligible to receive a rebate of $3.00 per watt-AC, up to $10,000. If the PV installation is for new residential construction, the home must demonstrate at least a 20% increase in cooling savings relative to Title 24 -- California's energy efficiency standards. Contact Patrick Morrison (see contact information below) for more information on residential incentives.

Roseville's commercial and non-profit customers are eligible for a rebate of $3.00 per Watt-AC, up to $66,000. Contact Marty Bailey for more information on non-residential incentives.

Contact:
Marty Bailey
Roseville Electric
2090 Hilltop Circle
Roseville, CA 95747
Phone: (916) 774-5617
E-Mail: mbailey@roseville.ca.us
Web site: http://www.roseville.ca.us

Patrick Morrison
Roseville Electric
2090 Hilltop Circle
Roseville, CA 95747-9704
Phone: (916) 774-5624
E-Mail: pmorrison@roseville.ca.us
Web site: http://www.rosevilleelectric.org

San Bernardino County - Green Building Incentive
Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Water Heaters, Furnaces, Heat pumps, Air conditioners
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics, Wind
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Website:http://www.greencountysb.com/

Summary:
San Bernardino's Board of Supervisors launched Green County San Bernardino in August 2007. The program includes a number of incentives to encourage residents, builders, and businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. Homebuilders who build homes in the county which meet the California Green Builder standard will receive expedited plan checks, guaranteed timelines, and priority field inspection service. Residents and businesses in existing buildings can also receive incentives for improving their building's energy use. Permit fees will be waived for the installation of solar energy systems, wind-generated electrical systems, tankless water heaters, and highly efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Contact:
Danielle Borish
Field Representative to Paul Biane
Second District Supervisor
8303 Haven Ave, 1st Floor
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone: (909) 945-4385
Fax: (909) 945-4037
E-Mail: dborish@sbcounty.gov
Web site: http://www.sbcounty.gov/bosd2/default.aspx

John Dwiers
Regional Building Inspector Supervisor
San Bernardino County Building and Safety
385 N. Arrowhead Ave., 1st Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0181
Phone: (909) 387-4246
Fax: (909) 387-4301
E-Mail: jdwiers@lusd.sbcounty.gov

San Diego County - Green Building Program

Last DSIRE Review: 05/15/2007
Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Website:http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/greenbuildings.html

Summary:
The County of San Diego has a Green Building Incentive Program designed to promote the use of resource efficient construction materials, water conservation and energy efficiency in new and remodeled residential and commercial buildings. As part of the program, the County will waive the fee for the building permit and plan check for a photovoltaic system. In addition, for qualifying resource conservation measures, the County will reduce building permit and plan check fees by 7.5% and grant expedited plan checks, saving approximately 7 - 10 days on the project timeline. To qualify for these conservation incentives, the project must comply with the program requirements for either natural resources conservation, water conservation, or energy conservation

Other rebates and incentives may be available to those building greener and more efficient homes and buildings. For more information, see program website above.

Contact:
County of San Diego
Department of Planning and Land Use
5201 Ruffin Road, Suite B
San Diego, CA 92123-1666
Phone: (858) 565-5920
Web site: http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/

San Francisco - Solar Energy Incentive Program

Incentive Type: Local Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Multi-Family Residential
Rebate:Residential: $3,000 - $6,000 (see below)
Non-Residential: $1,500 per kW, up to $10,000
Website:http://sfwater.org/
mto_main.cfm/MC_ID/12/MSC_ID/139/MTO_ID/361
Authority 1: City Ordinance No. 102-08
Date Enacted:6/10/2008
Effective Date:12/11/2007
Authority 2: City Ordinance No. 106-08

Summary:
The City and County of San Francisco, through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), are providing rebates to residents and businesses who install photovoltaic (PV) systems on their properties. Systems must be at least one kilowatt (kW) in capacity, and there is no maximum size limit to participate. There are four distinct funding levels for residential installations. First, basic installations of systems are eligible for rebates of $3,000. Residential systems installed by a local installer qualify for a higher incentive of $4,000. Residential installations in lower income and racially diverse neighborhoods considered “environmental justice districts” because of their proximity to industrial sites and major highways are eligible for an even higher incentive of $5,000. Systems installed by individuals trained through the city's workforce development system can receive an incentive of $6,000.

Commercial, non-profit and industrial installations receive a capacity-based incentive of $1,500 per kW, up to a maximum amount of $10,000. Multi-unit residential buildings that are operated by a non-profit may receive up to $4,500 per kW (depending on the number of units) up to a maximum of $30,000.

The San Francisco rebates can be combined with the state-level California Solar Initiative, in addition to the federal tax credit. To simplify the application process, San Francisco will approve of any system which qualifies for the California Solar Initiative.

The San Francisco Solar Energy Incentive Pilot Program is funded with $3 million from the SFPUC renewable energy fund, which comes from the sale of power generated by the Hetch Hetchy dam. The renewable energy funds previously provided funding just for solar installations on city buildings, which is expected to continue with a portion of the fund.

Contact:
Fraser Smith
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
1155 Market Street
First Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 554-1572
E-Mail: solarincentive@sfwater.org
Web site: http://sfwater.org/home.cfm

Santa Clara Water & Sewer - Solar Water Heating Program

Incentive Type: Leasing/Lease Purchase
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Solar Pool Heating
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Local Government
Lease Terms:Solar pool heating system installation: $625 + $40/panel
Solar Domestic Hot Water system installation (multi-family): Cost must be individually estimated. Typical installation fee for system to serve 10 dwelling units is approximately $7500.
Participants:350 Solar pool heating systems installed; 500 residential solar hot water systems installed
Monthly service charge is based on the number of panels
Website:

Summary:
In 1975, the City of Santa Clara established the nation's first municipal solar utility. Under the Solar Water Heating Program, the City supplies, installs and maintains solar water heating systems for residents and businesses within Santa Clara through its Water & Sewer Utilities Department. In addition, the city has also installed solar energy equipment for its own facilities. The Community Recreation Center and the International Swim Center, both in Central Park, use solar-heated water.

Solar equipment is offered by the city for the heating of swimming pools, process water, and domestic hot water. The pieces of hardware (solar collectors, controls and storage tanks) are owned and maintained by the city under a rental agreement. The renter pays an initial installation fee and a monthly utility fee. These amounts vary according to the size of the installation.

* Solar Pool Heating System: installation cost is $625 plus $40 per panel.
* Solar Domestic Hot Water System (Multi-Family): varies; typical installation fee for system to serve 10 dwelling units is approximately $7500.

For all above installations there is a monthly service charge based on the number of panels. Pool systems are billed a monthly service charge for six billing cycles per year (generally from April to September), although the system is available for use all year.

Contact:
Solar Engineer
City of Santa Clara Water & Sewer Utility
1500 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Phone: (408) 615-2000
Fax: (408) 247-0784
Web site: http://www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us/pub_utility/ws_muni_solar.html

Santa Monica - Building Permit Fee Waiver for Solar Projects

Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Construction, Installer/Contractor
Website:

Summary:
In early 2002, the City of Santa Monica began waiving building permit fees for solar energy systems. They recognized that waiving these fees could act as an incentive to realizing the City’s energy goals, and could persuade the public to invest in more efficient systems for their homes and businesses.

Contact:
Susan Munves
City of Santa Monica
1212 5th Street
First Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401-3126
Phone: (310) 458-8229
Fax: (310) 395-2138
E-Mail: susan.munves@smgov.net
Web site: http://www.solarsantamonica.com/

Santa Monica - Expedited Permitting for Green Buildings

Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Daylighting, Small Hydroelectric
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Authority 1: Santa Monica Municipal Code

Summary:The City of Santa Monica adopted an ordinance in August 2005 to encourage the construction of sustainable buildings. The ordinance, incorporated into the Municipal Code of Santa Monica, allows for priority plan check processing for building projects that are registered with the United States Green Building Council for certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED*) Green Building Rating System. The ordinance applies to all new buildings and major renovations which total an amount exceeding fifty percent of their replacement cost. All applicants wishing to receive priority plan check processing must submit proof of LEED registration and a checklist indicating all of the credits they plan to pursue before they can receive expedited permitting. Applicants must also clearly specify the materials, systems and strategies they will use to achieve the credits in the plans submitted to the City for plan check approval.

*The USGBC LEED Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Click here for more information on the national LEED program.

Contact:
Brenden McEneaney, LEED AP
City of Santa Monica
1212 5th St., 1st Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 458-8549
Fax: (310) 395-2138
E-Mail: brenden.mceneaney@smgov.net
Web site: http://www.smgreen.org

Santa Monica - Green Building Grant Program

Incentive Type: Local Grant Program
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Bio-gas, Daylighting, Small Hydroelectric
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Construction, Multi-Family Residential, Low-Income Residential, Institutional
Amount:$20,000 - $35,000 for LEED certification; Up to 50% of costs for Innovation Technology Grants
Max. Limit:Innovation Technology Grants have a maximum incentive of $5,000.
Website:http://greenbuildings.santa-monica.org/mainpages/whatsnew.htm
Authority 1: City of Santa Monica Staff Report

Summary:
The Santa Monica Green Building Program offers financial incentives for buildings and innovative building technologies certified to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, awarding two types of grants to promote green building throughout the city. With respect to renewable energy technologies, LEED awards 1-3 points based on the percentage of the total energy load met using renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydro, and bio-gas strategies. Renewable energy points are awarded for electric power generation only. However, additional points are available for reducing the overall energy consumption of buildings, which may be accomplished through other renewable energy strategies.

Grants for new private sector buildings are based on the level of certification attained under the LEED standards:

* LEED Certified - $20,000
* LEED Silver - $25,000
* LEED Gold - $30,000
* LEED Platinum - $35,000

All new construction and major renovation in commercial, affordable housing, mixed use, and multi-family residential that register for LEED (LEED-NC) certification are eligible to apply.

In the interest of promoting the adoption of new technologies designed to reduce the environmental impact of buildings, the City also offers Innovative Technology Grants for energy efficient systems and urban runoff mitigation technologies. These grants do not apply to self-generation technologies, only energy efficiency measures. However, hybrid systems, such as solar absorption chillers or solar-assisted heating systems, may be considered. Grants cover 50% of the cost of eligible systems up to a maximum of $5000.

Innovative Technology grants are available for all building types including commercial, affordable housing, mixed use, and single- and multi-family residential in both new and retrofit applications.

For more information about program eligibility and for application instructions, please refer to the program website. For more information about US Green Building Council or LEED, refer to www.usgbc.org

Santa Monica - Solar Santa Monica

Incentive Type: Local Loan Program
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Clothes Washers/Dryers, Dishwasher, Refrigerators/Freezers, Water Heaters, Lighting, Furnaces, Heat pumps, Air conditioners, Caulking/Weather-stripping, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Windows, Doors, Custom/Others pending approval
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Website:http://www.solarsantamonica.com/

Summary:
Santa Monica has designed the Solar Santa Monica program to make it easier for homeowners and local businesses to improve the efficiency of their buildings and install solar energy systems. Through the Solar Santa Monica program, homes and businesses will first have a trained member of the Solar Santa Monica team conduct an on-site energy assessment to see how the home or business can save energy in the most cost effective way. This assessment includes a cost-benefit analysis of potential energy-saving measures. The homeowner can then decide which energy improvements they want to make, and Solar Santa Monica will put them in touch with one of their program-approved providers to make the improvements.

After all of the desired energy improvements have been addressed, the provider will provide a bid to the homeowner for a solar installation. If the homeowner decides to go forward with a solar installation, Solar Santa Monica will direct them to one of their program-approved lending institutions to provide financing for the installation. A down payment may be required, but will not exceed $1,000.

Self-Generation Incentive Program

Incentive Type: State Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Wind, Fuel Cells
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government, State Government, Fed. Government, Institutional Incentive Amount:Wind: $1.50/W
Fuel cells: $2.50/W to $4.50/W, depending on fuel.
Maximum Incentive:Incentive payment is capped at 3 MW. For Projects with capacities greater than 1 MW, the first 1 MW receives 100% of the incentive rate, the next capacity increment above 1 MW up to 2 MW receives 50% of the incentive rate, the last capacity increment above 2 MW up to 3 MW receives 25% of the incentive rate.
Eligible System Size:Systems must be sized according to customer's electricity demand; maximum system size of 5 MW; minimum of 30 kW for wind turbines and fuel cells using renewable fuels.
Equipment Requirements:Systems must be new, UL listed, and in compliance with all applicable performance and safety standards. Wind systems and fuels must be covered by a minimum five year warranty. Other systems must be covered at least three years.
Installation Requirements:Installation must comply with all federal, state, and local codes; Must be grid-connected and installed by a California-licensed contractor.
Program Budget:2008 Funding:
PG&E: $36 million;
SCE: $28 million;
So Cal Gas: $11 million;
SDG&E: $8 million
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Remains with customer/producer
Expiration Date1/1/2012
Website:http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/sgip/
Authority 1: Self-Generation Incentive Program Handbook (2008)

Summary:Initiated in 2001, the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) offers incentives to customers who produce electricity with wind turbines and fuel cells. The incentive payments range from $1/W - $4.50/W for renewable energy systems depending on the type of system. Retail electric and gas customers of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) or Southern California Gas (SoCal Gas) are eligible for SGIP.

Beginning January 1, 2007, the SGIP no longer provides rebates for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The incentive program for installing PV systems on non-residential buildings and existing homes is administered by the California Public Utilities Commission as part of the California Solar Initiative (CSI). Funding for integrating solar in new home construction is administered by the California Energy Commission. Click here for more information about CSI incentives.

The following technologies and corresponding incentive amounts apply to the SGIP, effective January 1, 2008:

Technologies using renewable fuels:

* Wind turbines (minimum of 30 kW) - $1.50/W
* Fuel cells (minimum of 30 kW) - $4.50/W

Technologies using non-renewable fuels:

* Fuel cells - $2.50/W

The maximum eligible system size is 5 MW, although the incentive payment is capped at 3 MW. (On April 24, 2008, the CPUC raised the cap on cash incentives for individual clean energy projects available through its SGIP from 1 MW to 3 MW, but systems greater than 1 MW receive reduced incentive rates.) Projects receiving incentives based on future performance of the system are not eligible to receive a SGIP rebate.

For projects that receive other incentives funded by California investor-owned utility ratepayers, the SGIP incentive is discounted by the amount of the other incentive. For projects that receive other incentives funded by non-IOU (e.g., municipal utility) rate payers, the SGIP incentive is discounted by 50% of the other incentive.

PG&E, SCE, and SoCal Gas administer the SGIP program in their service territories, and the San Diego Regional Energy Office administers the program in SDG&E's territory. Customers of PG&E, SDG&E, SCE and SoCal Gas should contact their program administrator for an application, program handbook and additional eligibility information.

Program Administrator Contact Information:

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Web: www.pge.com/selfgen
Phone: 415-973-6436
Email: selfgen@pge.com
Fax: (415) 973-2510
Mailing Address: Self-Generation Incentive Program
P.O. Box 770000
Mail Code B27P
San Francisco, CA 94177-001

California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE)
Web:
Contact: Jon Bonk Vasko, Program Manager
Phone: (858) 244-1196
Phone 1-866-SDENERGY
Fax: (858) 244-1178
Email: selfgen@energycenter.org
Address: California Center for Sustainable Energy
Attn: SELFGEN Program Manager
8690 Balboa Ave, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123

Southern California Edison (SCE)
Web: www.sce.com/RebatesandSavings/SelfGenerationIncentiveProgram
Phone: 1-866-584-7436
Fax: (626) 633-3402
Email: CSIGroup@sce.com
Address: Program Manager Self-Generation Incentive Program
Southern California Edison
2131 Walnut Grove Avenue, 3rd Floor, B 10
Rosemead, California 91770

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
Web: www.socalgas.com/business/selfgen
Phone: 1-866-347-3228
Email: selfgeneration@socalgas.com
Fax: (213) 244-8222
Address: Self-Generation Incentive Program Administrator
Southern California Gas Company
555 West Fifth Street, GT22H4
Los Angeles, CA 90013-1011

Contact:
Molly Sterkel
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone 2: (800) 649-7570
Fax: (415) 703-1158
E-Mail: mts@cpuc.ca.gov

Silicon Valley Power - Solar Electric Buy Down Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount:Residential: $4.50/watt AC
Commercial (up to 100 kW): $3.00/watt AC
Commercial (between 100 kW and 1 MW): $0.40/kWh for 5 years
Maximum Incentive:Residential: $45,000
Eligible System Size:No size restrictions specified
Equipment Requirements:Must use CEC-certified PV modules and inverters.
Minimum 10-year warranty.
Installation Requirements:System must be installed by a licensed contractor, unless installed by the SVP customer.
Website:

Summary:
Silicon Valley Power (SVP) offers incentives for the installation of new grid-connected solar electric (photovoltaic, or PV) systems. Residential SVP customers are eligible for a rebate of $4.50 per watt AC up to $45,000 (10 kW). Commercial SVP customers are eligible for a rebate of $3.00 per watt AC for systems up to 100 kW. Commercial systems greater than 100 kW but smaller than 1 MW are eligible for a performance based incentive of $0.40 per kilowatt hour (kWh). Performance based incentives are paid to the customer quarterly for a period of five years.

Customers must have received an energy audit by SVP or other approved entity within the last two years to identify all other energy efficiency opportunities in addition to PV.

All incentive amounts will be reduced as SVP reaches specific installation targets. See the table on the program website above for the incentive schedule and current rebate level.

Contact:
Energy Conservation Hotline
Silicon Valley Power
1500 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Phone: (408) 244-7283
Fax: (408) 244-2990
E-Mail: cutcosts@siliconvalleypower.com
Web site: http://www.siliconvalleypower.com

SMUD - Non-Residential PV Buydown

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Nonprofit
Incentive Amount:Expected Performance Based Incentive (for systems up to 1 MW): $1.90/watt AC; incentive adjusted based on expected performance
Performance Based Incentive: $0.30/kWh for 5 years or $0.18/kWh for 10 years
Incentives are decreased for systems > 1 MW
Maximum Incentive:$4.55M (Incentives are available for first 3 MW of installed capacity.)
Eligible System Size:No restrictions specified
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:SMUD
Website:http://www.smud.org/community-environment/solar/compv.html

Summary:
SMUD offers cash incentives to commercial, industrial, and non-profit customers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Customers have the option of taking a one-time, up-front payment through the Expected Performance Based Incentive (EPBI) or payments over the course of a 5 or 10 year period through the Performance Based Incentive (PBI)

The current EPBI is $1.90/W-AC for systems up to 1 MW but will be adjusted based on the expected performance of the system. When determining the expected performance, factors such as components used, system orientation, and shading will be considered.

Customers who install systems under the performance-based incentive (PBI) will have their actual energy production measured during the course of the contract period. Options include a 5-year PBI at $0.30/kWh or a 10-year PBI at $0.18/kWh. Systems greater than 1 MW would receive lower incentive rates.

Under a third-party power purchase agreement arrangement, participants are eligible for the 5-year or 10-year PBI option only regardless of system size; the up-front incentive is not an option.

Note that these incentive amounts will decline over time as installation targets are met.

Rebate recipients must comply with SMUD interconnection and net-metering agreements and must agree that all environmental and air quality credits (also known as renewable energy credits) resulting from the installation remain with SMUD.

Contact:
Jim Barnett
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
6201 S Street
PO Box 15830
Sacramento, CA 95852-1830
Phone: (916) 732-6762
Web site: http://www.smud.org/index.html

SMUD - PV Residential Retrofit Buy-Down

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Residential
Incentive Amount:$2.50/watt AC ; incentive is adjusted based on expected performance and paid to the contractor who instals the system. The contractor is expected to pass the incentive on to the customer
$2.25/watt AC for self-installed systems
Maximum Incentive:No maximum limit
Eligible System Size:No size limit
Website:http://www.smud.org/community-environment/solar/index.html

Summary:
SMUD offers an incentive of $2.50/W AC to its residential customers who install grid-connected solar electric (PV) systems. Customers must contract directly with SMUD-approved contractors for the purchase and installation of the system. The incentive will be adjusted based on expected system performance, which is affected by factors such as orientation, tilt and shading.

The incentive will be paid to the approved PV contractor and is intended be reflected in the contractor’s bid to the customer. Both traditional PV modules and building-integrated PV "roof shingles" are available under the program. SMUD also offers an incentive of $2.25/W directly to customers who want to install their own systems. However, self-installed systems are subject to the same permitting, design and inspection standards as contractors.

Visit the program website for more details and the list of participating contractors for residential systems.

Contact:Jim Barnett
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
6201 S Street
PO Box 15830
Sacramento, CA 95852-1830
Phone: (916) 732-6762
Web site: http://www.smud.org/index.html

SMUD - Residential Solar Loan Program

Incentive Type: Utility Loan Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Residential
Terms:100% loan financing over a 10-year period; 7.5% interest rate
Website:http://www.smud.org/rebates/images-rebates/finance_factsheet.pdf

Summary:
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District's Residential Loan Program provides 100% loan financing to customers who install solar water heating or photovoltaic (PV) systems.

All solar water heating units must meet standards set by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC), be installed by a SMUD-approved solar water heating contractor, and pass inspection by SMUD representatives.

PV systems must be installed by a SMUD-approved PV contractor.

Contact:
Mike Zannakis
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
P.O. Box 15830
Sacramento, CA 95852-1830
Phone: (916) 732-6994
Phone 2: (888) 742-7683
E-Mail: mzannak@smud.org
Web site: http://www.smud.org

SMUD - Solar Water Heater Rebate Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat
Applicable Sectors: Residential
Incentive Amount:$1,500 per system
Equipment Requirements:Must meet standards set by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC)
Installation Requirements:Must be installed by a SMUD-approved solar contractor
Website:

Summary:
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District's (SMUD) Solar Domestic Hot Water Program provides rebates and/or loan financing to customers who install solar water heating systems.

Rebates of $1500 per solar water heating system are available for SMUD residential customers who replace their electric water heating system. In addition, SMUD offers 100% loan financing to cover the remaining costs with a ten-year repayment period.

All solar water-heating units must meet standards set by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC), be installed by a SMUD-approved solar contractor, and pass inspection by SMUD representatives.

Truckee Donner PUD - Photovoltaic Buy Down Program

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Incentive Amount:Varies by program year.
2008 rebate level: $5/W AC, adjusted based on expected perfomance
2009 rebate level: $4.50/W AC, adjusted based on expected perfomance
Maximum Incentive:Residential: $15,000
Commercial: $25,000
Eligible System Size:Minimum system size is 1 kW
Maximum system size is 2 MW
Equipment Requirements:PV equipment must be UL listed and appear on the California Energy Commission's list of eligible modules and inverters. Systems must carry a warranty of at least 10 years.
Installation Requirements:The installer must be a properly licensed California contractor with an active A, B, C-10 or C-46 license.
Program Budget:$1.77 Million over 10 years
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Remains with customer-generator
Expiration Date:12/31/2016
Project Review/Certification:Installations must pass city/county and utility inspections to qualify for the buy down.
Website:http://www.tdpud.org/index.php?cId=62

Summary:
As required by Senate Bill 1 of 2006, Truckee Donner Public Utility District is participating in the California Solar Initiative (CSI) by offering rebates to its customers who install photovoltaic (PV) systems. In keeping with the terms of the CSI, the incentive levels will step down annually during its 10 year existence. For 2008 the incentive level is set at $5 per kilowatt (kW), adjusted based on expected-performance, with incentives capped at $15,000 for residential systems and $25,000 for commercial. Systems up to 2 MW may be installed, but the rebate will be applied to just the first 3 kW for residential and 5 kW for commercial systems. As of July 2008, all budgeted funds for 2008 have been reserved and a large part of the 2009 dollars have also been reserved.

Contact:
Kathy Neus
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
PV Buy Down Program
PO Box 309
11570 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96160
Phone: (530) 582-3922
Web site: http://www.tdpud.org/

Turlock Irrigation District - PV Rebate

Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Residential, (Turlock Irrigation District customers)
Incentive Amount:Incentive amount will step down over the life of the program in 10 phases as certain installed MW levels are reached.
See program website for current incentive level
Maximum Incentive:50% of the total system cost
Eligible System Size:Minimum size is 1 kW, maximum size is 1 MW
Equipment Requirements:All flat plate PV modules and inverters must be on the California Energy Commission's list of approved equipment. Minimum ten-year warranty to the purchaser against breakdown or degradation of output.
Installation Requirements:Must be grid-connected installed by appropriately licensed California contractor
Program Budget:More than $23 Million over 10 years
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:Turlock Irrigation District
Expiration Date:December 31, 2016, or until the program budget has been fully reserved
Website:http://www.tid.org/Res/Solar/index.htm
Effective Date:June 2006

Summary:
Turlock Irrigation District (TID) offers an incentive program to their customers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. In keeping with the terms of the California Solar Initiative, the incentive payment levels will decline over the life of the program in 10 steps as certain MW levels of PV systems are installed within the District. The incentive levels for the first step are $4 per watt AC of installed capacity for their residential customers, and $2.80 per watt AC for non-residential systems.

Detailed eligibility requirements, rebate schedule, and application forms are available on the website above.

Contact:
Nancy Folly
Turlock Irrigation District
333 East Canal Drive
P.O. Box 949
Turlock, CA 95380
Phone: (209) 883-8506
Web site: http://www.tid.org

Ukiah Utilities - PV Buy-down Program

Last DSIRE Review: 08/21/2008
Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount:$2.52/watt AC
Maximum Incentive:Residential: $6,000; Commercial: $15,000
Eligible System Size:1 MW maximum
Equipment Requirements:Flat plate PV modules and inverters must be UL-certified and must appear on the latest California Energy Commission-certified list.
Systems must carry a minimum 10-year, full-system warranty.
Installation Requirements:PV systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California contractors in accordance with all local and state regulations.
Program Budget:$200,000 for FY 07-08
Website:http://www.cityofukiah.com/
pageserver/?page=utilities_photovoltaic

Summary:
Through Ukiah Utilities’ PV Buy-down Program, residential and commercial customers are eligible for a $2.52-per-watt AC rebate on qualifying grid-connected PV systems up to a maximum system size of 1 MW. In keeping with SB1, the incentive level will decrease annually on July 1 over the 10 year life of the program. Rebates are available on a first come, first served basis and are limited to $6,000 per residential installation and $15,000 per commercial installation.

Contact:
Jim Brands
City of Ukiah
Attn: Efficiency Services
PO Box 421
Clackamas, OR 97015
Phone: (503) 658-4239
E-Mail: jim@esgroupllc.com
Web site: http://www.efficiencyservicesgroup.com/

California - Net Metering

Incentive Type: Net Metering
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics, Wind, Fuel Cells, Biogas from manure methane production or as a byproduct of the anaerobic digestion of biosolids and animal waste
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Agricultural
Limit on System Size:1 MW (10 MW for as many as three biogas digesters)
Limit on Overall Enrollment:2.5% of a utility's peak demand; statewide limit of 50 MW for biogas digesters
Treatment of Net Excess:Credited to customer's next bill; granted to utility at end of 12-month billing cycle
Utilities Involved:All utilities (solar and wind); IOUs (biogas and fuel cells)
Publicly owned electric utilities with more than 750,000 customers, which also provide water are exempt from net-metering.
Interconnection Standards for Net Metering?Yes
Authority 1: Cal Pub Util Code § 2827, et seq.
Date Enacted:1995 (subsequently amended)
Effective Date:1/1/1996

Summary:
California's net-metering law, which took effect in 1996, requires all utilities, with one exception* to offer net metering to all customers for solar and wind-energy systems up to 1 megawatt (MW). Investor owned-utilities are required to offer net metering for biogas-electric systems and fuel cells.

The original law applied to wind-energy systems, solar-electric systems and hybrid (wind/solar) systems. In September 2002, legislation (AB 2228) allowed biogas-electric facilities up to 1 MW to net meter until December 31, 2005, under a pilot program. This pilot program was extended until December 31, 2009, upon the enactment of AB 728 in September 2005. A customer-generator may continue to net meter an eligible biogas digester for the life of the facility, provided the digester meets California's best available control technology (BACT) requirements upon installation. Furthermore, AB 728 (2005) authorizes up to three large biogas digesters -- systems with a capacity greater than 1 MW but no more than 10 MW -- to net meter. There is a 50-MW statewide limit on net-metered biogas digesters. California law provides for retail cost recovery of revenue loss from net-metered biogas digesters.

The 2002 net-metering amendments (AB 58) also:

* exempt net metering from "exit fees" or "departing load fees;"
* prohibit inter-class cost shifting that results from net metering;
* allow municipal utilities to permit either net-metering or co-metering, which credits customers for generation on a "time-of-use" basis for the generation value of their production;
* advise the state treasurer to consider net metering and co-metering projects as sustainable building methods or distributed-energy technologies for purposes of evaluating low-income housing projects;
* grandfather in projects permitted prior to December 31, 2002, and completed before September 30, 2003;
* permit wind-energy projects up to 50 kW to net meter; and
* require wind-energy projects from 50 kW to 1 MW to utilize "wind energy co-metering," which provides for time-of-use pricing and credits.

Subsequent legislation enacted in October 2003 (AB 1214) made fuel cells eligible for net metering until the cumulative rated generating capacity of net-metered fuel cells reaches 45 MW within the service territory of a utility with a peak demand of at least 10,000 MW, or until the capacity reaches 22.5 MW within the service territory of a utility with a peak demand of 10,000 MW or less. The maximum total capacity of all net-metered fuel cells in all service territories is limited to 112.5 MW. The repeal date for this provision, January 1, 2006, was removed by AB 67 2005. Under terms of AB 67 of 2005, fuel cells that begin operation before January 1, 2010, are eligible to net meter.

Legislation enacted in 2006 (SB 1) increased the aggregate limit of net-metered systems in a utility's service territory from 0.5% to 2.5% of the utility's aggregate customer peak demand. (Previously, both SDG&E and PG&E were rapidly approaching their 0.5% limits.)

Net excess generation (NEG) is carried forward to a customer's next bill for up to 12 months. Any NEG remaining at the end of each 12-month period is granted to the customer's utility. Publicly owned utilities may elect to provide co-energy metering, which is the same as net-metering, but incorporates a time-of-use rate schedule. Customer-generators with systems sized between 10 kW and 1 MW who are subject to time-of-use rates are entitled to deliver electricity back to the system for the same time-of-use (including real-time) price that they pay for power purchases. However, time-of-use customers who choose to co-energy meter must pay for the metering equipment capable of making such measurements. Customer-generators retain ownership of all renewable-energy credits (RECs) associated with the generation of electricity.

California does not allow any new or additional demand charges, standby charges, customer charges, minimum monthly charges, interconnection charges, or other charges that would increase an eligible customer-generator's costs beyond those of other customers in the rate class to which the eligible customer-generator would otherwise be assigned. The CPUC has explicitly ruled that technologies eligible for net metering (up to 1 MW) are exempt from interconnection application fees, as well as from initial and supplemental interconnection review fees.

Additional Resources:

* PG&E's net-metering web page
* SCE's net-metering web page
* SDG&E's net-metering web page

* Publicly owned electric utilities with more than 750,000 customers, which also provide water are exempt from net-metering. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the only utility which falls in this category.

Contact:
Les Nelson
Western Renewables Group
30012 Aventura, Suite A
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Phone: (949) 713-3500
Fax: (949) 709-8044
E-Mail: lnelson@westernrenewables.com
Web site: http://www.westernrenewables.com

Davis - Green Power Purchasing

Incentive Type: Green Power Purchasing/Aggregation
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Local Government
% Renewables:Approximately 1,600,000 to 2,000,000 kWh per year
Source:PVUSA in Davis
Authority 1: CA PUC §2826.5

Summary:
In September 2002, California State Senate Bill 1038 was passed allowing the City of Davis to purchase power generated from the photovoltaics at the Photovoltaics for Utility Scale Applications (PVUSA) site in Davis. The energy generated at the site will not only be used by the city, but will be treated as a credit toward Davis's PG&E bill for city-owned and operated facilities. Under the legislation, no energy produced at the site will be sold; instead, the city of Davis will use 100 percent of the power. As of 2003 there were approximately 800 kW of PV on the site with plans to increase the amount of PV over time. PVUSA was built by PG&E in the late 80s and has been used for a variety of research and testing over the years under a variety of owners. The City of Davis currently owns the facility, but leases it to others to operate.

Contact:
Bob Weir
City of Davis
Public Works
1717 Fifth Street
Davis, CA 95616
Phone: (530) 757-5686
E-Mail: PWWeb@ci.davis.ca.us
Web site: http://www.ci.davis.ca.us

Green Building Action Plan for State Facilities

Last DSIRE Review: 10/25/2007
Incentive Type: Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Specific technologies not identified
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, CHP/Cogeneration, Bio-gas, Daylighting, Small Hydroelectric
Applicable Sectors: State Government
Equipment/Products:ENERGY STAR products when cost effective
Requirement:Reduction in grid-based energy usage for state buildings by 20% of 2003 levels by 2015; all new and renovated buildings must achieve a minimum "Silver" rating on the LEED scale.
Website:http://www.energy.ca.gov/greenbuilding/index.html
Authority 1: EXECUTIVE ORDER S-20-04
Authority 2: CA Government Code § 14710 et seq.
Authority 3: AB 532
Date Enacted:10/13/07
Effective Date:1/1/08
Expiration Date:1/1/09

Summary: On December 14, 2005, California’s governor signed Executive Order S-20-04, creating a Green Building Action Plan to improve the energy performance of all state buildings and reduce grid-based energy usage in state buildings by 20% of 2003 levels by 2015. Under this order, all new and renovated buildings must be rated to at least the “Silver” level of LEED* standards. EO S-20-04 also requires agencies to seek out office space leases in buildings with the ENERGY STAR rating for spaces of 5,000 square feet or more, to identify the most appropriate ways of achieving energy efficiency in their buildings, and to purchase ENERGY STAR products when cost effective.

The order also requires the cooperation of independent agencies including the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, California State University System, University of California System, California Community Colleges System, K-12 schools, California Public Employees Retirement System, California State Teachers Retirement System, constitutional officers, and legislative and judicial branches in developing benchmarking and commissioning guidelines, suggesting plans for retrofitting existing buildings, ensuring builder and contractor compliance, promoting the Green Building Action Plan in commercial buildings, and fulfilling “green building” requirements in construction practices and real-estate investments. Commercial buildings are also encouraged to take voluntary efforts to help achieve the goal of reducing electricity usage.

California has additional legislation (GC14710-14714) requiring the identification of public buildings where it is feasible to reduce energy consumption, achieve energy efficiencies, produce onsite electrical generation, or reduce the level of peak electricity consumption using alternative energy equipment, thermal energy storage technologies, or cogeneration equipment.

Additionally, Assembly Bill 532 was signed in October 2007, and extends a requirement specifically for solar energy equipment to be installed by January 1, 2009 on any public building or facility, new or existing, where such an installation is determined to be cost-effective over the life of the system, and funding is available.

*Click here for more information on the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

Contact:
E. V. (Al) Garcia
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-29
Sacramento, CA 95814-5512
Phone: (916) 654-4058
Phone 2: (800) 555-7794
Fax: (916) 654-4420
E-Mail: agarcia@energy.state.ca.us
Web site: http://www.energy.ca.gov/

Interconnection Standards

Incentive Type: Interconnection
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Geothermal Electric, Fuel Cells, Municipal Solid Waste, CHP/Cogeneration, Microturbines, Other Distributed Generation Technologies
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Special Rules for Net-Metered Systems?Yes
Limit on System Size/Overall Enrollment:No limit specified for DG; up to 10 kW for simplified rules /
No limit specified for aggregate DG capacity; aggregate net-metered capacity limited to 2.5% of utility peak
Standard Interconnection Agreement?Yes
Additional Insurance Requirements?No
External Disconnect Required?Yes, for systems > 1 kW
Rules for Non-Net-Metered DG?Yes
Website:http://www.energy.ca.gov/distgen/interconnection/california_requirements.html
Authority 1: CPUC decision 02-03-057
Date Enacted:12/21/2000
Effective Date:12/21/2000

Summary: California's "Rule 21" specifies standard interconnection, operating and metering requirements for distributed generation (DG) systems up to 10 megawatts (MW) in capacity, including renewables, with separate simplified rules for small renewables under 10 kilowatts (kW). Rule 21 includes model tariff language; thus, each of the state's three major IOUs -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E), and Southern California Edison Company (SCE) -- have filed Rule 21 tariffs with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Each tariff is essentially the same.

Net metering in California applies to renewable-energy systems up to 1 MW in capacity and includes provisions for time-of-use (TOU) net metering. Significantly, net-metered systems up to 1 MW are exempt from paying costs associated with the interconnection studies, distribution system modifications or application review fees discussed below.

Large DG Systems up to 10 MW
California's Rule 21 is based on a screening process that determines the level of review process for interconnected systems. After a customer applies for interconnection, the utility performs an Initial Review Process (IRP) of the project plans. If all screens are passed, then the system qualifies for "simplified interconnection," whereby no additional studies are needed. If a system does not pass the IRP, it must undergo a Supplemental Review Process (SRP).

As an outcome of the SRP, systems may be permitted to connect to the grid under "simplified interconnection" with some additional requirements. If the proposed project fails one or more screens, the system is subjected to an "interconnection study. The costs of this study are determined by the utility and paid by the system owner. The process is illustrated graphically on the California Energy Commission's (CEC) DG program web site (see above), which also includes links to on-line application forms and a database of current statistics on the number of DG installations for each of the three main IOUs.

Technical requirements for DG installations mirror those established in IEEE 1547, including requirements regarding flicker, harmonics, voltage and frequency fluctuations, islanding, DC injection, and protection devices. Although portions of the IEEE 1547 standard will be incorporated into California's interconnection standards, IEEE 1547 will not supersede Rule 21, given that Rule 21 has a wider scope and is more specific on many issues than IEEE 1547.

The CPUC has also issued an order addressing rate design issues for standby generators. With regard to exit fees in particular, the CPUC ruled in 2003 that systems under 1 MW that are net metered and/or eligible for CPUC or California Energy Commission (CEC) clean-energy incentives are fully exempt from exit-fee charges. This includes many photovoltaic (PV) and wind-energy systems, as well as fuel cells.

Small Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind-Energy Systems Under 10 kW
PV and wind-energy systems under 10 kW qualify for net metering and "simplified interconnection," under which no supplemental review or interconnection studies are necessary. These systems must comply with the requirements in National Electrical Code Article 690 and UL 1741. While utilities must provide a bi-directional meter for net-metered systems, system owners who choose to employ TOU metering must pay for the new meter.

Contact:
Nicolas Chaset
California Public Utilities Commission
State Building
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 703-1184
Phone 2: (800) 649-7570
Fax: (415) 703-1158
E-Mail: nlc@cpuc.ca.gov
Web site: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc/

Public Benefits Funds for Renewables & Efficiency

Incentive Type: Public Benefits Fund
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Yes; specific technologies not identified
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Geothermal Electric, Municipal Solid Waste, (Note: small hydro is 30 MW or less), Anaerobic Digestion, Small Hydroelectric, Tidal Energy, Wave Energy, Ocean Thermal, Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, General Public/Consumer, Utility, Institutional
Types:Renewables, Energy Efficiency, RD&D
Total Fund:Renewables: 2002-2006: $135 million annually*; 2007: $135 million annually*; 2008-2011: $65.5 million annually*
Efficiency: $228 million annually
RD&D: $62.5 million annually
Beginning 2005, natural gas subaccount baseline funding of $12 million with increase of up to $3 million annually, capping at $24 million
Charge:Rates vary by utility and customer type:
Renewables: ~1.6 mills/kWh
Efficiency: ~5.4 mills/kWh
RD&D: ~1.5 mills/kWh

Summary:
California's 1996 electric industry restructuring legislation (AB 1890) directed the state’s three major investor-owned utilities (Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and San Diego Gas & Electric) to collect a "public goods surcharge" on ratepayer electricity use from 1998 through 2001 to create public benefits funds for renewable energy ($540 million), energy efficiency ($872 million), and research, development & demonstration (RD&D) ($62.5 million).
Subsequent legislation in 2000 (AB 995 and SB 1194) extended the programs for 10 years beginning in 2002, with annual funding of ~$135 million* for renewable energy programs (at the time projected to be ~$150 million annually for 2007-2011), $228 million for energy efficiency programs, and $62.5 million for RD&D. In September 2005, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) boosted energy efficiency funding to $2 billion for 2006 – 2008.

SB 1036, enacted in 2007, made changes to renewable energy programs consequently reducing collections to $65.5 million annually* (projected to be ~$72 million annually) for 2008-2011. Calendar year 2007 actual collections totaled ~$145.8 million.

Renewable Energy Program
Beginning 2008, the California Energy Commission manages the renewables funds through three programs:

* Existing Renewable Facilities Program - 20% ($14.40 million/year)
* Emerging Renewables Program - 79% ($56.88 million/year)
* Consumer Education Program - 1% ($720,000/year)

The Existing Renewable Facilities Program provides production incentives, based on kilowatt-hours generated, to support existing renewable energy facilities. Under SB 1250’s revised program structure, effective January 1, 2007, facilities must reapply for funding on an annual basis in order to establish that calendar year’s target price and production incentive cap. Although existing wind facilities are technically eligible for funding, they currently do not require assistance. Therefore, all Existing Renewable Facilities Program funds are available for eligible existing solid-fuel biomass facilities and solar thermal electric facilities.

The Emerging Renewables Program is administered through a rebate program. Through 2006, photovoltaics, solar thermal electric, fuel cells that use renewable fuels, and wind turbines were eligible under this program. However, effective January 1, 2007, only small wind and fuel cells using renewable fuels are eligible, with the program’s solar component replaced by the New Solar Homes Partnership program. As part of the $3.35 billion California Solar Initiative, the 10-year, $400 million New Solar Homes Partnership Program is focused on encouraging solar installations in the residential new construction market. Its goal is to install 400 MW of solar capacity by the end of the program and have 50 percent of new homes at that time built with solar systems.

The Consumer Education Program provides funds to promote renewable energy and help build the market for emerging renewable technologies.

*The total amount collected each year is adjusted annually at a rate equal to the lesser of the annual growth in electric commodity sales or inflation, as defined by the gross domestic product deflator.

Energy Efficiency Programs
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees the allocation of energy efficiency funds for program implementation to each of the four investor-owned utilities in California: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, and San Diego Gas & Electric. (The original restructuring legislation did not address surcharges on natural gas companies; AB 1002, signed in 2000, established a gas surcharge for energy efficiency, low income assistance, and RD&D, beginning in 2001.) Every year, the CPUC approves each utility's plan for efficiency programs, which the utility then carries out within its service territory. A number of programs are also coordinated on a statewide basis.

See the financial incentive section of DSIRE’s California page for individual utility energy efficiency incentive programs.

Energy efficiency programs are designed to provide a fair distribution of funds among residential and nonresidential customers, while maximizing energy savings. There are special programs overseen by the Low-Income Oversight Board, to provide energy efficiency services specifically for low-income households.

Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program
The PIER Program annually awards funds to support energy electricty and natural gas RD&D projects focusing on the following program areas:

* Energy Efficiency and Demand Response
* Advanced Electricity Generation
* Renewable Energy Technologies
* Transmission and Distribution
* Transportation
* Climate Science

Contact:
Mark Hutchison
California Energy Commission
Renewable Energy Program
1516 9th St.
MS-45
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 654-6718
Phone 2: (916) 653-8251
E-Mail: mhutchis@energy.state.ca.us
Web site: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables

Energy Efficiency Program
California Public Utilities Commission
4th Floor - 505 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 703-2776
Web site: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/energy/electric/energy+efficiency/index.htm

Sacramento - Zoning and Subdivision Regulations

Incentive Type: Solar Access Law/Guideline
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Institutional
Authority 1: Sacramento City Code 16.48.110
Authority 2: Sacramento City Code 17.220.010

Summary: Sacramento City Code, Title 16, Section 16.48.110 ensures that the Director of Parks and Community Services should give consideration to the provision of solar access, to the extent feasible, when selecting and planting residential street trees near residential buildings.

Sacramento City Code, Title 17, Section 17.220.010 contains a provision requiring the planning commission or zoning administrator to consider energy conservation issues, including adequate orientation for maximum solar access. Furthermore, Section 17.60.040, the local zoning code’s height regulations, contains an exception for a solar energy system on top of a building so it can exceed a greater height than the limit established for the zone.

Contact:
Carol Shearly
City of Sacramento
Planning Department
915 I Street, New City Hall, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 808-5656
E-Mail: cshearly@cityofsacramento.org
Web site: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/planning/

San Diego - Green Power Purchasing

Last DSIRE Review: 09/24/2007
Incentive Type: Green Power Purchasing/Aggregation
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Electric, Fuel Cells, Municipal Solid Waste, Digester Gas, Small Hydroelectric, Tidal Energy, Wave Energy, Ocean Thermal Applicable Sectors: Local Government
% Renewables:50 MW by 2013
Website:http://www.sandiego.gov/
city-clerk/boards-commissions/sustainable.shtml
Authority 1: San Diego Municipal Code, §26.04
Authority 2: San Diego Resolution # R-298412
Date Enacted:9/23/03

Summary: On August 7, 2003, San Diego's mayor announced a new green power purchase resolution to install 50 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy in the city over the next decade. The electricity may be generated from photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, landfill-gas facilities, small hydroelectric generators, geothermal energy systems and other renewable-energy technologies.

The resolution, approved by the San Diego Rules, Finance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, also established the Sustainable Energy Advisory Board, amending Municipal Code Section 26.04. The board is responsible for advising energy policy and reporting progress every six months.

As of July 2007, San Diego is rated by the EPA as the second largest local government partner in terms of energy produced from renewable resources.

Contact:
Information Specialist
San Diego Environmental Services Department
Energy Conservation & Management Division
9601 Ridgehaven Ct.
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 694-7000
E-Mail: energy@sandiego.gov
Web site: http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/energy/

San Diego - Sustainable Building Policy

Last DSIRE Review: 03/15/2007
Incentive Type: Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Clothes Washers/Dryers, Dishwasher, Refrigerators/Freezers, Dehumidifiers, Water Heaters, Lighting, Heat pumps, Air conditioners, Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Office Equipment
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Electric, Fuel Cells, Municipal Solid Waste, Digester Gas, Daylighting, Small Hydroelectric, Tidal Energy, Wave Energy, Ocean Thermal
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Local Government, Construction
Requirement:LEED "Silver" Level Certification; 10% minimum self-generation using renewable technologies
Website:http://www.sandiego.gov/
environmental-services/energy/programsprojects/rescom.shtml#sdleed
Authority 1: City of San Diego Council Policy 900-14
Effective Date:5/20/2003
Authority 2: City of San Diego Council Policy 900-18
Effective Date:6/19/2001

Summary:
The City of San Diego’s Sustainable Building Policy is directed by Council Policy 900-14. The policy contains regulations regarding building measures, private-sector incentives, health and resource conservation, outreach and education, and implementation.

Among the directives is a commitment that all new City facilities and major building renovation projects (over 5,000 sq. ft.) achieve LEED* "Silver" Level Certification. In addition to achieving LEED Certification, Council Policy 900-14 states that newly constructed City facilities shall incorporate a minimum of ten percent self-generation using renewable technologies. The policy also directs that, whenever possible, City buildings be designed to take advantage of passive and natural sources of heat, cooling, ventilation, and light.

As an incentive for private sector construction, projects that generate a portion of their own energy using renewable sources and exceed Title 24 energy requirements receive an expedited permitting process. Residential projects must provide at least 50% of their projected total energy use utilizing renewable energy resources in order to expedite the ministerial process, while commercial and industrial projects must provide 30%.

Additionally, Council Policy 900-18 requires the City of San Diego to purchase energy efficient equipment. All energy-consuming equipment purchased must meet either Energy Star specifications or criteria that puts products in the upper 25% of energy-efficiency, based on criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy.

*The USGBC LEED Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Click here for more information on the national LEED program.

San Diego County - Solar Access Regulations

Last DSIRE Review: 06/20/2007
Incentive Type: Solar Access Law/Guideline
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Website:http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/zoning/index.html
Authority 1: San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances, CH. 4 SEC. 81.401. Design of Subdivision

Summary:
The County of San Diego requires that the site plan of new developments demonstrates that the orientation and location of buildings, structures, open spaces and other features preserve solar access of adjacent properties.

Contact:
County of San Diego
Department of Planning and Land Use
5201 Ruffin Road, Suite B
San Diego, CA 92123-1666
Phone: (858) 565-5920
Web site: http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/

San Francisco - Green Building Requirement for City Buildings

Last DSIRE Review: 08/26/2008
Incentive Type: Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind
Applicable Sectors: Local Government
Requirement:Projects over 5,000 square feet must be registered LEED Silver
Projects less than 5,000 square feet must acheive the maximum LEED points practicable.
Authority 1: San Francisco Environment Code, Chapter 7
Date Enacted:5/27/2004

Summary:
In 2004, San Francisco amended Chapter 7 of the San Francisco Environment Code. Chapter 7 was previously limited to identifying several prescriptive measures that must be adopted by City buildings to address water conservation, energy efficiency through lighting retrofits, increased indoor air quality, and on-site recycling. The 2004 amendments, among other things, require all new municipal construction and major renovation projects to acheive LEED* certification at the Silver level. This requirement applies to all city buildings 5,000 square feet or larger. Building projects less than 5,000 square feet are encouraged to acheive the highest practicable LEED score.

Chapter 7 of the Environment Code also created the Resource Efficient Building (REB) Task Force, an interagency advisory body to guide the development of City green building standards, to provide oversight to the implementation of these standards, and to promote communication among City departments regarding green building issues.

To help City Departments comply with the law, the City has developed a Municipal Green Building Compliance Guide.

Contact:
Public Information Officer
SF Environment
11 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 355-3700
E-Mail: environment@sfgov.org
Web site: http://www.sfenvironment.org

San Francisco - Renewable Energy Purchasing

Last DSIRE Review: 06/06/2007
Incentive Type: Green Power Purchasing/Aggregation
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Yes; specific technologies not identified
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Wind, Fuel Cells
Applicable Sectors: Local Government
Website:http://votesolar.org/sf.html
Authority 1: Proposition B
Date Enacted:November 2001
Authority 2: Proposition H
Date Enacted:November 2001

Summary:
On November 6, 2001, San Francisco voters passed Propositions B and H, supporting renewable energy through bonds to fund solar and wind projects. The legislation will allow the City to sell $100 million in revenue bonds to fund solar and wind projects which will supply electricity to city agencies and will authorize the City to raise additional funds for renewable projects without voter approval.

Proposition B is a direct bond appropriation of $100 million for renewable energy installation, as well as conservation, on public properties. It is expected to provide for about 10-12 megawatts of solar and approximately 30 megawatts of wind generation. Proposition H changes the city charter so that general revenue bonds can be used for renewable energy and conservation measures and can be approved directly by the City’s board of supervisors, instead of having a new ballot proposition every time a new purchase is needed.

Of the $100 million, $50 million will be spent to install solar arrays on schools and other city-owned facilities and $30 million will be spent to place wind turbines on city and county-owned properties. The remainder will be spent on energy conservation and costs associated with the projects and issuing the bonds.

Although the bonds may be used for photovoltaic, solar thermal electric, wind, and fuel cell applications, projects have included only photovoltaic and wind systems thus far. Under the measure, bonds can be issued only to pay for facilities whose electricity would not cost more than the expected cost of electricity from existing energy sources. The City will repay the principal and interest on the bonds from the revenue generated and saved by the proposed facilities. Because the bonds will be repaid in this manner, the measure will not result in higher taxes.

Contact:
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
1155 Market St., 4th floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 554-3155
E-Mail: info@sfwater.org
Web site: http://sfwater.org/home.cfm

San Jose - Green Building Program

Last DSIRE Review: 07/17/2008
Incentive Type: Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Wind, Small Hydroelectric
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Construction, Institutional
Website:http://www.sanjoseca.gov/
esd/natural-energy-resources/gb-policy.htm

Summary:
On June 19, 2001, the San José City Council unanimously adopted the Green Building Policies as developed by the members of the community and various City Departments. Council’s approval of the Green Building Guidelines means all new construction and major retrofit projects of City of San José facilities and buildings over 10,000 gross square feet of occupied space shall earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating at a minimum, with a goal of earning Gold or Platinum certification.

Nine City projects were identified for early incorporation of the adopted Green Building Policy and to evaluate for potential cost impacts. These projects include eight Public Works projects (four branch libraries, three community centers, and the Civic Center) and one Redevelopment Agency project (Alum Rock Youth Center). The West Valley Branch Library is the first of these City projects to achieve LEED Certification.

The City of San Jose provides leadership and guidance to encourage the application of green building practices in private sector planning, design, construction, management, renovation, operations, and demolition of buildings. They accomplish this by promoting the voluntary application of the San Jose Green Building Policy goals and the "San Jose LEED" Green Building Rating System

*The USGBC LEED Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Click here for more information on the national LEED program.

Contact:
Mary Tucker
City of San Jose
Environmental Services Department
200 East Santa Clara Street, 10th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113-1905
Phone: (408) 975-2581
Fax: (408) 292-6213
E-Mail: mary.tucker@sanjoseca.gov
Web site: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/natural-energy-resources/

San Jose - Solar Access Design Guidelines

Last DSIRE Review: 07/17/2008
Incentive Type: Solar Access Law/Guideline
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Residential, Construction

Summary:
The San Jose Environmental Services Department has developed voluntary guidelines to encourage solar orientation in new construction. These Solar Access Design Guidelines specify that the long axis of new dwellings should face within 30 degrees west and 45 degrees east of true south. Because houses in a subdivision usually face the street, planners in San Jose found that the easiest way to achieve solar orientation was to orient the streets with 30 degrees of the true east-west axis. Homes in such a subdivision would have good solar orientation by default.

San Jose - Solar Hot Water Heaters & Photovoltaic Systems Permit Requirements

Last DSIRE Review: 07/17/2008
Incentive Type: Solar/Wind Permitting Standards
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Construction, Installer/Contractor, Multi-Family Residential, Duplex
Website:http://www.sanjoseca.gov/building/permit.asp

Summary:
Plumbing and Electrical permits are required for solar installations of roof mounted equipment and Building permits are required for installations that exceeds any of the following criteria.
1. Total panel weight (including frame) is greater than 5 lbs. per square foot.
2. Maximum concentrated load at each point of support exceeds 40 lbs.
3. Maximum height above roof surface exceeds 18 inches.

If a Building permit is required, a plan must be submitted showing existing roof framing and any proposed alteration along with panel support and bracing systems. For installations that do not require a Building permit, connection of the panels must be made to structural members of the roof in conformance with applicable codes and manufacturer’s recommendation. Structural members consist of roof rafters, roof trusses, purlins or blocking. Plywood sheathing and spaced sheathing are not considered as structural members. All roof penetrations must be watertight.

Plumbing Plan Review is required for hot water solar systems for multi-family, commercial and industrial installations.

Electrical Plan Review for photovoltaic systems is required for all multi-family, commercial and industrial installations. Electrical Plan Review for single family and duplex installations will be offered, if requested, by the applicant or may be required by the Building Official based on complexity of installation.

Please go to program website above and click on "Solar Hot Water Heaters and Photovoltaic Systems" under Permit Information for more information regarding the required permits and fee criteria and the development taxes. The City does not collect the building permit tax (associated with most construction projects) on the construction or installation of solar energy generation equipment. If the project is larger than just the solar installation, regular permitting charges will apply to the rest of the project. This waiver will be renewed for 2007 and beyond.

Planning Site Adjustment Permits are required for commercial or industrial buildings and for residential buildings over two units. Single family residence and duplex do not require planning review. Planning adjustment permits can be obtained from planning staff assigned to the Building Division or from Planning Division. For general planning permit information please contact the Planning Division at (408) 535-3555.

Additional information can be obtained by visiting the Building Division, or by calling the Information Inspector's voice mail at (408) 535-3555 and leaving a detailed message. In addition, one may visit the Building Division in City Hall at 200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. with limited service between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Santa Cruz - Solar Access Ordinance

Last DSIRE Review: 09/20/2007
Incentive Type: Solar Access Law/Guideline
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Pool Heating, Daylighting
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Authority 1: Santa Cruz Municipal Code, Title 24.08.430

Summary:
Before a development plan can be approved in the City of Santa Cruz, it must be found that the orientation and location of buildings, structures, open spaces and other features of the site plan preserve solar access of adjacent properties. In addition, buildings and structures should be designed and oriented to make use of natural elements such as solar radiation, wind and landscaping for heating, cooling and ventilation. Developers must also show that heating systems for hot tubs and swimming pools are solar when possible, and in all cases, energy efficient.

In addition to this, Santa Cruz eliminated the need to get a building permit for installation of solar energy system installation that are either 1) not visible from a public thoroughfare or 2) have panels that are installed with 12” of the buildings roof.

Contact:
Customer Service
City of Santa Cruz
Planning and Community Development
809 Center Street, Room 206
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 420-5100
Fax: (831) 420-5101
E-Mail: cityplan@ci.santa-cruz.ca.us
Web site: http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/

Santa Cruz County - Solar Access Protection

Last DSIRE Review: 06/20/2007
Incentive Type: Solar Access Law/Guideline
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Authority 1: Santa Cruz County Code, Chapter 12.28 Solar Access Protection

Summary:
Although the California Solar Rights Act of 1978 requires local governments to plan for future passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities in new residential construction, and the California Shade Control Act protects solar systems from shading by vegetation, current state and local laws do not protect installed solar energy systems from shading caused by structures. The County of Santa Cruz has developed a process for registering solar energy systems to provide additional protection to solar energy system owners.

The County's Building Regulations Code requires that any obstructions of solar access to a registered solar energy system be mitigated to the maximum extent feasible during the review of any permit to construct a building, wall, fence or other structure, or part of structure on a property that could have an impact on the system. The Code also contains a provision to protect registered systems from shading by vegetation on neighboring property.

Contact:
County of Santa Cruz
Planning Department
701 Ocean Street, 4th Floor
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 454-2580
Web site: http://www.sccoplanning.com/

Santa Monica - Green Power Purchasing

Last DSIRE Review: 06/04/2007
Incentive Type: Green Power Purchasing/Aggregation
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Biomass, Geothermal Electric
Applicable Sectors: Local Government
% Renewables:100%
Website:http://santa-monica.org/
epd/residents/Energy/green_energy.htm

Summary:
The City of Santa Monica made history June 1, 1999, as green electricity began powering all municipal facilities -- including the Santa Monica Airport, City Hall and the Santa Monica Pier -- making it the first city in the world to switch to 100% renewable resources to meet the power needs of city facilities. Under the contract, the city purchases approximately 5MW of renewables. The proposed purchase is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 5,000 to 6,000 homes.

Electric America (formerly "Commonwealth Energy") provides the City with 100% renewable energy for City facilities through the purchase of renewable energy certificates. As of October 2003, the City pays $.08 per kilowatt-hour to Electric America for the electrical component of the City's utility bill. This equates to the same tariff that the City would have paid to Southern California Edison for nonrenewable power.

Sebastopol - Solar Access

Last DSIRE Review: 06/18/2007
Incentive Type: Solar Access Law/Guideline
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors: Local Government
Authority 1: City of Sebastopol Municipal Code, Section 16.36.060

Summary:
As a condition of approval of a property subdivision, the City of Sebastopol has the right to ask for dedication of solar easements for the purpose of assuring that each parcel or unit in the subdivision has the right to receive sunlight for any solar energy system. Sebastopol also has the right to place restrictions on vegetation or building that would interfere with solar access.

Contact:
City Hall
City of Sebastopol
City Hall
7120 Bodega Ave.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: (707) 823-1153
Web site: http://www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us